NuvaRing for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 3)

• Sin...
• March 15, 2014

"My partner and I finally decided to try some alternate methods of birth control. NuvaRing was my first choice because I'm too forgetful to try pills, and I must say I've had a mixed experience. I love the fact that I can insert it and forget about it. I don't feel it during sex, and it doesn't slip out. It got rid of my recurring yeast infections, I even grew a cup size. However, I can't help but notice that I've gained weight, especially around my waistline, which almost never happens, and my sex drive has decreased. I exercise regularly, so I know it had to be the hormones. I experience extreme mood swings, I'm a lot more angry, I find myself depressed, have random urges to cry, and my periods are just as painful as before. I just may switch soon."

• Tar...
• February 16, 2015

"When I began using birth control, I had severe reactions to every pill that the doctor gave me. Of the side effects which are listed on the pamphlet, I had all of them except the most severe ones. I had three periods in 2 months, and I was shaking and in a great deal of pain. I am small, and to me it felt like a massive overdose. The NuvaRing has been a lifesaver. The ring slowly releases the hormones, so I don't feel overwhelmed and saved me from a lot of future worry and stress."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2019

"I have never had bad cramping when I’m on my period. My period is just very heavy but only lasts 3 days. I tried the NuvaRing as the pill really affected my mental state. I loved the ring at first, but after one month, I realized the side effects are so intense. It started with my legs going numb/aching feeling, then I started crying over nothing and getting aggravated at the littlest things. The worst side effect for me was when I took it out the 4th week to have my period, it was the worst pain in my life. I ended up being admitted to the hospital. I truly felt like I was dying. The pain woke me up in the middle of the night, it quickly worsened to the point it was unbearable, and I mean that. I was in so much pain I started sweating and passed out. After that, I stopped using the ring and I’m completely back to myself! Please be aware."

• Sop...
• June 8, 2019

"NuvaRing caused anxiety and depression for me. After 3 years of the ring, I was experiencing severe anxiety and feelings of loneliness, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, sadness, and I could not understand where it was coming from. After putting two and two together, I removed the ring and within 24 hours that awful fog lifted, and I'm back to myself again. I think NuvaRing is a super alternative to the conventional pill, but please watch out for signs of anxiety and/or depression. The difference after I took it out was shocking, and I really wish that I had been told this could happen. I hate to think how many women are suffering from this debilitating mental health issue without realizing that it is their contraception. In terms of application, wear, and comfort, the NuvaRing is easy, convenient, and overall great. It is easy to apply and causes no problems whatsoever, it has never dislodged or caused discomfort."

• Que...
• August 6, 2014

"My doctor put me on NuvaRing just shy of 3 months ago as a temporary alternative to the Assure procedure due to needing to take birth control 3 months before the process. Previously, I had not taken any hormones in over 10 yrs. The first month was fine. No problems, and I had a lighter cycle than usual. The 2nd month, I started having crazy mood swings and bloating. At this stage, I just saw my OB/Gyn today because I have gained so much weight and bloat. I'm unable to wear my regular clothes. I work out 4 times a week, eat healthy (almost vegetarian), and my only caffeine is a daily cup of coffee. My doctor said I have gained 10 lbs and need to remove NuvaRing."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2014

"I've had the NuvaRing in now for over a year, maybe almost 3 years now. Pros: not remembering to take a pill every day, minimal acne (I've never had serious acne, although), and light periods. Cons: will poke out and this is painful! While having sex with it in is sometimes painful. I'm bloated all the time! I eat a healthy diet, exercise at least 3 times a week, and I was not bloated like this until the NuvaRing. Overall, I would not recommend this because I feel the cons weigh out the pros."

• Tas...
• May 21, 2014

"I absolutely love the NuvaRing! I've been on it for 6 months now, and I have had no problems with it! I've had no side effects, actually, I think it's helped clear up side effects from the last birth control I was on. My sex life is very normal, if not better. Neither my boyfriend nor I can feel the ring during intercourse. I recommend this to everyone! But also remember that not everyone is the same, and this could affect someone else differently!"

• Jaw...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 2, 2019

"I’m 29, and I’ve been on NuvaRing for about 4 years, with a short break where I experimented with the pill again while I was between doctors, but the pill made me a psychopath. I chose NuvaRing because it was near impossible to get an IUD without having given birth because of the way my cervix is tilted. I have nothing but positive things to say. I have bipolar disorder with adrenalized anxiety and noticed no increase in anxiety as a result of NuvaRing, which seems to be a major issue for many women on this forum. However, the change in hormones during the off week has a drastic effect on my anxiety. Another complaint someone had was 'the worst yeast infection' of their life; I have had a yeast infection with the ring that felt like it would never go away. Turned out I just needed to take the ring out and rinse it more frequently in addition to the normal treatment. Overall, I was very satisfied with my experience."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2014

