Vaginal infections symptoms and conditions

I had mirena inserted in August of 2008, i bleed continuously for about two months after that my periods was really heavy. For me there was no hair loss, just stomach cramps and now i feeling like i'm pregnant, nausea also like morning sickness, but my thing is how can i be pregnant and this IUD is suppose to last for 5yrs. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow and will post an update.

Like someone said maybe its time foe a lawsuit against mirena.

I was on nuvaring for about 1.5 years until I quit late summer/early fall of 2008. I'm 25 and I quit because I always felt "dry" and had no sex drive. I felt like I was just pumped full of hormones and wanted to give my body a break and quit all birth control for a while. Around the time I quit, I began to bleed during sex. Not every time, just "hit and miss", not very much, but one time there was quite a bit. I ignored this for a while and then started looking things up on the net which lead me to freak and think I had cervical cancer. I rushed in for a pap test and even during the exam, I bled (pretty badly) this made my results inconclusive and I have to go back in 3 months after the cells on my cervix have re-grown and they can get a proper sample. I'm less worried after finding this forum, but wondering how many others out there have suffered from the mysterious bleeding during sex? Is anyone still suffering from this after discontinuing use?

Other side affects were weight gain, panic attacks, and major hair loss.

I need any kind of advise, I had my mirena for 3 months and never stopped bleeding, well after much arguing with the nurses, I finally had it removed, well going on 2 weeks this Monday I still haven't stopped bleeding and it's only getting worse, have any of you been through this and what did they tell you?

I'm 42, I had the Mirena coil fitted February 2008, due to 'disfunctional bleeding.' Although it has stopped the constant bleeding, I suffer from terrible joint pain, which I never did before, especially my hips, knees and ankles. Weight gain, which in turn is making me miserable, lots of vaginal infections, itchy and tender breasts, along with palpitations.....I think I'd rather live with the 'disfunctional bleeding!'

42wmoses-
I know what you are going through. It is so frustrating to be on a birth control pill that causes annoying physical and emotional side effects. I would say to take a month off the birth control and see if anything changes. Try not to alter your eating or exercising habits too much because that will change the results that you can notice.
If you decide to stay on Loestrin 24, I'd suggest to keep a diary for a few months. Mark down symptoms on specific days etc. to later observe any possible trends that might be related to hormone levels based on the point in time of your cycle.
Also, Nuvaring is very new and new drugs should always be used with extreme caution. What I'm trying to say is, the full range of side effects (especially the long-term ones) have not been studied yet. It is impossible to know what it may cause down the line. Personally, I don't like the idea of a foreign object sitting inside of my vagina for three weeks out of each month.
I know only one person who uses Nuvaring and she has not had any issues with it. I guess it is just important not to forget that it is in there and must be removed on a specific date. Below I have inserted the COMMON risks/side effects associated with using Nuvaring (from the Nuvaring website):

The common side effects reported by NuvaRing® users are:

Vaginal infections and irritation
Vaginal secretion
Headache
Weight gain
Nausea

I am prone to urinary tract infections and vaginal infections so this is something I would never use. If you do not have a history of those types of things, maybe it would be something worth trying. Personally, I just feel as though putting something like that inside of your vagina for three weeks continuously while being sexually active can introduce a great deal of infectious bacteria into that area.

I hope that my opinion was at least somewhat helpful. If you are still unsure of what steps to take with birth control...I would suggest making an appointment to sit down with your gynecologist to discuss all of your options. They usually have a strong grasp on what is the best for each individual patient based on history, age, current health etc. etc. because of experience with many other patients on the same medications and the imense amount of research that physicians obtain on a regular basis.

Good luck!

I cannot tell you how glad I am to have found this website!!! My husband I got married in October 2007, and I began using the ring since condoms didn't make sense to us as a monogamous couple and the risk of missing a pill was too high. Up until yesterday, I was extremely excited about the pill. My sister and some friends of mine had experienced frequent vaginal infections with the pill, but I found that mine actually lessened! My periods were shorter, my cramps nearly disappeared, my face was the clearest it had ever been and (I thought) there were no side effects!...

