Dr. Laureen Lopez, research associate at Family Health International, was lead investigator for a review that looked at 11 randomized controlled trials (three comparing the patch to the pill, and eight comparing the ring to the pill) encompassing more than 6,000 women.Results from this review indicate the following with respect to the birth control patch and the vaginal ring versus oral contraceptives:
- NuvaRing: these users experienced more vaginal irritation and discharge than women who use birth control pills yet typically had fewer overall side effects. Women who use the NuvaRing were also more likely to stick with this method longer than pill users.
- Ortho Evra Patch: patch users experienced more side effects (i.e., spotting, breast pain, nausea and vomiting, and painful periods), than those women using oral contraceptives, yet these women were also more likely to use the patch as prescribed than pill users. However, women who use the patch (vs. pill users) were also more likely to abandon this method.
Generally speaking, the women were satisfied with these birth control options – mainly, because they work! These methods prove to be highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The overall review indicates that because women do not have to remember to use the Ortho Evra Patch and the NuvaRing everyday (like birth control pill users), the majority of women found these methods to be easier and more convenient to use.
This review is published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The Cochrane Collaboration is an independent, international nonprofit organization that seeks to improve global healthcare decision-making, by producing systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions.
- Learn More About These Methods:
- NuvaRing
- Ortho Evra Patch
- Birth Control Pills
