NuvaRing® side effects including blood clots, stroke and heart attack have been reported by women using this relatively new form of birth control. Side effects of NuvaRing® are associated with the hormone desogestrel which can cause changes in the blood clotting system allowing blood clots to form more easily. NuvaRing birth control was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on October 3, 2001 and first marketed in the United States in July 2002. NuvaRing® is used by approximately 1.5 million women worldwide.
NuvaRing® is a flexible polyethylene vinyl acetate ring around 2 inches in diameter. NuvaRing® is considered a third generation combination hormonal contraceptive. It contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and etonogestrel which is a synthetic form of the progestin desogestrel. NuvaRing® uses a different form of progestin compared to older contraceptives. Third generation contraceptives containing desogestrel have recently come under fire due to the increased risk of blood clots (venous thrombosis). The newer progestins (desogestrel) in third generation contraceptives were intended to lessen the adverse effects caused by older contraceptives such as hirsutism, weight gain, and acne.
Combination hormonal contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestins. NuvaRing® contains the progestin desogestrel which, according to studies going back to 1995, doubles the risk of blood clots compared to second generation oral contraceptives. Organon, the manufacturer of NuvaRing® is aware of the increased risk of blood clots associated with third generation oral contraceptives. The NuvaRing® warning label states:
The hormones in NuvaRing® may cause changes in your bloodclotting system which may allow your blood to clot more easily. If blood clots form in your legs, they can travel to the lungs and cause a sudden blockage of a vessel carrying blood to the lungs. Rarely, clots occur in the blood vessels of the eye and may cause blindness, double vision, or other vision problems. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing® than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing® use than with the use of certain birth control pills.
The side effects of NuvaRing® can increase depending on several risk factors. Increased risk factors include: women over age 35, smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day, diabetes, and high levels of blood cholesterol or fat. Warning signs of potentially more serious NuvaRing® side effects include:
- sharp chest pain, coughing blood, or sudden shortness of breath (possible clot in the lung)
- pain in the calf (back of lower leg – possible clot in the leg)
- crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack)
- sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, or fainting, problems with vision or speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg (possible stroke)
- sudden partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the eye)
Currently there are no non-industry sponsored studies showing that third generation contraceptives such as NuvaRing® are more effective when compared to second generation contraceptives especially given the increased risk of blood clots associated with desogestrel.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.
For more information on birth control, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
About the Author
Steve Fields – To learn more about NuvaRing side effects please visit our website. We work with NuvaRing attorneys representing clients throughout the United States.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
I had problems with the Nuvaring both times I tried it (6 weeks ppd and 2 years ppd). It was not reliable for me – the last one I put in fell out… which I didn’t realize until I started getting my 2nd period of the month.
Comment by Anonymous — August 31, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
I will never use this form of birth control again. I only used it for 3 weeks, but it caused me to be severely irritable and depressed. It also caused me to have discharge and spotting the second and third week. It’s convenient only if you don’t mind thick discharge and spotting, on top of being extremely emotional. NO THANKS.
Comment by Anonymous — December 18, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
I took the NuvaRing for about 5 months. I was sick the entire time. I lost 22 pounds, which I cant really complain about, however, I lost it in an unhealthy manner…because I was so sick. I vomitted about 40 times within those 5 months. Everytime I started a new cycle I felt as if I was having morning sickness. Once I even vomitted 13 times in a day. It was horrible. I also felt pain in my pelvic area, but not similar to cramps. It was a pain that made me feel like I had to take it out immediately. A good friend of mine was on the Ring and she started loosing feeling in her right arm and had to go off it immediately. Not a fan…
Comment by Anonymous — January 4, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
I was just released from a week of being in the hospital because I have blood clots in my lungs from the nuva ring. I am a non-smoker and I do work out. I kept getting sick and sicker and I had no idea why. The only reason I found out that it was the nuva ring is because I couldnt talk or breathe, and the pain was horrible.I thought I pulled a muscle in my leg,and the pain ran up into my rib cage.It has been the worst time of my life, and Im not out of the clear yet. NEVER AGAIN. This birth control should be taken off the market!
Comment by Anonymous — March 18, 2008 @ 10:06 am
I just took the Nuvaring out after only three weeks. I started having very sharp vaginal pain that was not attributable to any infection or STD. Additionally, all my friends and boyfriend noticed that I became extremely depressed while on the Nuvaring. I’m still having vaginal pain but hopefully it will subside in a few days now that I stopped using the ring. I even feel happier in the few days I have been off it. I don’t recommend this form of bc.
Comment by Anonymous — April 30, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
I was very excited to try the NuvaRing. It was my first BC method and I started it in January 2008. It was convenient and I didn’t have to worry about pills everyday, which was great for me because I’m on all kinds of meds. Within the first month I experienced light spotting, which was normal when first starting BCs. And every now and then I would vomit and my legs and arms would have a painful numb feeling. This went away eventually.But later on, I began to lose my sex drive and that was horrible. So I began to think why do I need BC if I don’t wanna have sex! OMG I was so upset. Followed by loss of sex drive, I began to get seriously depressed. I was always depressed. Words cannot explain how I was feeling. All I know is that I had a problem and thank GOD I had a wonderful boyfriend who supported me because crying everyday all day is not cool, especially when you cry for no reason. It was terrible.My mother brought it to my attention that it was most definitely the BC. I was so relieved to find that out because I didn’t know what was going on in my life lol. But I took it out immediately. But the next morning, it felt like I had been drinking ALL NIGHT LONG! Only ten times worse. There was this annoying spot that blocked my vision and made me sensitive to light and sound. That lasted throughout the week, but eventually it stopped.I am so happy that I don’t take the Ring anymore. IT BROUGHT ME HELL!! I can honestly say that. I just got a new BC today and its called LEVORA. I haven’t started yet, however, unlike the Ring, there are a lot of great reviews from it. I hope this information really helps someone:-).