In November of 2007 (a month after I began using the NuvaRing) I started to experience intestinal bloating, cramps and diarrhea. We chalked it up to the difference in food and climate (I had moved from small town Illinois to Mexico City) and stress levels--although my stress levels were MUCH higher in college and high school. My mood started to deteriorate, I was constantly exhausted, and in December 2007, I developed severe digestive problems, a swollen pancreas and chronic (15 - 28 times per day) diarrhea. I was already a fit size 6 when all of this started and in just one month I dropped 13 pounds and size 4 clothes fit me loosely. Once again...we chalked it up to me being in Mexico and subjected my body to several rounds of fierce antibiotics (given to me by three different specialists). When that did nothing to help, my husband took me to get a colonoscopy. They found nothing. I spent hundreds of dollars on allergy tests and treatments. No improvement. I went to a general practice doctor to take blood, urine and stool samples. They found nothing--no amoebas, no bacteria and no other rareties. Chiropractors, acupuncturists, herbs, enzymes and probiotics did nothing to help me.

Then between February and March 2008, I gained 35 pounds (that I could not lose even with anorexic-like diet and exercise)--but maintained the digestive problems. Since that time any food with fat, carbonation, alcohol, artificial coloring, or spice has caused me so much bloating and gas that I no longer go out to eat and party with my friends. Miraculously, NO ONE--not one single doctor or specialist--suggested along the way that it could be my birth control. I was told that my depression, weight gain, loss of libido, digestive problems, chest pains, night sweats, mood swings, numbness/tingling in my fingers was all in my head! Thank you all so much for your posts! It's like seeing a light at the end of the tunnel...

Had my son in May 2006. Had mirena inserted in Nov 2006. Insertion was quite uncomfortable. I have a very high tolerance for pain. I bleed for maybe a week. Stopped having regular periods, which was great. Spotted a minor amount for the first 1.5 yrs. I've had mood swings and depression on and off for the entire time. Lately, within the past 6-9 months, I've had anxiety issues, dizziness (which I went to the dr for), hot flashes, cold flashes and the mood swings are worse. Spotting has increased. Abdominal pain in lower abdomen is almost unbareable. Like many of the women have posted, I am about ready to go the ER from time to time because of the pain. I've had 2 back to back vaginal infections which my dr says can cause cramping associated with the IUD (but she says its not because of the IUD). My skin is dryer and my libido is decreased.

I am having it removed; after 2 years. I don't know what I am going to do for BC but I honestly do not think that the mirena is worth it for me. Not to mention the more serious KNOWN possible side effects like cancer, blood clots, hypertension (which already runs in my family). I don't have these, but I don't want to take the chance of getting them. The mood swings, depression and anxiety alone not only harm me but my family as well. I'm thankful that my husband has put up with it, but frankly, I'm starting to get on my own nerves now!

And, to top it all off, for the past 2 months, at times I have a very hormonal smell. Now, I am the type to shower every day and some days (hot summer days) maybe even twice a day and so I know its completely internal. My freakin' Degree deodorant doesn't work sometimes and the smell seems to be emitting from my pores. Its not a terrible smell or constant. But when I have it, I smell like I'm in heat or something! LOL

Its coming out this week!

THANK YOU LADIES FOR SHARING. I KEPT GETTING HEADACHES, VAGINAL INFECTIONS AND DRYNESS, NO SEX DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN ON THE NUVARING SINCE JUNE, I JUST RECENTLY STARTED THINKING MAYBE ITS THE NUVARING THATS GIVING ME ALL THESE PROBLEMS. SO I DECIDED TO CHECK THE INTERNET I WAS HAPPY BUT ALSO SAD TO SEE SO MANY POSTINGS. NOW I KNOW ITS THE NUVARING. AFTER READING THE POSTINGS I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE LADIES ROOM AT WORK AND REMOVED IT. I AM GOING TO RETURN TO USING BC PILLS (ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN LO).
THANKS AGAIN,

C. MCLORN- BALTIMORE, MD

OMG! I cant believe this! And I even thought I was pregnant because of all the symptoms, these past 2 months I have been using the nuvaring and I have felt awful! I had headaches, many vaginal infections, painful sex and burning afterwards, vaginal dryness and all because of this NUVARING! I went to the doctor this morning and we decided that it is best to take it out, so I did and I have felt soooo different! I feel relieved!!!!! And I didn't even imagine that the ring was causing me all this, I thought I was sick!!! I have to see what I am going to do now....

