NuvaRing and Cramps: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2009

For Birth Control "For those of you experiencing negative side effects... I was on NuvaRing for 4 years. During that time, I became depressed, and cramps and back pain were unbearable. I have discontinued use of NuvaRing and feel better. All side effects are gone! When I discussed this with my doctor, she stated that some women naturally produce a normal level of hormones. When these women are on birth control, it can cause all of these side effects due to having an elevated level of hormones. The opposite effect happens to women that don't naturally produce a normal level of hormones, leading them to actually feel better and not have all of these side effects. This is why some women do well and feel great on birth control and others don't."

• Per...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Personally, I have had extremely heavy and bad cramps on my period. I’ve been on birth control since I was 14. I started with the pill but forgot to take it all the time, then I went to the IUD but had extreme weight gain and headaches. My anxiety also worsened with the IUD. I switched to the NuvaRing around 5 months ago, and it has been the best decision I’ve made for my reproductive health. My periods are a light spotting, my cramps are tolerable, and I haven’t gained any weight. Plus, my boyfriend can’t feel it during sex. Don’t be afraid of the negative reviews, everyone’s body is different, and you just need to find what works for you!"

• ADD...
• October 6, 2008

For Birth Control "I have used several pill-form birth controls, and the NuvaRing is my first non-pill method. I really like the fact that it is hassle-free. I always had a hard time remembering to take the pill. Also, unlike the patch, it is not visible. I am the type who likes to have a period each month as an additional reassurance that I am not pregnant, so it is a better option for me than the shot or other period-free methods. The side effects that I have experienced were mostly common-some water weight gain, shorter and lighter menstrual cycles, and some cramping during my cycle. Some new side effects that I do not enjoy are a regular (heavy) vaginal discharge, which is stated as common for the ring. Also, I have random abdominal cramping."

• ADD...
• October 6, 2008

For Birth Control "I have used several pill-form birth controls, and the NuvaRing is my first non-pill method. I really like the fact that it is hassle-free. I always had a hard time remembering to take the pill. Also, unlike the patch, it is not visible. I am the type who likes to have a period each month as an additional reassurance that I am not pregnant, so it is a better option for me than the shot or other period-free methods. The side effects that I have experienced were mostly common-some water weight gain, shorter and lighter menstrual cycles, and some cramping during my cycle. Some new side effects that I do not enjoy are a regular (heavy) vaginal discharge, which is stated as common for the ring. Also, I have random abdominal cramping."

• Aub...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I mean, I didn’t get pregnant, so that’s cool and all, but I gained thirty pounds, was suddenly covered in stretch marks, couldn’t bear the idea of sex anymore, and when I did try to have sex, it was immensely painful. Mood swings like crazy; crying one second, laughing the next. Really bad fatigue and paranoia. Migraines 2-3 times a week, body pains, horrible cramps, and it put me on my period for over 6 months! I mean, but I didn’t get pregnant."

• Krr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

For Birth Control "Love NuvaRing!! Had some side effects such as spotting, cramps, chills the first month, but it all went away on the second ring, and I love not having to think about it. Also, no PMS, no mood swings, and no worries."

• Fut...
• December 8, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing since 2005, and I love it. No pregnancies, my period shortened from about 7 days to 4 days. I also used to have bad cramps, but this helped a lot. I've tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen (hated it, gained a lot of weight that took many years to take off), Tri-Norinyl (liked this but still had to take a pill every day), Paraguard IUD (hurt for the 1st week then was fine, expelled it after 3 months though). My sex drive did not decrease on NuvaRing. My only complaint is my skin is a little worse, and every once in a while, I have to take it out during sex. Thumbs up from my boyfriend and myself."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2009

For Birth Control "It's been one week, and I feel EXTREMELY tired and depressed. I really want this to work, so I'll give it a little more time. It's easy to put in, and I don't feel it at all. But I'm sleeping like 12 hours a day and feel like I'm swimming through mud. Also, I've been having random cramps or sharp pains in my abdomen."