Comment by Anonymous — May 20, 2008 @ 11:36 am
I am 18, have never smoked, and have no clotting disorders and was recently hospitalized for a blood clot in my lung! My only risk factor at all was that I was on NuvaRing! I know this method of birth control is convenient but it’s not worth the risk. Everyone in the hospital said I was really lucky to get to the hospital as soon as I did. I’m on coumadin (a blood thinner) for a year now. Don’t try this birth control!
Comment by Anonymous — June 11, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
The only reason I’m posting this is because I’m currently on the NuvaRing and am considering switching to Mirena. I’ve been on the NuvaRing for 6 months and the only problem I have seen is the little bit of weight gain in my stomach (about 5-10 pounds). Honestly, I’m not sure if the weight gain is the NuvaRing or not because I don’t eat the healthiest all the time and it started right after I quit breastfeeding. So far, no pregnancy and, other than the weight, no problems, especially no hair loss. I keep hearing all these horror stories, but I wanted everyone to know that it works for some people!
Comment by Anonymous — June 26, 2008 @ 10:23 am
I’ve been using nuvaring for two years now and I think it’s great. Not everyone has trouble with it. Every kind of BC can cause depression in some people, and the NuvaRing has actually made my moods better. After trying many other kinds of BC, including the patch, I like this one the best.
Comment by Anonymous — October 29, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
I have had a great experience with Nuva Ring. However, I am considering switching with all the news of side effects. I haven’t experienced these but lately for some reason my blood pressure has been extremely high for my age (22). I would just be aware of side effects if you are interested in taking this.
Comment by Anonymous — November 1, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
some one please explain to me how this is better than a little pill you take everyday! I just don’t get it!You have to remember to take the ring out after 3 weeks, keep it out for a week, and then put a new one in. Not to mention the fact that it can fall out from everyday activities (exercise, tampons, sex, BMs…am I supposed to “rinse it off in cold water and reinsert even then????)crazy!
Comment by Anonymous — November 5, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
I’ve been on the Nuvaring for over a year and havent exsperienced any side effects after the first week! I had horrible nausea but after seeing it help my acne! I didn’t care! It is a good BC method for some people its great and stays in and I dont have to take a pill everyday!
Comment by Anonymous — November 8, 2008 @ 11:56 am
I had the most awful experience on nuvaring. I started to feel ill within one hour of inserting it. I felt nauseous and developed a headache, i just told myself that it would pass as i had been on harmonett ( by mouth) six minths previously and for the first two days had felt a little sick nd it had passed. My Doctor only recommended nuvaring as on harmonett i was experiencing spotting and lack of sex drive. Within a few hours of taking it i had completely lost my apetite and for the next three days i managed to eat just a few slices of toast. That night before going to bed i felt sensitive to light and sound and touch. My skin felt like it was crawling with insects. I had pains in my calves and my right breast. Sharp abdomen pain and lower back pain, an excruciating headache and nasea that can only be likened to the worst kind of pregnancy sickness ( fantastic contraceptive, u sure dont want sex when you feel like that!) I still told myself to persevere and kept it in all night hoping it would pass, i felt worse in the morning and by now was really weak, so weak it was an effort to pull the ring pull on a can of coke! I then did some research on the internet on my laptop from my bed and read all the horror stories and pulled the ring out. It still took two days to feel back to normal! There is something seriously wrong with this medication. NO THANKYOU
Comment by Anonymous — January 4, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
Hi Girls~Below is my experience with NuvaRing………………I have only been on NuvaRing for a week, but I just took it out. I woke up in the middle of the night with itching hands and feet. The itching is most prominent on my hands, but I have itching on my scalp, ears and neck. Other things have been happening to me, but I didn’t think it was because of the NuvaRing until I started to read this blog site. I have been very tired and sleeping way more too. I am never like this, but I just had a major death in my family, so I was attributing some of my symptoms to the death of my dad. Now, I know it is not due to the death in the family, but NuvaRing.I have been needing a nap during the day, becoming tired by 7pm at night and not wanting to do anything. I have been getting way more sleep too. I never sleep late, but this morning I slept to 9am and I went to bed early. I never sleep that long and I woke up feeling very fatigued. I am a 44 year old woman who is always on the go with a ton of energy! I also had some tightness in my chest last night. I have not had any energy to go to the gym. My lips have been very chapped and dry too. I have tried many lip balms too, but nothing has alleviated the dryness.I am not waiting for my body to adjust to NuvaRing either. There are plenty of birth control pills (options) to choose from, so I plan on going back to the pill I was on in the past. The pill I used in the past never caused me one side effect!
