Mirena Vs Nuvaring: Advantages, Side Effects, And More

Mirena Vs Nuvaring – in this article, we discuss both these powerful birth control options in detail.

Mirena Vs Nuvaring

Back in the early ’90s, the concept of birth control was not only looked down upon but was also illegal. Since then, the importance of accessibility to contraception has been better understood. Birth control can now be used by anyone to prevent unwanted pregnancies and is a sex-positive approach towards one’s livelihood.

There are many types of birth control, the recently popular options being Mirena and Nuvaring. This article will help you in determining which option is better for you and also weigh out the pros and cons of each.

What Is Mirena?

Mirena is a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device) that acts as a contraceptive. It is a long-term option, which means that the device does not have to be changed frequently. It is a T-shaped gadget that is inserted into the uterus. Once inserted, it produces a hormone called Progestin.

Progestin is the hormone that is used in contraception methods, and also in hormone therapy during menopause. When the Mirena is positioned inside the uterus, progestin lines the cervix with thick mucus that stops the sperm from fertilizing with the egg. Additionally, it thins the lining of the uterus which suppresses the part of the ovulation cycle, thus avoiding fertilization.

Advantages Of Using Mirena

• It is a strong contraceptive with more than 99% effectiveness. Therefore, the need to invest in less effective birth-control is eliminated
• It has a longevity of up to 5 years, which means there is no need to continuously get it inserted or removed
• It can be removed whenever pleased, and its removal will immediately reset the hormonal levels of the body back to their original parameters
• It can be used while breast-feeding
• It does not carry the risk of any side-effects
• It can reduce the menstrual flow, as well as stop it completely after one year of usage
• It can decrease severe menstrual pain, like cramps and body aches
• It reduces the risk of pelvic infection and endometrial cancer

With hormonal contraception, you change your body’s science. When you do this, you present the chance for chemically related side-effects. Moving chemicals in either course can cause changes. Sometimes, this change is wanted, for example, halting ovulation.

In different cases, the chemical move isn’t wanted or planned. Keep in mind, expanded chemicals can cause blood clusters and stroke. Therefore, it is important to know the possible side-effects that might occur from the usage of these birth-controls.

Possible side-effects of Mirena

• Headaches
• Skin problems like Acne
• Pelvic pain
• Irregular bleeding (after up to 6 months of the product’s usage)
• Mood swings
• Soreness of breasts

Mirena can be used by people of any age, teenagers and adults alike. Though it is one of the safest contraceptives, there is a chance that your uterus may expel the device.

Expulsion happens when your IUD drops out of the uterus. It might drop out partly or entirely. It’s not clear why an IUD may fall out, however, the danger of it happening is higher during your period. If an IUD is ousted to any degree, it should be taken out immediately.

Also Read: IUD Pros And Cons

Mirena can be expelled from the uterus under the given circumstances:

• You are under the age of 20
• You have never been pregnant
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Your uterus has previously expelled an IUD
• Had a contraceptive inserted immediately after childbirth

How Much Does Mirena Cost And How Do You Apply It?

Mirena can cost anywhere up to $1300. Joining a medical program may help women access Mirena at a reduced cost.

Women who are planning on investing in Mirena can get it inserted during a regular doctor’s visit. The procedure of Mirena insertion takes only 5 minutes. The doctor may use a few tools during this process, but there is no surgery involved. Women may get Mirena only after 7 days of their last menstrual cycle, and at least 6 weeks after childbirth, miscarriage, or an abortion.

What Is Nuvaring?

Nuvaring is a vaginal ring that acts as a hormonal contraceptive. It is a plastic ring that is vaginally inserted for 3 weeks. During this time, the ring produces estrogen and progesterone. After 3 weeks, the ring is removed to allow menstruation to occur, and then a new ring is inserted after another week.

Nuvaring functions quite similarly to birth-control pills. The hormones are produced to keep your ovary from releasing an egg. It also has a lot in common with Mirena, where it:

• Thickens the mucus on the cervix lining to stop the sperm from fertilizing with the egg
• Thins the uterus lining to prevent the implantation of an egg

Advantages Of Using Nuvaring

• It is easy to insert and quite comfortable once inserted
• When utilized correctly, the ring is 99% effective at forestalling pregnancy. If you neglect the re-insertion of a new ring, use it in the wrong way or take certain un-prescribed medication, it may only be 93% effective
• Eliminates the need for birth-control pills
• It is latex-free, and hence, safe for women with a latex allergy
• It can be removed whenever pleased, and its removal will immediately reset the body back to its original hormonal levels
• It fits everyone and does not require size personalization
• It does not produce as many hormones as some other contraceptives do, thereby reducing the risk of possible side effects
• Unlike some contraceptives, it does not cause weight gain
• Does not cause irregular bleeding

Possible Side Effects Of Nuvaring

• Nausea
• Depression
• Headache
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Soreness of breasts
• Vaginal infection/irritation
• Abdominal Pain
• Upset stomach

Unlike Mirena, Nuvaring cannot be used by people of all ages. You are not eligible to use this contraceptive if you fall under any of the following categories:

• If you are older than 35, and smoke
• If you’ve had a major injury and are still undergoing recovery
• If you are on Hepatitis C medication
• If you are allergic to the ring
• If you have diabetes, any heart-related issues, or any family history of the same
• If you have high blood pressure
• If you have toxic shock syndrome or a history of blood clots
• If you have high cholesterol

Also Read: IUD Vs Nuvaring

How Much Does Nuvaring Cost And How Do You Apply It?

The Nuvaring generic can cost anywhere up to $200 but is free with most health insurance plans. A doctor’s prescription is mandatory if you’re planning on using the ring for the first time. After reviewing your medical history, your health care provider will determine if you are eligible to use the contraceptive.

A pregnancy test, along with a non-hormonal contraceptive will be prescribed for a week once you begin using the ring.

Inserting the ring follows the same process as inserting a tampon or a menstrual cup. A tampon applicator can be used to insert the ring as well. In the event that the ring accidentally falls off, rinse it with warm water and try re-inserting it. An OB-GYN can assist you regarding the same.

Mirena Vs Nuvaring – Which One Should You Choose?

Determining from the given analysis, both contraceptives are equally safe and comfortable to use. When it comes to cost efficiency, Nuvaring has the upper-hand, however, when it comes to effectiveness, Mirena wins.

Though both contraceptives are said to have possible disadvantages, it should be noted that less than 20% of women using Mirena have experienced any of the previously mentioned side-effects. The percentage of patients experiencing side-effects from using Nuvaring is slightly higher when compared to Mirena. Yet, it is still one of the most popular and safe methods of birth control.

If you would prefer not to remain dependent on your primary care physician to insert and eventually eliminate an IUD, you may like the adaptability and flexibility of the Nuvaring. However, if you prefer a long-term birth-control option to prevent pregnancies and have a non-restrictive approach, then IUD is the option for you.

Mirena Vs Nuvaring: Conclusion

Though this article attempts to determine which contraceptive is better, it must be understood that birth-control is a subjective matter. Contraceptives that work well on you can be detrimental for someone else, and vice-versa.

Everyone’s natural hormonal levels are different and specific to their body. Therefore, before suggesting a contraceptive to someone or choosing one for yourself, make sure you have a clear idea of what it is and have all the information on it.

Never use contraceptives without consulting a doctor first as it may end up harming you. Also remember, your PCP may accordingly preclude a few types of contraception on the off-chance that your body might not be ready to handle the possible complications.

We hope this detailed comparison of Mirena Vs Nuvaring was informative enough to help you make your decision.