• ups...
• January 23, 2010

For Birth Control "NuvaRing is effective in pregnancy prevention. However, the side effects were bad. The first month was fine, with only one bad side effect (diarrhea), and I wasn't too sure if it was even from my birth control that month. It was never listed as a side effect. When I got my period, it was light and lasted only about 2 1/2 days. After 2-3 months, side effects started to kick in: more abdominal cramps, normal discharge, extreme bloating very often, nausea, and headaches. Along with these, I became extremely irritable/very grumpy, had a major loss in appetite, and when I did eat, the diarrhea would hit (severely). Eventually, I had horrible back pain and became very depressed, which negatively impacted my life."

• Sav...
• August 19, 2014

For Birth Control "I love NuvaRing! I was put on Microgestin FE 1/20 but stopped after the first month due to awful cramping in my arms/legs (which I still get during PMS). A year later, I started NuvaRing, and so far it has been no hassle at all. My breasts have grown at least half a cup size, and while my acne isn't gone, it's lightened considerably. My periods are light, 4 days long, and I have little to no cramping when before I would be unable to move for hours due to menstrual cramps/ovulation, and my flow was heavy for at least 5 days. I hope this method keeps working for me, and I recommend it to anyone looking for an easy method of birth control."

• Sin...
• March 15, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

• kel...
• October 30, 2015

For Birth Control "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."

• Mzz...
• July 27, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis, and my gynecologist initially recommended the Mirena to help manage it. The inserting process was impossible and so dismissed. Next up was the patch... worst decision of my life. Nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue... that lasted me three days. Next up was the NuvaRing. I'm going into my third week, and so far it's doing better than anything else I've tried. My side effects are awful headaches and cramps here and there. Other than that, I feel perfectly fine. If the headache gets bad, I simply use a painkiller, and voila! I'll definitely recommend it to anyone that can't use a high-dose contraceptive like me. I think the low dose in the ring could make a huge difference. Can't knock it till you try it!"

• Jac...
• April 24, 2014

For Birth Control "My experience has been good so far. I've been on NuvaRing for three weeks now, and I'm about to have my first period. I have not gained weight, it has helped clear my acne, and I am not pregnant, so it works. The only downsides have been lots of breast tenderness, which has finally passed, and bad cramps, randomly. I've never had bad cramps, so that part does suck. I plan to continue using this form of birth control."

• Mom...
• June 7, 2019

For Birth Control "So I’ve been using NuvaRing for about 2 months now after having my little girl in March. This birth control has given me so many symptoms, I’m going crazy! Nausea, increased appetite, cramps, headaches, and mood swings! I have to apologize to my husband when he gets home from work tonight because I’ve been so mean to him, and I know he’s wondering what the hell is going on! This is my first time being on birth control in 5 years, and I absolutely hate it. Even growing up, my body hated birth control, and I always advocated against it. I let my doctor talk me into not getting my tubes tied because I have 2 kids, and I’m only 27. But I know we don’t want more kids, I’m content with my 2, and we plan to adopt a child when they’re older. I’m scheduled for a consultation in 2 weeks for tubal ligation, and I’m going through with it. This experience with NuvaRing has been the worst! I’m not compromising my well-being for birth control when I know I’m physically done having babies."

• Ean...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Lord... where do I start. I’ll preface by saying this is my 2nd month of being on the NuvaRing. The anxiety; the insomnia; the stomach bloating and added love handles. The damn constipation and gas—OMG!!!! Emotions through the roof; paranoia and the cramping and leg pain. WHAT IN THE WORLD????"

• Bri...
• April 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using NuvaRing for about 3 months now, and I thought that the extremely bad anxiety was caused by other problems and that it'd go away, but it hasn't and has only gotten worse. My face has been breaking out more than when I was in high school. My sex drive has decreased tremendously! I've never had depression until I started NuvaRing, and it's probably become the worst part of all of this. I started getting leg cramps, which usually never happen and are supposed to be a sign of blood clots, as stated in the side effects. I WOULD NOT recommend this to anyone. I could go on and on about other side effects from this, but I wanted to point out the ones that have affected me the most."