Comment by Anonymous — March 28, 2009 @ 8:56 am
NuvaRing is horrible. I first came to use this form of BC because I am very forgetful and didn’t feel confident in my abilities to take the pill everyday. First of all let me say, I am a very energetic fun, happy person who has goals and a extreme zest for life. I have been on NuvaRing for 3 weeks now and for the past 2 weeks I have been HORRIBLEY depressed, and severely irritable, I have isolated myself from my friends and my roommates. Until reading this site I had no idea why the sudden change on my out look on life, and I mean severe change, crying everyday and thinking that the worst part about going to bed at night was knowing I would wake up in the morning, was not who I am! After reading this I KNOW why I’ve been so incredibly depressed and irritable, it’s the Ring. This is the 3rd form of BC I’ve tried and BY FAR the worst. Do not take this unless your idea of a good time is sitting in your room by yourself crying FOR NO REASON! I have yet to take it out, but am doing so immediately following the publication of this comment. NuvaRing has caused me severe depression, angst, isolation, irritability, and general disgust for everything. All I can say is that I am thankful that my side effects were mood/emotion related, and I really feel for those women who’ve suffered hospitalization from blood clots etc. NuvaRing is terrible and really should be taken off the market IMMEDIATELY!
Comment by Anonymous — April 6, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
I must say that I love nuvaring. I was on the pill and kept forgetting to take it everyday and got pregnant. I have not had any problems with it. I had bleeding on the pills and kept switching pills. I have not had any bleeding with nuvaring..
Comment by Anonymous — April 7, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
Why all the negative? It works for alot of us..My friends and I at the dorm love it…We are all on it..
Comment by Anonymous — April 7, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
I am a nuva ring user for over a year and a half and I love it. However, I have been getting these migraines and told my gyno about it and that I get this feeling (aura) a day before it strikes. She suggested a neurologist. I had an mri done and found white spots on the brain. Checked for ms and came back fine. Did extensive blood work and found that I have a protein c & s deficiency. I am seeing a hemotologist on Monday to determine if it is a genetic thing or the ring causing a problem. I will keep you updated.
Comment by Anonymous — May 6, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
I tried Nuvaring on for 3 months, had minimal problems except for time of removal – it seemed to be stuck in my cervix. I went back on it for another 3 months at the urging of my doctor – who claims it is safe. I gained weight, had bad times during my cycle,kind of usual BC issues. But then my friend and I compared notes, and found that we both have extreme pain in the heels. My doc chalked it up to needing to stretch,which I accepted, but now question. My friend is very active, and this pain started after we both started Nuvaring.
Comment by Anonymous — May 27, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Dear Anonymous,If the pain really bothers you, even when you stretched, ask your doctor to prescribe a different birth control (ie. oral contraceptives, patch, injections, etc).
Comment by Janine — May 27, 2009 @ 11:07 am
The ring is what seems to work the best for me. No nausea, weight gain, spotting, and I have light, comfterble periods….I do notice that 2 weeks before I have to take the ring out, I have episodes of bad period cramping that last a few seconds but go away in about a week. I’ve also noticed that certain months about a week before I have to take the ring out, I have increased vaginal sensitivity/irritation. I have to be careful with certain sexual positions because even though I may be lubricated, I seem to tear a little. I seem to get very irritated vaginally after this and have a little more discharge than usual for about a week until it’s time to take the ring out. I did not have this experience before the ring. Have any ladies had similar experiences?
Comment by Anonymous — May 28, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
yes at the time of removal, the ring seems to stick to my cervix a little too…no biggie.
Comment by Anonymous — May 28, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Ive been on nuva ring for 2 months…the only problem i have with it is that it can fall out during sex and my partner can actually feel it inside me, which is kinda creepy. but other than that no problems
Comment by Anonymous — July 9, 2009 @ 9:04 am
My experience with the nuvaring in the beginning was hurtful due to the fact that i didnt have it in far enough. I experienced cramps. Over the next few months i learned how to insert it and remove it. Then after a couple of months i started to become depressed. Couldnt work. Cried everyday and anything my boyfriend did to me made me emotional and cry all day non stop. My belly began to grow uncontrollably. Of course due to the fact that i was too depressed to get out of bed to go to the gym. My sex drive was low as well. I couldnt stand my boyfriend and hes a great guy that didnt understand what i was goin thru. Now that i am off the ring we have a better relationship. I would not reccommend this bc to anyone. Ican now have my family/boyfriend relationship back and am looking forward to it.
Comment by Anonymous — August 2, 2009 @ 11:20 am
I switched to the NuvaRing from Alesse because of intolerable side effects of too much estrogen. Since being on the NuvaRing, all of my side effects are gone, and I feel much healthier. The NuvaRing delivers LESS hormones than the oral contraceptive pill as it does not need to go through your stomach and liver. If inserted properly, it doesn't come out; Just be aware that people that are happy with the NuvaRing don't report it on forums. I encourage you to try it for yourself, for at least 3 months before dismissing the idea. It may work for you too!
