A Mom's Guide to Birth Control

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)

Best if: You don't want to get pregnant tomorrow; You're thinking "maybe baby"; You've found your perfect family size

How it works: You insert this hormone-laced flexible ring in your vagina once a month and leave it there for three weeks, where it releases progestin and very low-dose estrogen directly into the vaginal walls. Remove it to get your period during week four, then insert a new ring.

Perks: Insertion is a cinch. In fact, it's effective even when it's not precisely positioned. Most women can't feel the ring, though there's a small chance your partner may notice it during sex.

Drawbacks: It can cost twice as much as the pill, and it comes with the same blood-clot risk as combination pills.

Fertility returns 1 to 2 months post-removal.