NuvaRing Birth Control - Side Effects

I was perscribed NuvaRing after my son was born. I had some really bad side effects with it. Not only did i have the spotting that it says may happen but i had severe cramping (it kept me in bed for days), migrane like headaches, and was constantly sick to my stomach. i ended up stopping after the first month the side effects never seemed to go away. I know that Birthcontrol is different for everyone and it may not effect you in the same way as me but i hope that this helps you make an informed decision.

I actually just pulled mine out right in the middle of my cycle after having read one too many articles in the newspaper about husbands who are suing Organon (the manufacturer of Nuvaring) after their wives have died from blood clots caused by Nuvaring. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I need to be around a lot more years to care for my son, and with all of the birth control options out there, I do not want to risk the chance of dying because of a bad birth control choice. I am done with hormonal birth cotrol. I have an appointment next week with my ob/gyn to be fitted for a diaphragm. I did not experience the first few s/e that you mention, but I have experienced low sex drive and insomnia. I have been using Nuvaring for just over 2 years, and I am looking forward to getting the hormones out of my system from Nuvaring and getting my body back to normal.

I dont have a nuvaring.
I do have an IUD. And I LOVE it. I have a paraguard which has no hormones. So, its safe for nursing, and you dont have any of the hormonal side effects.
Once the doc put its in, you can leave it there for 10 years. It worth looking into if you are nervous about the nuvaring.

K.,
I also have tried the NuvaRing as a last resort. I am sorry to say it was not a positive experience for me. Every month I would get a yeast infection for the entire month until my menstrual cycle started and then get it back after it ended. Finally, I spoke with my OBGYN and found that I just can not handle the hormones from any type of birth control. Now I have an IUD but it is non-hormonal. It stays in place for up to 10 years and is checked every year at your exam.
So far I have had it for a year and the only thing that I get is some spotting now and then. I am very happy with it.

I know you were looking for positive experiences with the NuvaRing, however, I just wanted to let you know that my friend used this ring and had all of the bad side effects plus weight gain and she is naturally very thin. She feels that it is too many hormones for a normal sized person. I would look for another means of birth control.

As a woman's health care provider who prescribes Nuva ring, among all other birth control methods, I'll just echo the general message out there about the ring. Like ALL birth control methods, it has benefits and risks, as well as side effects. The only 100% effective form of birth control that has no potential medical side effects is abstinence. So, you see why people hop around between different methods, trying to figure out the one that is best for them. And, that is the key. The best method for you is the one you will use most accurately and which FOR YOU causes the fewest and most tolerable side effects. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. No one method is perfect for everyone. Beware the commercials for new methods suggesting that they are "better." They might be for some people, but for the vast majority of women most any method will work well. Just educate yourself, ask questions of your health care provider, and make your best decision. If you need to try a couple of different methods before finding the right one for you, don't worry--that's common! As a health care provider for women, I am certainly thrilled to have so many options to offer women these days--not too long ago the choices were much more limited.

I had heard good things about it from a friend but I had issues when I used it. The ring kept falling out (the sensation when you don't insert a tampon properly). This kept happening over and over and was a big nuisance especially when I was in public places with my children and unable to get to a bathroom to adjust it. I finally got sick of it falling out and took it out. I spotted for almost a month before things went back to normal.
M., mother of a 5 year old girl and 3 year old girl

Hi K., I've been on Nuvaring for at least about five years and I've had no problem. There can be spotting and I've had that. It's very rare and I only get my period for about 4 to 5 days; I have less acne and I know exactly when I am going to get my period for the next year if I need to know. I would like to remind you that asking someone about their body's reaction to something is difficult, because everyone is different and everyone's body reacts differently. Good luck with your inquiry and have a good day. Jess

For me the NuvaRing was great. The only side effect for me was increased vaginal discharge so I had to wear a pantyliner all the time. At the time I was on it (about two years ago), I had switched to the ring from the patch and had increased sex drive with the ring.

Been on this for one year. No problems, love it.
Easy, convenient.

I used this for a couple of years and had no problems at all. Remember, the pharm. Company must tell you everything that could possibly go wrong, even if complications are unlikely.

I was on Nuvaring (before we decided to try for #2) and I LOVED it...I, personally, didn't have any side effects. It was easy, mindless, and effortless! I will definitely go back on it after my 2nd is born!

NFP is great. CCLI is a wonderful Catholic based organization- but if this is a turn off to you, try Katie Singer's book The Garden of Fertilty. Either way, understanding your fertility is so empowering! It helps you feel like you're an expert on your own body and makes you feel very in tune with what's going on. I love not having to worry about birth control.