Comment by Anonymous — August 28, 2009 @ 11:03 am
So many problems on the nuva ring…I used to take the Depo shot but it became way to much so I'm trying the ring. I've had so many of the problems these other woman experienced but I'd like to caution that NOT all women react to it this way… Lots of women REALLY love the ring .. but here are my symptoms after three weeks- – lost my apetite within the first week but it seems to be slowly coming back making me even more hungry. -My skin too felt like it was crawling with insects the first week at night I put it in -I'm having sharp abdomen pain and lower back pain, major bloating, sharp pain in my left lung??!- No sex drive, no vag moisture at all- very dry- awful sex which was not the case AT ALL before the ring. – EXTREMELY Depressed- had to get a friend to drag me out of the house last Saturday night, I felt almost suicidal. Boyfriend is being very understanding .. but I've been awful towards him..I'm getting off ASAP ! – I can totally relate to the women who say that their "zest" for life is zapped. I'm MISERABLE on it. Must find another option ! YUCK !
Comment by Anonymous — September 14, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
I was on the ring for about 6 months. I recently switched to Yaz at the suggestion of my gyno to improve my acne which i have been fighting for over 15 years. On the ring I had light periods and minimal pms. My acne was the same as it had always been though. I never realized until reading the BC forums that It actually caused me to be VERY depressed, downright suicidal. Looking back I know this was the cause as on Yaz I have a noticably better disposition after onlt 11 days, acne has already improved…but I'm experiencing some other side effects that I never had on the ring. Like others suggest…keep trying until you find one that works. Honestly though. Coming from an otherwise healthy 28 yr old female with no health problems…really makes me wonder if female BC is really the only option out there. Where's this male bc that should have been produced years ago???
Comment by Anonymous — October 7, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
I wore the Nuvaring for 1 year before I started having symptoms. I started having an extremely heavy discharge, I went to the doctor 8 times in 6 months thinking I had an STD. Everything kept coming back normal but the discharge was still there.Finally one of the ladies in the Doctors office told me she stopped using the Nuvaring because of this same side effect. She was the first one to tell me what was going on. 1 year later I still can not get rid of this discharge and I absolutely hate it. It has ruined my sex life completely
Comment by Anonymous — October 28, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
I've used Nuvaring for over a year now and it's worked great for me. It cleared up my skin really nicely and I haven't experienced any mood differences (besides the normal ones that come with PMS). Not too much weight gain and it's SO MUCH EASIER than taking a pill at the same time everyday. I've read reports about it falling out and I'm really confused on how that can happen because it stays up and in perfectly for me. I take it out when I'm having sex, rinse it off an put it back in- no big deal. ITS GREAT!!
Comment by Anonymous — February 4, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
I used the Nuvaring for 3 years after my son's birth. It was great, or so I thought. I never had any real problems until I stopped using it. Once I stopped using the Nuvaring, I felt better mentally and emotionally. I was happy again! Even my husband has noticed the change in my attitude. I'm not angry, irritable and depressed all the time anymore. BUT, now since I've stopped, I have serious itching on my limbs, specifically, my hands and feet. I can only attribute this to the hormones getting out of my system because there is nothing else different in my life. I have no idea what BC I will try next, but I don't think it'll be the Nuvaring.
Comment by Anonymous — February 18, 2010 @ 7:47 am
I am on Nuvaring and the only side effect I’ve had is morning sickness that goes away after I eat or shower. I love not having to remember to take a pill every morning. Everyone should try out a birth control before dismissing it completely due to one of these chats boards. You can search online ANY birth control and there will be sooo many negative comments, but it all depends on how YOUR body reacts! I have been very pleased with NuvaRing after being on the patch (throwing up every day) and the pill (fatigue.) You just have to keep working with your doctor to find the right fit for you!
Comment by Lala — August 18, 2010 @ 11:22 am
Hum, so many negitives… it is starting to freak me out! I just strated tonight, maybe I should re-think switching. Is it really that bad?
Comment by Michelle — August 24, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
Dear Michelle,
Don’t let some reviews scare you. Try it for yourself and tell us what you have experienced. Every girl is different and you may like it
Comment by Janine — August 30, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
I have been on the NuvaRing for 4 years now. It has been reliable and an easy form of BC for me. I have a very hectic life and it allows for just a once-a-month reminder instead of the everyday pill. After talking with my OBGYN, we decided to “trick” the NuvaRing by keeping it in for the full four weeks and just switching it out (there is enough medicine to last all four weeks). I haven’t gotten pregnant using this method and I have the luxury of not getting my period AT ALL. The only downside to this is – forgetting to change the ring can lead to unknown pregnancy within a few days. The ‘no period’ part makes this confusing and has led me to a few scares.
Don’t let all of the negative feedback scare you. Everyone’s body needs an adjustment period when changing and sort of medication (especially BCs). Give your body at least 3-6 months to adjust before switching. For me, there wasn’t even an adjustment period. I have had no period with one time I was spotting (in 4 years), and no other significant side-effects.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT AS AN EFFECTIVE FORM OF BIRTHCONTROL.
Comment by LMoore — November 16, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
I was on Nuvaring for one day, had to remove it due to extreme nausea. It is day three and i still dont feel right. Ive tried two other pills before this but i had the same nausea effect. My body changed since having two children.. before i was on the patch and fine.. good luck girls.