• JLa...
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "After my first month's removal, almost immediately my mood coming down from this was very angry. I take birth control to help with cramps and a heavy cycle. The cramps were there with the ring. The second month, which is currently my situation, is I'm 11 days in, and I haven't gotten out of bed in 2 days. I'm a happy person, not angry, never depressed. These past 2 days, I'm angry, sad, and depressed. I removed it today for fearing it getting worse. I do not recommend this to any woman."

• bcJ...
• May 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for 3 months, and I loved what it did for my mental clarity, but physical side effects were terrible. Exhaustion... needing multiple cups of coffee a day. Last straw, my boyfriend had to stop having sex with me because I was so dry! The pain during sex... nope, not ok. I have been on Nexplanon (dryness), Chateal for 2 years (amazing sex drive but I was crazy, cramps and so fatigued I could faint during the day), Aubra for 1.5 years and had constant yeast infections. Then Junel, which made me absolutely crazy. Finding what to pair with Ethylin Estradiol has been so hard, but I did! My last attempt has been on Cryselle with norgestrel as the progestational, and I feel great, have energy, and good sex drive. Also, with NuvaRing, I constantly felt like I was going to have a heart attack (twitchy legs, spasms, heart flutter). All this has stopped with the pill Cryselle. Don’t give up on your journey! Find what works."

• Al ...
• August 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I LOVE THE RING!!! Ladies, I seriously recommend the ring to anyone and everyone. The ring has given so much freedom in college, and it's amazing. I've been on it for a year and have had zero side effects. ZERO weight gain, no acne (in fact, my skin is clearer than it was before being on the NuvaRing), no mood swings, no decrease in sex drive, etc. Five of my friends have tried the ring as well, and they love it too!! You can't feel it once inserted, and it stays in place during sex and won't move until you take it out. It's super easy to put in as well! It has helped make my period super manageable, and I have no PMS. I used to suffer from painful periods, and now I don't have to worry about any of that. It's great! Give it a try!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing 8 months ago after being on 3 different IUDs the past 17 years. At first, I loved it. It did make my vagina swell the first week, but it wasn’t irritating or a problem. Periods are kind of all over the place, and cramping is worse than ever before. Had me laying with a heating pad 3 out of the 5 days. After 8 months, I have gained 16 pounds, and my anxiety and depression are through the roof. I had 3 panic attacks in the past 2 weeks, and it is definitely from this birth control. On a positive note, my cystic acne completely went away, and my skin is, for the most part, really clear. Also, I have not gotten pregnant. I would recommend this product but to pay close attention to your mental health. If you feel anxiety and depression coming on, you need to stop using it and contact your doctor. I’ve also had brief suicidal thoughts. I stopped taking this and am trying the mini pill. Wish me luck. I am writing my review because I feel birth control side effects are extremely underreported."

• Jaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I tried NuvaRing for 4 months. I really tried to make it work, like seriously. 1st month, I had no spotting, no acne, no mood swings, just some bloating and weird feelings. But let me tell you... month 2 started an incredible itch that would wake me from my sleep to pray to God to take it away. The discharge was excessive. The itch spread to my anus and between my cheeks, TMI, but it caused scarring that has not gone away a few weeks later that I am highly disappointed about. My partner did feel the ring, but we were able to take it out during intercourse and then put it back in. My vagina was swollen and crampy afterward, probably due to the irritation and itching. My partner experienced rashes after every intercourse session. I know, crazy. I really wanted to make it work but my female anatomy was not having it to the point where my sex drive was reduced as well as my partner's because he did not want his rash to return!"

• Bre...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for about 6 years now. Never had any problems from beginning to now. I did have horrible cramps my first month using it when my period came, but after a few months, my body got used to it. I now only have a period that's about 3-5 days, and I enjoy how it spots right before I take the ring out, so I know it's time for my monthly cycle. It's easy to insert, and you don't have to think about having to take a pill every day. I did notice that when I had no health insurance, I went about a month without it; I had gotten my period, and it was horribly heavy with terrible cramps. But after restarting, everything got back to normal. I never noticed any weight gain or mood changes. My sex drive has stayed the same over all these years."