I had mine inserted in Jan of 2005. That wasn't bad. The numbing medicine was what was bad. It made my heart race, I went deaf. But within 5 minutes the IUD was in and the numbing meds had wore off. I LOVED the IUD until I realized what it was causing. I was healthy...Since I have had the IUD:
-Migraines 3x a week or more
-Extreme amount of discharge
-Vaginal Infections
-Acne.
-Anxiety
Rarely had a headache before the IUD.
I have always had discharge, but since the IUD, it has increased by at least double the amount.
I have never had any infection until the IUD. Since I have had it, I have gotten 4 yeast infections and one bacterial infection. The doctor says that is not from the IUD. Several of my friends that have the IUD have the same problem.
I had a clear face up until about 7-8 months after getting the IUD. The doctor says that is not a side effect.
I have never suffered from anxiety until I had the IUD. I have had several attacks where I felt Suicide was the best way to handle it. Fortunately, I have 2 beautiful boys whom I would NEVER abandon!!! They are my angels.
I have to disagree with the doc. I would also like to go the doc for my next pap and tell her that she was wrong. I can't wait for my face to clear up and the infections to suddenly stop. Every one has different side effects and a woman who sees you maybe 3 times a year, is not qualified to say whether BC is the cause or not the cause of your symptoms. Like someone else said, women are born with an instinct- always trust it. More then likely- you are right.
I am married with two kids. My husband is faithful- I know for a fact. So why else would I have infections. I take care of my self the same as I did before the IUD. The acne has ruined my face and my life.
I had my IUD taken out today at 11:30 CST. We'll see what changes. And yes, I had the MIRENA!!!!
DON'T GET THE IUD!!!!!

Hi I am 35 and had the Mirena put in after I had my first baby and it was in for 1 year.....But I had the Mirena taken out about a month ago (there is no pain at all in taking it out)....within days my mood was better, I had numbness in hands and feet and that is almost completely gone....the pain in my side is gone....a month before I had it out I was told after my yearly I had Yeast Infection, Abnormal cells so I would need a biopsy and because of the pain in my side (and having the Mirena in a year) she did an ultrasound. I had a cyst....so I just went back for a recheck...cyst is gone, abnormal cells after biopsy are not abnormal....I did get another yeast infection (prior to Mirena I have never had a yeast infection) and I had 2 vaginal infections when it was in...and have one now....I will be honest it feels like I have toxins coming out of my system...I have had diarrhea once a day for a week and I start sweating even when sitting still...I do not regret for one second having it out....I already feel less bloated...also I had been going to the gym, eating well and gaining weight with the Mirena...I already feel like I have lost some....I will keep you posted....My friend had it in 4 years and she just had it out also....she had cysts, pain, bloating, weight gain, all the same symptoms.....the day before she had it out she was rushed to the ER for severe back and side pain and looking like she was 8 months pregnant....she has gone through all sorts of testing and everything came back normal....so I hate to say...but the Mirena may have a class action suit some day.....If it had worked it would have been great....but when something is too good to be true....there is probably a reason! Hope this helps you and I will post it out on the board for others!!!! Take Care Ladies! Michelle

A lot of people are complaining of the same symptoms, and saying they are going to get the Mirena out.....can more people update us with the results of having it removed? Did all the symptoms go away?
I've recently had a lot of the same symptoms (basically feeling pregnant--headaches, very tired, mild cramping, bloated, pants very tight around the waste, lower back aches, indigestion, and just a general yucky sick feeling like morning sickness--and wasting money on 2 pregnancy tests so far!), which seem now to have been PMS-related (PMS which lasted about 3 weeks before my period), though I've not had PMS like this since having the Mirena put in, and it's been over a year now. And my periods have been very irregular the whole time. I basically had spotting for about a year, then nothing for like 2 months, then this whole thing followed by a light period lasting 8 days.
I'm thinking about getting it removed, but would like to hear others' experiences with having it removed. Did these symptoms go away??

oh and here is the birth control pill side effect list...