Comment by april — November 23, 2010 @ 4:37 am
I’m 20 years old and I’ve always been healthy. This is the first birth control I try. After a week and a half of using it I had to take the Nuva Ring off. I was experiencing chest pain and vaginal itching and irritation. I was feeling very depressed too. I just got my period a week early..I guess because I took the ring off early. I’m experiencing pain down there. Like if I had cut and it feels irritated. I’m so scared. I don’t know what to do. I’m hoping it goes away. I’m also still having chest pains. I’m never trying the Nuva Ring again!
Comment by Diana — December 23, 2010 @ 12:31 am
Dear Diana,
I am glad you had taken the ring out as soon as you noticed the chest pains. Make an appointment with your doctor to find out what alternative birth control options that can help you.
Comment by Janine — December 23, 2010 @ 9:13 am
I’ve been on nuvaring for 2 weeks. So far I love it and hate it. Love the fact I didn’t get nausea with it like all the pills I’ve tried, love that it loops around my cervix and stays in place, love not having to remember takin a pill everyday. Now for the hates… I hate getting headaches, I hate the spotting I’ve had everyday since starting it, I hate the off and on menstrual type cramps, I hate the joint pain I’ve been getting as well as a bad crampy feeling in my low back. My moods have improved and I’ve been able to stay calm when I’d normally be bitchy. My vag is so dry and itchy with not a drip of discharge other then the spotting. I’m contemplating removing it tho because I never get headaches and the one I have right now is freaking me out!!!
Comment by Missfiveday — January 10, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
Dear Missfiveday,
You should talk to your doctor about all the hates you just listed on here. Most likely, your doctor would prescribe you with another different type of birth control. Check out this birth control comparison chart: http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/BirthControlTypesComparisonChart.aspx to learn about other forms of contraception available.
Hope this helps
Comment by Janine — January 11, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
I used the Nuvaring for 2 weeks. I am sooo happy I decided to take it out after reading the reviews on this site. I took it out bc I started getting minor chest pains and pain in my leg. Now reading some of the reviews, I see I was also having other side effects…like being tired ALL the time! And the gross discharge…a day after I took the ring out the discharge stopped. This may be right for some, but seems like there are way more unhappy ppl out there.
Comment by Delilah — April 8, 2011 @ 4:42 pm
Hello,
I’ve been on the ring for almost 5 years, I’ve noticed hair loss that started a few years ago I just thought it was my bad luck, and I’m turning 40, but my husband finally asked me to go to the doctor and I did, one moron just gave me Rogain which gave me terrible dandruff so I decided to go to my natural doctor which I see for food allergies, she mentioned my that it could be my BC and the only reason I take it is to help with the horrible cramps I get, so decided to do some research on the NR and guess what? it causes hair loss! I’ve also experience depression but I just never though it could be the BC. I’m going off it and I’ll just have to figure out what do do about the cramps.
I’m a very active person and eat very healthy but in the last 5 years I’ve struggle with 5-10 lbs so maybe this will help. I’ll post back in a couple to let you know if it helped to be off it or just added bad cramps to my list.
Comment by Vanessa — April 30, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
I’ve been on the ring on and off for about 2 years. This past experience has been nothing less than HORRIBLE. About 2 weeks before each period, I feel like I’m PREGNANT!!! The side effects are awful. Nausea, fatigue, discharge, dizziness, hot/cold spells, slight blur of vision. It’s almost enough for me to discontinue using the ring, AGAIN.
Comment by Nicole — May 5, 2011 @ 1:20 pm
Dear Nicole,
You should look into the other birth control types. Check out the chart we have here that compares the different types of contraceptives: http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/BirthControlTypesComparisonChart.aspx
Comment by Janine — May 5, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
I’ve been on NuvaRing since 5/24/11. At first I noticed headaches and constipation. This week, last couple of days really, I’ve had tender to touch breasts, spasming lower back pain, and a bit of diarrhea. I always have problems with BC and was hoping this would be a great alternative to help regulate my periods and provide BC….has anyone else experienced lower back pain/spasms? I don’t want to just take it out without checking first. Thanks.
Comment by Gina — June 4, 2011 @ 10:16 pm
Dear Gina,
I haven’t heard of lower back pain and diarrhea as a side effect of NuvaRing. Are you on any other medication? Also, are you a women over age 35, smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day, have diabetes, and high levels of blood cholesterol or fat? You should definitely speak to your doctor about all these side effects you are experiencing.
Comment by Janine — June 6, 2011 @ 9:35 am
23 years of age;Ive been using nuvaring for 2.5 months-
First my skin broke out. After one week i acquired a bald spot. Now ive been bleeding for 18 days. The bleeding is getting worse and i am now getting cramps. Gained 5 pounds, looks to be in my mid section. sex drive is gone.
My Doctor keeps telling me it is not the nuvaring but i do not take any medications or supplements. If i have permanent damage to my body from malpractice I will be pretty ticked off. I cant believe i finally let him talk me into it. He kept on about this nuvaring for a few months even with the knowledge that I am single. He must get something extra for that.
Comment by Angela — June 8, 2011 @ 4:53 pm
Dear Angela,
Since you have been on it for 2.5 months, stay on it for 2 more weeks so you would have been on it for 3 months. Usually after 3 months you would start noticing some of the side effects you had experiencing earlier is no longer there. If after 3 months your skin doesn’t clear up, your bald spot is still there, your bleeding hasn’t stopped, and/or your libido hasn’t returned then I would suggest you to stop using Nuvaring and see if all those symptoms would go away. If you are sexually active, find another doctor who would prescribe you to another birth control.