I haven't tried NuvaRing but every other hormone-based birth control I took before ALWAYS had unpleasant side effects... and I urge any woman considering something newer on the market not be a guinea pig when it comes to your hormonal health. Just the shift in estrogen/progesterone phases being out of balance usually effects your body's ph (acidity) and promotes unhealthy microbial balance (giving yeast a more favorable environment)- and these are side effects doctors never mention.

Hi K.....
I used Nuvaring for about 5 months and I loved it. It was
sooo easy to use, my hubby never seemed bothered by it, he
was glad I was using something that I wouldnt forget about!
You can take it out for a few hours for intercourse, then
put it back, but I never did that. I did stop it for about
4 months to see if my headaches were being caused by it,...
and they did lessen just a little, but I think 2 kids is
reason enough for a weekly headache! I am going to start it
up again, and see what happens again, but like I said my only
side effects were an occasional headache. No spotting, NO LACk of sex drive AT ALL...infact I wondered if it increased
due to the ring...and none if the other you mentioned. I dont think you will have a problem, you can always try it for a few months and see. It worked great for me in terms of application and the whole process, since I can never remember the pill.
M. C.

I used the Nuvaring for about a year and loved many things about it - however I had one huge mishap - it came out! and I did not realize it until "after the fact". It only happened once - but that was enough for me to say "no more".

But if you are extra careful about putting it in - I did not have any other side effects really (although come to think of it, I did spot a few times....)

H.

I developed Serious migraines and I had lower abdominal pains... I do not recomend it at all.... Try Yaz I have heard nothing but good about it

Before I had my son I was on the NuvaRing and loved it! The pills were to strong for me to take (sick to my stomach), and I had a hard time remembering to take them. The shot actually messed up my cycle somehow (and left slight marks on my hips where I had them). So... my doctor recommended the NuvaRing...Awesome experience and so easy to use!

I've been on NuvaRing for 4 months. As with most birth control options, there was a 3-month adjustment that was not terribly comfortable, but now I've hit my fourth month and I'm happy I stuck with it. For the first 3 months, I experienced cramps, exhaustion and major moodiness right before/during my period (which lasted 4-5 days). This month I forgot that I was supposed to get my period (no cramps, exhaustion, moodiness to remind me) and it's been very light for 2 days so far. I tried several options before switching to NuvaRing (my OB is a huge fan of it) and am happy with the decision.

Any doctor that tells you ANY prescription drug has NO side effects has no business being a doctor. EVERY DRUG has a side effect. If he wasn't being deceptive, he is at least uninformed which is just as bad and dangerous. I would find a new doctor.

Hi K., my name is L.. I've actually been using NuvaRing for a few years now and absolutely LOVE it!!! There are MINOR side effects as there are with any medication that you take, but I think, for me, the effects weren't even noticable. I was told that NuvaRing has less hormone than the pill does...which I think is a plus. (Good God as women we have enough of those!! lol) I haven't had any weight gain, headaches, insomnia, or the other things that you mentioned...but as with any meds, you don't know how it will effect you until you try it. What works for one, doesn't work for someone else. But, the ease of it, and that you don't have to remember to take your pill everyday...is wonderful!!! I'd love to know how it works out for you...good luck.

I have no side effects at all. Maybe a little depression, but I was like that before. There is no spotting and my periods are lighter. i would recommend it. It is very easy to use.

Hi K.,
I'm on it and I love it. It's easy, especially when you have kids. You don't have to think about it, and it's not in your blood stream. As far as side effects go, I personally haven't had any. The periods typically last up to a week (which has always been the case for), haven't had any headaches or anything. I just love it.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

K.

Sorry to say I have no positive experiences with this. I used it after the birth of my daughter and I was psychotic. Not literally but I definately wasn't myself. After I was off it for a few months, I was back to myself.

If you are worried about the side effects of birth control maybe you should consider a more natural method. There are a couple of different choices out there. You could look into Natural family planning. You chart your fertility signs like your mucous and your waking temprature. With nfp you get to know your body and how it works. You know when you are fertile (no sex) and when you are infertile (as much as you want). Plus, if you practice it correctly it's success rate is just as high as birth control. There's a good website www.ccli.org give it a look.

I love the nuvaring!!!! I hate taking pills. It is so easy. I have been on it for 3 years now. I have cramps every once and awhile, not bad though and not every month. I have had no other side effects. I think you should try it!!!

hi K., I had the mirena incerted on 8-27-07 I did bleed the first month for about 3 weeks and then I spotted the following 3 months(lightly)I have gotten headaches .The ob says its normal Now my body is use to it and I love it!and my periods are very light and only last 3 to 4 days!

I used the nuva ring, and had good luck. I had 1 S/E of losing hair, Drs said it wasn't from that. But once I stopped using it, my hair stopped falling out. I suggest the patch. I had no problems with that what so ever. It also was great because you only had to think of it 1 day a week.