"I absolutely love NuvaRing. I can't feel it, and neither can my partner during sex. I wouldn't recommend this unless you are in a relationship because the man can feel it while fingering but not during sex. I love the fact that I don't even have to think about taking my birth control. My face seems to be clearer. A lot of women said their sex drive went down, but I feel like mine went up. I highly recommend the NuvaRing to everyone I know."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

"I had used the ring for years and years ago and don't recall it impacting me the way it did this time. I have it in for almost a week, and yesterday I was so full of self-hate. It was awful! I have never felt so depressed, and I know myself - this is not me! I couldn't stop crying. I just wanted to be in bed. I was beating myself up so badly. Leading up to yesterday, I definitely noticed a sharp decline in my mood within a day of putting in the ring. It came out today. No thank you!"

• Anonymous
• June 29, 2009

"I have been using the NuvaRing for about 5 years. I used the NuvaRing because I would forget to take the pill. At first, things were awesome because I would insert it in and leave it in for 3 weeks. Well, over time my moods got weirder and weirder. I'm starting new birth control next month. I'm tired of having bad moods and being sick all the time. I'm not saying I don't recommend it, but I know it's not for me anymore."

• Ela...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

"Only lasted 5 days before I had to remove it. 24 hours after insertion, headaches started. Then my vagina completely dried out and became very itchy. Nausea kicked in so badly I started vomiting, and my face broke out in severe acne. Every joint ached and started stiffening up. My mental health plummeted, and I started having crying fits out of nowhere. I removed it at 5 days, and 10 days later I am still suffering headaches, extreme fatigue, and nausea, which is slowly getting better, and every other issue stopped within 24 hrs of removal. Do not recommend for anyone sensitive to hormones, as this knocks you about quite a bit. Only plus is it can be removed easily when you decide it is not for you."

• jeh...
• July 13, 2016

"I've been on the NuvaRing for 7 years. I got it when I was 18 because I didn't want to take a pill every day, and I was scared the shot would make me gain weight. I love my NuvaRing besides the fact that it has killed my sex drive. That's the only downside I've experienced. So if that doesn't bother you, then I highly suggest it. It cleared up my face of acne, I didn't gain any weight, it shortened my period to be about 3 days long and is very light, no extra moodiness or anxiety. The perk of it is you can skip a month in between your periods. I put it in for 3 weeks, take it out, and have a period. Then the next month I take it out and put a new one in at the same time on the 4th week. I hope this helps anyone considering it."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2010

"I love, love, love NuvaRing! I have been on hormone-based birth control for 6 years now. I have been on NuvaRing for 1 year. So far, this is the best one I've used, and I have tried several. With other pills, I have had weight gain (not in my breasts, unfortunately), acne, moodiness, lack of sex drive, spotting, periods that lasted forever, etc. With the NuvaRing, nothing. My skin is clearer than it has ever been (not perfect, but I'll take what I can get), I haven't gained any more weight, I only worry about it once a month. I think it's perfect. The thing people have to remember is everyone's going to be different. It's not the product, it's the person. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo didn't work for me. Neither did Lo Ovral. And they're rather popular."

• jjj...
• May 25, 2015

"First and foremost, before I went on the NuvaRing, I was a complete skeptic. I did almost 2 months of research and read almost every review on Drugs.com. My current boyfriend (who is a pharmacist) suggested and educated me on this BC. I have not been on BC for almost 3 years prior to starting NuvaRing. I've tried everything, from Depo, every pill-formed BC, and nothing has worked for me. NuvaRing is by far the only thing that's worked, from the first 3 months, when your body starts adjusting, everything was fine! No weight gain (lost 10 lbs), no depression, increased sex drive. There are definitely more pros than cons. Highly suggested! Good for those who have a hard time remembering to take daily pills."

• kel...
• October 30, 2015

"So I just felt the need to come on here and put in a good word. It has only been 4 days for me, but I haven't had any crazy side effects. The bad so far is: a little nausea and definitely some dizziness, which is improving. I had some fatigue day 1-2 also, and some cramping and headache day 3. My sex drive has been insanely high. I feel like I am more sane than normal and kinder, lol. I don't feel the ring when it's in really, and I do have this compulsion to keep checking to make sure it's still in there. I have had sex and no change (so far?) in ability to orgasm or vaginal lubrication. Previously, I was on Loestrin and was experiencing more side effects than this from the get-go. So overall, I am happy. I will update after a few weeks and see how it's going."

• Jxa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2014

"I've been on the NuvaRing for 4 months now. It is effective as a birth control and has cleared up my skin a bit, although I still get a few hormonal cysts a month. It has not affected my mood, and it pretty much feels like I'm not on anything. Most days, I wonder if it is even in, but it always is when I check. One side effect is I have lost 15 pounds since I started it."