Comment by Janine — June 9, 2011 @ 10:59 am
I put my ring in 12 days ago and now have terrible lower back pain, tender breasts and awful headaches. I got such a bad headache the day after I inserted the ring that I felt like I couldn’t lift my head. This has been occurring frequently since I started the ring but I thought it was sinusitis, never thought it was my BC. Reading all of these posts makes me nervous but want to get it checked out. I am 28 years old.
Comment by Jenny — June 12, 2011 @ 6:15 pm
Dear Jenny,
Definitely check in with your doctor to see if it is normal to experience all these symptoms with Nuvaring. Ask him/her what are your other birth control options (pill, patch, shot, implant, iud).
Comment by Janine — June 13, 2011 @ 10:12 am
I have been using the ring for about a year because I am terrible with remembering to take a pill.
For a while, I had been having moderate to severe pain during intercourse, but no other time. I have been going through a rough depression, and just started losing some of the 20+ lbs I gained, and have been talking with therapists and doctors alike trying to figure out what is wrong, and it wasn’t until my boyfriend came with me on a day off that I realized something. All of my problems started a few weeks after I started the ring.
We are both completely faithful, so I knew our was not an std, and tests proved it, and after reading this I can almost guarantee that is what is happening to me. Bye bye ring, you are gone forever.
Comment by Nina — June 20, 2011 @ 11:03 pm
I have used the Nuva Ring for about 2 years now with no issues. I use three rings in a row, per my dr’s permission, to alter my cycle. I have about 4 cycles per year. Not having my cycle has cleared my acne and keeps me from having PMS. Not being a Drama Queen once a month makes everyone, including me, happier!
Comment by Felicia — June 30, 2011 @ 3:54 pm
I have been on nuvaring for about two weeks now and am starting to have very sharp pains in my vulva area and bleeding a lot.. Is this normal? Should I take it out or leave it and hope it gets better?! Help!
Comment by Lily — July 5, 2011 @ 2:26 pm
Dear Lily,
The bleeding is a normal side effect for being on Nuvaring. I wouldn’t be worried about the bleeding. The pain may probably be an infection? Check with your doctor to see if it is, if so you should definitely stop using Nuvaring. Your doctor will prescribe you to some antibiotics to clear that up. If there is no infection, then depending on how bad the pain is you can come off of Nuvaring and try another method of contraception. I would recommend you to get off of Nuvaring if the pain disables you from your daily functions, but if it is manageable, then try to stay on it for 3 months. It maybe an irregular side effect that may go away with your heavy bleeding after the first 3 months of being on Nuvaring.
Comment by Janine — July 5, 2011 @ 4:34 pm
I just started using the Nuva Ring last Tuesday. The first few days I got a little nauseous,however,not bad enough to where it affected my everyday routine. I’ve been having a weird feeling around the area where my cervix is. Is this normal? I’m not sure if it is something I should be alarmed about. Also,as of yesterday I started getting a heaviness/numbness in my left arm and leg. Today it got a little worse,with a bit of a tingling sensation(barely noticeable).Is this from the Nuvaring,or could it be caused from something else? I’m 17 years old and a bit of a hypochondriac so I’m trying to get enough information so that I don’t freak out like I usually do.
Comment by Tasha — July 26, 2011 @ 9:43 pm
Dear Tasha,
I don’t think it is a good sign that you are experiencing the heaviness/numbness of your left arm and leg. You should definitely make an appointment with your doctor and let him/her know about these side effects you are experiencing.
Comment by Janine — July 27, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
I had to take the nuva ring out for 48 hours due to some weird side effects. After the 48 hours I was instructed to put it back in to see if the symptoms came back. So far,the symptoms haven’t came back. However, I’m bleeding like I’m on some extended period,its ridiculous. I just had my period last week and now I’ve been bleeding for another whole week. So my questions here are:
A.) how long should this last?
B.) why exactly am I bleeding again?
And
C.) if I’m bleeding like this, does it mean I’m not pregnant? Or could I still be pregnant since this isn’t a period (or is it?).
Confused!!
Comment by Layla — August 1, 2011 @ 4:46 pm
Dear Layla,
How long have you been on the NuvaRing for?
I’m not sure how long the bleeding will last, but you are bleeding again because you stopped using the NuvaRing for 48 hours. Whenever you stop using the NuvaRing, you will start bleeding. If the Ring is still intact inside you then you are most likely not pregnant. I hope this helps answer your questions.
Comment by Janine — August 4, 2011 @ 10:37 am
I’ve been on the Nuva ring for about two weeks and 4 days. I had sex the day before I had to take it out(I made him pull out just in case, I’d already been on it a week and the pamphlet and website said if I put it in on the first day of my menstrual period it’d automatically start working which is what I did) and I dont know if I ovulated in the two days I had it out? If that’s even possible. This whole process my gyno put me through has confused me.
