"What options are out there for BC that would be ideal for a physically active female?"..................................vasectomy, abstinence, or lesbianism are the best options.
Uh, wrong. Plus the NuvaRing costs like $47/month and is covered by only 1 or 2 insurance companies.
It is very convenient though and does have the lowest levels of estrogen and progesterone available plus it bypasses the 1st-pass liver effects. The effectiveness is the same as that of the pill. (99%)
One of the newer brands of birth control called "Yasmin" is a low dosage of estrogen and contains extra Potassium/Diuretic to reduce bloating. The side effects are much more less common when compared to any other kinds. I started Yasmin 2 months ago and I love it so far.