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Back to BlogMedically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team
Quick answer: Choose the pill if you’re fine with a daily habit, the patch if you’d rather change it once a week, or the ring if you want something you swap only every three weeks. If you’re sensitive to estrogen, keep in mind that the patch delivers the most of the three (a progestin-only pill avoids it entirely), and if you want to skip periods, the pill and ring make that easiest. Either way, Pandia Health’s doctors review your health history to help you choose the method that’s safe for you.
Read on to learn all the ins and outs of the birth control pill, patch, and ring. As someone who has tried all three, I hope to provide some helpful insight.
Pill, patch, and ring. Pros & Cons.
| Pill | Patch | Ring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often | Every day | Once a week (3 weeks on, 1 off) | Every 3 weeks (in for 3, out for 1) |
| Effectiveness (with typical use) | About 93% | About 93% | About 93% |
| Can you skip periods? | Yes, easily | Possible, but means more estrogen | Yes |
| Main trade-off | Easy to forget a dose | Highest estrogen; can irritate skin | You or a partner may feel it. Can be expensive if you don’t have insurance. |
What our doctors recommend
Pandia’s doctors usually suggest an IUD or implant first, because these long-acting methods are the most effective. If you’d rather not use one, that’s fine. The pill, patch and ring use essentially the same hormones. Dr. Yen points out two differences. The patch gives you more estrogen, which can raise the risk of blood clots, so it isn’t right for everyone. The pill comes in 40+ brands, so there’s more room to find one that suits you. Whichever you pick, you can switch later.
Who should not use estrogen
Who should avoid estrogen-based birth control
The pill (combined), patch and ring all contain estrogen. Your doctor will likely steer you toward an estrogen-free option if you:
- Smoke and are 35 or older
- Have had a blood clot, or have a clotting disorder
- Have high blood pressure (learn more about birth control and blood pressure)
What’s the takeaway?
Now that you’ve heard a bit about my experience, it’s time to explore the options on your own.
Being that every individual’s body is different, you may notice different responses to each type of birth control – what works for one person may not work for others. At the end of the day, you know your body best. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Dr. Yen’s thoughts about the pill, patch, and ring:
Our CEO & co-founder, Dr. Yen is an expert on all things birth control. You can find her thoughts on the pill, patch, and ring below:
In general, the doctors at Pandia Health recommend that people with uteri consider long-acting reversible contraceptives (i.e. the IUD or implant) before the pill, patch, and ring because they are more effective. That being said, if you don’t like the idea of having something in your uterus or arm, then you should absolutely consider the other options.
The pill, the patch, and the ring are essentially the same drugs. However, the ring and the patch are limited in terms of choices on the market, while there are 40+ different pill options. Additionally, the patch may not be recommended for all individuals, as its higher dose of estrogen may lead to an increased risk of developing blood clots. On the other hand, the pill and the ring may be prescribed to any individual. A huge perk of these methods is that they allow you to decide when and if you get your period.
Regardless of which birth control method you use, note that you are not locked in forever. Make sure to communicate openly and honestly with your doctor to ensure that they can provide the appropriate care.
How can Pandia Health help?
At Pandia Health, our goal is to provide as many individuals as possible with affordable birth control. If you live in the US, you can sign up for our FREE delivery service. Once you enter some basic information into our online form, you can sit back and let our Patient Care Advisors do the rest. From there, you can #SkipTheTrip to the pharmacy and enjoy getting your birth control delivered right to your mailbox.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are intended to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Pandia Health. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.