Comment by Layla — August 4, 2011 @ 10:05 pm
Dear Layla,
It is definitely confusing in the beginning. Because you have just started on the NuvaRing, when you removed it for 48 hours, bleeding will occur especially on the first month of being on the ring. Don’t worry, the bleeding shouldn’t last more than your regular period cycle, but if it does, contact your doctor to see what he/she advises.
Comment by Janine — August 5, 2011 @ 9:58 am
Ok thanks. Well, my symptoms came back so I have to take it out for good. I’m expecting some more bleeding now. Bummed out that it didn’t work for me because I really liked how convenient it was! Anyone have any good ideas for other birth control? Preferably oral contraceptives?
Comment by Layla — August 5, 2011 @ 1:35 pm
Does anyone get breast pain a week/two weeks before their period on the Nuvaring? I’m supposed to start next week and my boobs have hurt since Monday.
Comment by Jessica — August 5, 2011 @ 11:51 pm
Ok, I’ve had the nuva ring out for 24 hours now and I’m getting heavy white discharge. Does this mean Im ovulating? I’m getting really frustrated because I don’t know how any of this works and my gyno is not answering my questions in a way I can understand.
What EXACTLY happens when you take out the Nuvaring and why? When you have sex while on the Nuvaring how exactly does is protect you?
Comment by Layla — August 6, 2011 @ 8:36 am
Dear Layla,
It is best to ask your doctor to recommend you a birth control because he/she knows your medical history and would know which oral contraceptive is best for your medical situation.
Comment by Janine — August 8, 2011 @ 10:16 am
Dear Jessica,
I would recommend you to make an appointment with your doctor and let him/her know about your breast pains. Your doctor should be diagnosing you to see if there is anything wrong.
Comment by Janine — August 8, 2011 @ 10:26 am
Dear Layla,
If you do not understand what your gyno is telling you, did you try reading the instructions manual in the packet? It does a great job explaining how NuvaRing works as well what to look for if you notice something strange is happening. Here is a blog post that answers the questions you have as well: http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/blog/2007/02/what-is-nuvaring.html
Comment by Janine — August 8, 2011 @ 11:25 am
Thanks Janine! My period just started today so I think that the Nuvaring just caused my boobs to hurt more than they normally do before I start my period. All those hormones and what not. Just my body reacting
Comment by Jessica — August 8, 2011 @ 10:42 pm
Hey! So I’ve been on nuvaring for almost two years and absolutely love it. I’m 20 healthy and I’ve never been on any other birth control. I was just wondering if anyone else had menstrual worsen a lot..? I’ve never had cramps before but just recently I’ve had them severe enough to limit my activities, wake me up, and not respond to over the counter medication? And it’s just cramping that feels like throbbing in the lower abdomen.
Comment by Stephanie — August 11, 2011 @ 11:42 pm
Dear Stephanie,
It sounds like the abdomen pain is serious. I would advise you to make an appointment with your doctor and let him/her know about the problem.
Comment by Janine — August 12, 2011 @ 9:49 am
I’ve been on Nuvaring for about 4 days. This is my second time using the ring (I’d used it for a month a little over a year ago but removed it after choosing not to be sexually active for a while). Currently, I’m using the third ring from the packet I’d been prescribed last year. It does not expire until September, 2012, so I assumed I was in the clear, and didn’t want to waste money I’d spent on it before calling in a new set of my prescription. Anyway, I’m experiencing an awful pain in my lower back, to the left. I can distinctly remember experiencing something like this when I used nuvaring last year, along with growth in my breasts, breast tenderness, and a long period of bleeding beyond my regular period. It’s different this time though, because I’m on an older prescribed ring, and the only thing I’m experiencing now is back pain. I’m a little worried; it hurts so bad.
I just recently read (on womens webmd message boards) about another woman’s similar back pain symptoms, and how when she visited her doctor, she found that she had a ruptured cyst, and that hormone changes from the nuvaring could have had something to do with it. Does anyone else have any similar experiences on the nuvaring? Was it wrong of me to use a year old ring from my 3-packet prescription last year?
Comment by Kay — August 23, 2011 @ 6:09 pm
Dear Kay,
As long as the product has not expired yet, you are safe to use the ring. The back pain can be from the ring and may be a temporary side effect that may not come back after being on the ring for 3 or more months. If the pain effects your daily functions, I would recommend you make an appointment with your doctor about the pain and to also look into other birth control methods that you may be interested in other than using the ring.
Comment by Janine — August 24, 2011 @ 9:27 am
Thanks so much for responding promptly. This morning, I went to my doctor and am now taking medication to help with the back pain. If it does not subside in about 1-2 months, I’ll begin to seriously look for other forms of birth control.
Overall, I really enjoy nuvaring. I think it’s safe to say that everyone is different, and thus, will have their own physical experience when taking this product. It’s only natural for the body to respond to hormonal changes, and honestly, I’m glad mine did.
Comment by Kay — August 24, 2011 @ 10:06 am
I just started the NuvaRing about 1 month ago. Tomorrow I start my 2nd cycle. Sometime since I started the BC I have been experiencing back pain, mainly on my right side. I have been in denial as to it being the BC until now. I work in EMS so I am trying to figure out if I have lifted wrong, sit in a poorly supportive chair, lack of sleep, poor diet, over weight… I am at a loss, but today has been the worst experience in the pain! Heat does not help, sometimes stretcher, ibuprofen and loosening up at the gym have helped sometimes. I am super paranoid that at some point I truly did hurt myself…
Comment by Alyce — September 19, 2011 @ 9:16 am
Dear Alyce,
I would recommend you to make an appointment with your doctor to diagnose your pain. I am not sure it is caused by the Nuvaring, but you can always test your theory by stopping the Nuvaring to see if the pain goes away.