I was on the Nuvaring after i had my daughter. I loved it. I never spotted I would get a headache about one day before my period but nothing that Motrin wouldn't help. I would have stayed on it but my insurance wouldn't pay for it and it's expensive. the best part about the Nuvaring is that you don't have to remember to take a pill once a day at the same time every day! Good Luck.

Hello. I have been using the NuvaRing for several years now, and I love it. At first, there were terrible headaches and cramps when I used it, but they went away after the first few weeks. They only lasted during the first cycle I had the ring inserted. After that, no headaches and no cramps. For my, my menstrual cycle lasts only about 3 days with the ring, and the first and last day are very light. I enjoy the convenience with the NuvaRing. I lead a busy actice life style and I enjoy not having to think about birth control except once a month. If you try it, be sure to try it for a couple of months, so your body can get used to it. The headaches and cramps were uncomfortable at first, but they did go away after the first few weeks. Good luck!

I know you wanted positive answers, but I didn't like the Nuva Ring. I did spot one month, and the next month I would have my period for 10 days. It had slipped out before during sex. I alos had issues with inserting it myself. My menstral cycle was not normal while I was on this, and couldn't depend on it. I ended up switching to the IUD Mirena.

I used the NuvaRing for a few years before having children. There were no negative side for me at all. For the most part, I didn't even know it was there.

I haven't heard anything about this birth control. I know I used the depo shots for four years with no problems. I may have gained a few pounds from it, but honestly I never noticed. Good luck.

Hi K.,
I wanted to share my experience with the Nuva Ring with you.
After trying several different birth controls, Nuva Ring was a LIFE SAVER for me!!
I suffered from severe menstrual sysmptoms, such as migrains, severe cramping and bloating and while on different birth controls, like ortho lo and others, I had ZERO sex drive.

I finally tried the Nuva ring and was so surprised when my headaches disappeared, my cycle was easier. Lasting only 4-5 days at the most and just normal cramping. Nothing extreme.

They say becuase the Nuva Ring has the hormones on it and its placed in your vagina, the hormones release directly into the blood stream over a period of time, instead of like with a pill you get one does of it at the same time every day. The Nuva Ring is a gradual release and therefore isnt as harsh on your body.

Not only that, but my sex drive was back to normal!!! THANKGOD!! LOL

The only thing that I didnt really like about the Nuva Ring, is during intercourse, my husband said he could feel it. I could feel it too. And I think the hormone in the ring mixing with the semen caused a little bit of a burning sensation.
Sorry to be so blunt with you, but I want to give you the most accurate info.

So, talking to my gyno about this, she said it would be fine to remove during intercourse and to put right back in after.

Just make sure you talk to your doctor about anything that bothers you or concerns or questions you might have.

I hope this helps make your decision a little easier!!!

Jenna

well i have to say everything you read is true. i started it after i had my first and only child so far. and remained on it for about a year and a half. I felt like a totally different person while on it. i have never taken bc before so i thought it was normal..until it was afecting my entire life. i had no sex drive whatsoever!! couldnt sleep and i always felt down with terrible moodswings.no stomach pains but terrible cramping during period. i felt like my period was longer and heavier while on the ring. i thought the concept was great since i could never remember to take a pill everyday. but the s/e outweighed.i have decided to stay off bc after everything i read about all the different kinds, pill, patch , shot, etc..if u think about it ur taking something that tricks ur body to do something it shouldnt.i am going a more natural, healthier route these days and use a condom and avoid my fertile days!so to sum it all up my advice is not to take it, its appealng but not worth it!Good Luck!

K.,
Sorry, I don't have any advice for you on the NuvaRing. However, I have to tell you how great my IUD is. And only because it's another option you could look into. Brownie points to the woman who says everyones body is different! That is too true. This is why I went with Paraguard. I could ask other women until I was blue in the face about BCPs but I would never know how it would affect me. I have two children and I'm only 30. Even though my man says NO MORE! God is so much more powerful than him. LOL. I have tried all kinds of BCPs only to find that I was gaining weight, breaking out and yes, going crazy! My OBGYN gave me the options of the Mirena ( has hormones and good for upto 5 years ) or Paraguard ( no hormones and good for upto 10 years ). If I decide to have a child in the future, I can have them take it out and Vwala! Instant Prego! Heehee. I don't have to worry about nada. My Honey loves it. When we have sex, we don't worry about anything (as far as too rough). I have had no problems with it shifting, displacement, etc. I know exactly when I'm gonna get my period. Look into it. it's awesome.
P.S. not getting your period is a great way to get infections because it's your body's way of cleansing. And since women ten to harbor a sagnificant amout of bacteria.. well you get it. As long as you're with just your man, you're good to go. Let me know what you wind up going for. TTYL.