Final answer:
The Contraceptive Vaginal Ring, or NuvaRing, is a flexible ring inserted into the vagina releasing hormones to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a separate form of contraception inserted into the uterus with two types: hormonal and copper, both highly effective with low failure rates. Hormonal contraceptives can be administered via various methods, such as injections, the vaginal ring, and oral pills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Contraceptive Vaginal Ring, often known by the brand name NuvaRing, is a small, flexible ring that a woman inserts into her vag_ina as a method of contraception. This vaginal ring releases hormones, specifically progestin and estrogen, which work together to prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). In addition, these hormones also thicken the cervical mucus, acting as a barrier to sperm, thereby preventing them from joining with an egg.
An intrauterine device (IUD) is distinctly different from the vaginal ring. It is a T-shaped contraceptive structure that is inserted into the uterus. There are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs which use copper to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg, and hormonal IUDs which release progestin into the uterus to prevent ovulation and thus preventing pregnancy. IUDs are inserted by a physician and can be left in place for months or years and have high effectiveness rates with less than one percent failure rate.
Hormonal contraceptives can be delivered through various methods, including the vaginal ring, injections, oral pills, skin patches, and hormonal IUDs. Contrasted with the vaginal ring, other delivery systems include injections that administer hormones directly into the muscle, or birth control pills taken orally, but all work principally by preventing ovulation.