Comment by Janine — September 19, 2011 @ 10:02 am
I have had my Nuva Ring out for 9 days, if I put it in and then take it out in less than 3 weeks, will I still get my period when I was supposed to? Thank you!
Comment by Katrina — October 26, 2011 @ 1:26 pm
Dear Katrina,
Whenever you take out the ring, you should get your period. If this is your first time using the ring, you may not have gotten your period because your body is adjusting to the hormones from the ring. If by the 3rd month you did not get your period, let your doctor know and maybe take a pregnancy test as well.
Comment by Janine — October 27, 2011 @ 9:35 am
Has anyone experience pelvic cramps 10 days prior to the day they are due to remove their ring? I had them on and off for 2 days and not sure why. I am 22 and this is my 3rd month on NR. I also now suffer from anxiety. I go today for some blood work to “rule out the basics”
Comment by Kayla — December 12, 2011 @ 4:56 am
Dear Kayla,
The pelvic cramps sounds abnormal. Definitely get more tests done to find out what it may be.
Comment by Janine — December 12, 2011 @ 7:33 am
Janine,
I started the Nuvaring on the first day of my period, 12 days ago. I had about a 4 day regular period and had very light spotting for about 7 days (it was a brown color and very, very light like I’ve had before when I was just on the rhythm method, so my thinking was that it’s normal). Today on the 12th day I had a little more spotting than what I’ve had in the last 7 days and it looks/feels a lot like what I get when I very first start my period (deep red, rushing out when I first stood up this morning). I am seeing a loved one in 9 days. I REALLY don’t want to be spotting by the time I see him. The day I see him I am supposed to take out my ring to have a period because that will be the third week but I was going to leave it in for another week–like my doctor told me to–and put another ring in the following week (on 1/9) so I could skip my period. Ok, so I’m just looking for some advice. Should I leave it in and hope it stops by 9 days or take it out and see what happens after only 12 days of being on it, taking my chances with bleeding and then hopefully not be bleeding by the time I see him?
Thank you, Megan
(FOR ALL OTHERS READING, I can’t feel the Nuvaring, it’s easy to put in, and I’ve checked on it just to make sure it’s there and it’s fine, I am not having back pain or cramps that are abnormal. For those of you that are experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms just realize that your body is not ovulating, therefore it’s tricked into thinking it’s pregnant when it really isn’t (that’s why birth control works because it tells your body not to release an egg), so you will most likely experience some of these symptoms while on any type of birth control. Some people are just blessed, and the rest of us have symptoms. If they are severe then that is an entirely different story. We also must consider other medications we are on, family histories, and any other factors in our lives that make us differ from each other.)
Comment by Megan — December 22, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
Dear Megan,
Irregular bleeding is a very common side effect of Nuvaring, especially if you’ve been on it for less than 3 months. Here are your options: 1) If you continue using Nuvaring as directed from your doctor, you may still experience some spotting, but it may be less as you continue to use it. 2) If you stop using Nuvaring now, you will get your period and when you get back on it after the 7 day break, you shouldn’t have any spotting after you had your period, but again – spotting is very common during the first 3 months of Nuvaring. Hopefully this will help you decide whether you want to continue through the next pack or have your 7 day period.
Comment by Janine — December 23, 2011 @ 9:54 am
I’ve been on nuvaring for the past 2 months and at the end of the tree weeks with the ring in, I become unbarably nauseous. Last month I puked 3 times within a couple hours and felt horrible for 2 days. This month I opted to remove the ring 2 days early, as soon as I started feeling nauseous again. I’m too busy to be vommitting once a month. I really liked nuvaring up until the end of the 3 weeks. I will have to.stop using it though.
Comment by barfy — January 2, 2012 @ 9:58 pm
Dear barfy,
That is quite unusual. If the vomiting continues after you stopped Nuvaring, you should go see your doctor to get tested to find out what is causing you to vomit.
Comment by Janine — January 4, 2012 @ 3:32 pm
I started NuvaRing last Monday, this Monday I hooked up with a friend and we ended up having sex. Well, since I’m on the ring I didn’t think it was a problem that he didn’t pull out. But the next day and today I’ve noticed that when I wipe after going to the bathroom I have a pink/brown discharge and my boobs are tender. I had this huge emotional breakdown at work, have been crazy tired and insanely nauseous.
I was horrified that I was possibly pregnant, but after reading everyone’s posts it’s possible that the ring has caused this. Has anyone else noticed a brown or pinkish discharge while on the ring?
Comment by Amanda — February 1, 2012 @ 1:45 pm
Dear Amanda,
You are fairly new with being on the ring and the side effects you are experiencing are most likely caused by the ring. These side effect should pass after being on the ring for three months. If you are worried, you can take a pregnancy test just to make sure or you can wait for your period to come at the end of your pack.
Comment by Janine — February 1, 2012 @ 2:17 pm