Side Effects

Some users report the following:

• Spotting or irregular bleeding
• Low abdominal pain
• Breast pain
• Vaginal discharge

Known Health Benefits and Health Risks

• No change in breast milk production or composition; the method supports continued breastfeeding and healthy infant nutrition.
• Safe and effective, based on several 1-year studies. Its health risks may be like those of progestin-only pills (see Chapter 2 − Progestin-Only Pills, section on Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks).
• Women who are actively breastfeeding and are at least 4 weeks postpartum can safely use the progesterone-releasing vaginal ring (MEC Category 1).