NuvaRing vs. Nexplanon
See how NuvaRing and Nexplanon compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
NuvaRing is a monthly vaginal ring combining estrogen and progestin, while Nexplanon is a progestin-only implant that lasts up to three years.
NuvaRing requires the patient to change the ring on a set schedule, while Nexplanon works continuously once placed, with no daily or monthly action needed.
NuvaRing carries a boxed warning about smoking-related cardiovascular risk tied to its estrogen; Nexplanon has no estrogen and no such warning.
NuvaRing vs. Nexplanon Drug Summary
NuvaRing
NuvaRing is a combination hormonal contraceptive delivered as a vaginal ring containing both estrogen and progestin. It is inserted into the vagina and worn for three weeks, then removed for a one-week ring-free interval before starting a new ring.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a progestin-only contraceptive implant, a single flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. Once inserted by a clinician, it prevents pregnancy continuously for up to three years without any daily or monthly action.
NuvaRing vs. Nexplanon Side Effects
NuvaRing
Nexplanon
NuvaRing vs. Nexplanon Dosage
NuvaRing
Nexplanon
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 ring vaginally | Weeks 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | Ring-free interval | Week 4 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 3 weeks |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
NuvaRing
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 ring vaginally | Weeks 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | Ring-free interval | Week 4 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 3 weeks |
Nexplanon
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
NuvaRing vs. Nexplanon Indications
NuvaRing
NuvaRing is approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose a self-inserted, ring-based method of birth control. It is not approved for emergency contraception or for women over 35 who smoke, due to cardiovascular risk from its estrogen component.
Prevention of pregnancy in women choosing ring-based contraception
Not approved for emergency contraception
Not approved for women over 35 who smoke
Requires monthly self-insertion and removal
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is approved for long-term pregnancy prevention, with a single implant lasting up to three years. It does not require any daily, weekly, or monthly action once a clinician places it.
Prevention of pregnancy for up to 3 years per implant
Long-acting reversible contraception with no user action
Not approved for use beyond 3 years without replacement
Requires in-office insertion and removal by a clinician
NuvaRing vs. Nexplanon Pros and Cons
NuvaRing
NuvaRing offers a self-administered, non-surgical option for combination hormonal contraception, but its estrogen component carries clotting and cardiovascular risks that rise with smoking and age. Generic versions have made it more accessible than many other estrogen-containing methods.
Pros
Can be inserted and removed by the patient without a clinician visit
No minor surgical procedure needed to start or stop use
Available in lower-cost generic versions
Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping
Cons
Requires remembering to change the ring on a monthly schedule
Carries a boxed warning for smoking-related cardiovascular risk
Higher risk of blood clots due to the estrogen component
Roughly $200 to $584 per month list price, before savings programs
Nexplanon
Nexplanon offers years of contraception from a single insertion, with no estrogen-related cardiovascular risk, but placement and removal require a clinician visit. Irregular bleeding is the most common reason patients discontinue the device early.
Pros
Effective for up to 3 years with no daily or monthly action needed
No estrogen, so lower clotting and cardiovascular risk
No risk of user error once the implant is placed
Fertility typically returns quickly after removal
Cons
Requires an in-office procedure for insertion and removal
Irregular bleeding is common and can lead to discontinuation
No generic version currently available
Roughly $1,030 to $1,275 per month list price, before savings programs
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.