• ske...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2014

"I love the NuvaRing! I chose to take this one because of metabolic interactions with my lamotrigine, and I think I would prefer the NuvaRing to pills even without the lamotrigine interaction. I love that I only have to remember to put it in once a month and remove it for a week three weeks later. Prior to starting the NuvaRing, I had awful period symptoms. I had really heavy bleeding for seven days to the point I became anemic due to the blood loss, and the NuvaRing has changed my period to being very light and lasting at most five days and reduced my previously awful acne. My only problem is that sometimes it slides down inside the vagina and can poke out or be uncomfortable, but it can be put back in place with your finger."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2019

"I am an 18-year-old who was relatively healthy before starting the NuvaRing. (I had the Nexplanon before I started the ring.) I kept the ring in literally for 2 weeks, and I will have to say that this experience has changed my whole view of birth control. I immediately experienced depression and anxiety, both of which I’ve never had a history with. My legs would swell up, I felt dizzy, and I had pains in my chest. I had been to the doctors three times in the past two weeks because of these things, and I could quite put my finger on why it was happening until recently. I also never thought that vaginal dryness would ever be an issue with me, but it was. My sex drive completely disappeared. My body immediately hated this birth control, and I am still suffering from the effects of it a week later. Please look at all possible risks and side effects for this birth control before taking it, because if I had known, I would have steered clear of it."

• CCa...
• January 12, 2021

"My first experience with the NuvaRing 2 years ago was rather positive. It was easy to insert, prevented pregnancy, and I didn't experience any side effects. Still, I decided to go back on the pill after three months, but as I started suffering from IBS lately, the NuvaRing seemed like a safer alternative. BUT only 3 days after I started using it (5 days ago), I developed a really strong feeling of vaginal discomfort, symptoms of a UTI (frequent urination and burning), and an itch so extreme that it would wake me up at night. Besides that, I started sweating a lot, and I could feel my vagina trying to get rid of it. When I removed it today, the inside of my vagina was really swollen, and the ring was full of discharge. Obviously, these symptoms aren't universal, but I recommend weighing the cost and effect in advance and also immediately removing it if you experience similar symptoms."

• Car...
• June 10, 2015

"I've used NuvaRing for almost 7, yes 7 years now, and I absolutely love it. I can take it out during intercourse if it bothers my husband, as long as I put it back in up to an hour later. Even during the first couple of months, it was comfortable and had no side effects. (P.S. You can skip your period if you have a 'special weekend' planned, so when you take your ring out after 3 weeks, you just immediately put in another new one instead of waiting for your period to come. Awesome!)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2013

"I have been on birth control since I was 16. Initially on it to control my headaches, now to prevent a baby. I was on Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and Loestrin. By far, I liked the Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, however, I kept getting massive ovarian cysts because I was ovulating as if I wasn't on birth control. The doctor switched me to Loestrin, however, I lost my sex drive completely. So, I got switched to NuvaRing. I have been on it now for 4 months. The only side effect I have gotten is a little extra discharge. My sex drive is back, my yeast infections are gone, and the little blackheads I had are almost all gone as well. I haven't noticed weight gain or loss. I was leery to try the ring, but now that I am on it, I love it. My insurance even covers it 100%."

• Mzz...
• July 27, 2014

"The NuvaRing has worked for me. I have never tried any other form of birth control, and I started using it 6 years ago to help with a very irregular, long, and heavy period. It also helped clear up my skin then, and when I went off birth control, my periods did get heavier, and sometimes I had debilitating cramps. Plus, I suffered from bad adult acne that nothing would fix. Within 3 months of going back on the NuvaRing, my acne cleared right up, and immediately my periods got shorter, lighter, and were less painful. I didn't note any significant mood changes or changes in sex drive (but mine has never been especially high). I have experienced significant vaginal discharge, but it is normal aside from increased quantity. It is very convenient."

• net...
• July 16, 2014

"NuvaRing caused me to have no sex drive whatsoever. I've only been on it for 2 weeks, and I'm fairly certain it's not allowing me to lose weight. I ride my bike 16 miles daily and have still gained a pound. I've also gotten a urinary tract infection in the 2 weeks. I'm considering getting off of the ring altogether."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 4, 2020

"I had a mostly positive experience with the NuvaRing, but ultimately discontinued use. Pros: I have a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis, and the ring made symptoms like cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, and vomiting less frequent and more bearable. My skin was beautiful. My cystic acne disappeared, and I only got 1-2 small, almost undetectable pimples a month. I also loved how convenient the ring is. It’s so much easier to remember to change your ring every 3-4 weeks than to take a pill at the same exact time every single day. Cons: The first few months I had some mood swings and got frustrated and angry at little things. This did taper off. Noticeably lowered sex drive (but this might be more connected to endometriosis pain). Near constant spotting. I would spot 8 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off. Spotting was the only reason I discontinued use. I wish my body reacted better to these hormones because it really is a fantastic BC option. I would recommend it to a friend."