The birth control ring has similar side effects to birth control pills. While rare, some serious side effects can happen. However, the ring may also decrease your risk of some conditions. Speak with a healthcare professional to decide if it is a suitable option for you.

When it comes to side effects, a birth control ring, also known as a vaginal ring, isn’t really all that different from birth control pills.

It uses the same hormones as combination birth control pills (estrogen and progestin), but instead of passing into your bloodstream via your stomach, the hormones are absorbed through your vaginal wall.

Like birth control pills, the ring is safe for most, but knowing about potential side effects is always a good idea.

Birth control ring side effects — if you experience them — are usually only temporary and not serious. They typically happen as your body adjusts to the hormones.

The most common side effects include:

You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge and some irritation of your vagina or cervix.

And it needs to be mentioned that yeast infections can happen, too.

That’s because higher levels of estrogen can lead to an overgrowth of yeast. Certain lifestyle habits, medications, and conditions can increase the risk of yeast infections, too.

Most birth control ring side effects are not serious, but it’s important to know that some less common — but more serious — side effects have been reported.

These include:

Everyone’s different, but side effects typically go away within 2 to 3 months as your body gets used to the hormones, according to Planned Parenthood.

That’s right: Birth control ring side effects may not be all bad.

For starters, the hormones can make your periods regular and lighter, and they may help with cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The birth control ring may also help prevent:

And it may lower the risk of other cancers, including:

  • ovarian cancer
  • endometrial cancer
  • colon cancer

However, hormonal birth control is associated with a slight increase in risk for breast and cervical cancer.

Overall, birth control rings are safe for most and well-tolerated. But using birth control that contains estrogen can slightly increase your risk of blood clotting.

Blood clotting can lead to complications, like:

  • deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • stroke
  • pulmonary embolism
  • heart attack

All that said, the risk of a blood clot from hormonal birth control is very low. You’d have a higher risk of a blood clot during pregnancy than while using the birth control ring.

Estrogen can also cause a slight increase in the risk of:

  • breast cancer
  • cervical cancer
  • liver tumors

Birth control rings are generally safe, but, like with any medication, they’re not for everyone. Certain health and lifestyle factors increase the risk of serious side effects and complications.

For instance, if you are over age 35 and smoke, you have an increased risk of serious side effects, like:

  • blood clots
  • heart attack
  • stroke

Certain medical issues can also make it difficult to wear a birth control ring comfortably. For example, you might have trouble keeping the ring in place if you have:

  • vaginal or uterine prolapse
  • cystocele
  • chronic constipation

You’ll also want to skip the ring if you have a history of these health conditions:

  • blood clots, vein inflammation, or an inherited clotting disorder
  • breast cancer
  • cervical cancer
  • serious heart problems, such as heart attack, stroke, or angina
  • uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • migraine headaches with aura
  • diabetes
  • liver disease

Talk with a healthcare professional about estrogen-free birth control options.

Birth control ring side effects are usually mild and temporary, and the risk of serious side effects is very low. Regardless, knowing what symptoms could indicate a problem is a good idea.

Get immediate medical care if you experience:

  • chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
  • sudden back or jaw pain accompanied by nausea, trouble breathing, or sweating
  • trouble breathing
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • soreness or cramp-like pain in your leg
  • swelling or soreness in the leg
  • severe abdominal pain
  • sudden severe headache
  • headaches that feel different from, worse than, or more frequent than usual headaches
  • visual disturbances
  • coughing up blood
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

People have been safely using birth control containing estrogen and progestin for over 50 years.

The birth control ring is a safe and effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you don’t want to fuss with a birth control you need to remember to take every day, the ring could be a great option.

If you smoke, have a preexisting condition, or are worried about side effects, talk with a healthcare professional about your options.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.