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include loss of sex drive (libido), headaches, acne, weight gain, vaginal infections, and depression. Current research indicates that oral contraceptives increase your risk of acquiring HIV if your partner is infected. Oral contraceptives also have some uncommon but serious health risks associated with their use, especially among smokers; these include abnormal blood clotting and heart attacks, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease.

Well I've taken the Nuvaring for the last four months, 23 yrs old. I DO NOT RECOMMEND. I just recently woke up w/ a severe headache, numbness in hands and let side of my face and tongue. I went to the ER, which informed that it was a mild stroke. This was my 1st time on any contraceptive. I think I stick w/ the condoms. Due to the NR I've had vaginal infections, dryness, low sex drive, burning, and itching.

Ive been on NuvaRing for the past 1 1/2 years. I was on the patch - or Orthro Evra. I had consistent vaginal problems including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV) - at least once every 2 months - not fun! Since starting the NR, I haven't had any bacterial problems or yeast infections, but I have noticed the lack of sex drive and depression. Once a month when my menstrual cycle comes around I'm like a loose canon. I could be very moody, snappy, or just down right sad - about nothing. I guess you have to sacrifice somethings to achieve others. I'm glad I don't have infections anymore, but is there something else I could do to help with the emotional side effect?

Hello! I had the Mirena inserted in April 2007, 8 weeks after giving birth to my third child. I was wanting to be on some kind of birth control, until we were sure about doing something permanent. Instantly, after getting this inserted I started experiencing weight gain, severe cramping and bleeding. I had always had heavy periods, except when I had been on the pill. My periods were heavier on the Mirena then anything else. I would spot or have my period at least 3 weeks out of the month. Also, I would have severe pain in my back and around my kidneys. I would get constant yeast and vaginal infections with this as well. I had never had a problem with this prior. I would tell my OBGYN and they would just say this is a normal side effect with this device. I was sent in to have an ultrasound done to determine the placement of the Mirena. The ultrasound tech and her supervisor questioned the placement of the device, but my OBGYN thought that the placement was fine. I would be miserable with pain and had no sex drive at all. This was never a problem for me before. My husband said that this was great birth control, because it made women never want to have sex. I think that he was right. Also, I noticed that I experienced mood swings with my kids, severe headaches, palpatations and chest pains. I just couldn't wait to get this birth control out. My husband got a vasectomy in September 2007 and left for Iraq the first of December 2007. My symptoms kept getting worse, so I decided to get this device taken out. I had it removed on Janurary 24th, 2008. I discussed my weight gain with my OBGYN. She said that I was getting older and it was my metabolism causing me to gain the weight. Weird that I lost 15 pounds after giving bith to my 3rd child, until I had the Mirena put in. Then, I gained 33 pounds in that amount of time. More then I ever gained during any of my pregnancies. Since, I have I had the Mirena removed I have lost 13 pounds and been able to go down 2 jean sizes. I have no headaches, no cramping, no pains and my chest pain disappeared. Also, I had been breaking out with acne and never had this problem before. Now, my face is clear and no problems with acne. Of course, now that my husband is gone my sex drive is back after having this removed. I know that all the OBGYNs love this Mirena for birth control and say that it doesn't have these side effects, but read the boards. Just because the drug reps that are selling this, think it is wonderful doesn't mean that it is great. What else do you expect them to say? The OBGYN group I see has 6 doctors and each one has told me that they have had 4-6 women with the same problems. Most of the women have had this removed, after all the complications. That is just with one group. I think the FDA needs to investigate the "TRUE" side effects with Mirena. I question how safe this product really is. It seems that there are numerous complants about this device, but nobody seems to take it seriously. Best of luck to everyone else. I know that I am starting to feel more like my old self after getting the Mirena removed. I know that it was not the birth control for me.

Obviously, none of you have read the pamphlet that comes with your b.c possible side effect #1 Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

possible side effect #5 Other side effects " other side effect may include nausea and vomiting, change in appetite, breast tenderness, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections and allergic reactions.

and these are side effects on ALL b.c pills, not just Femcon fe

I started the NuvaRing 2 days ago and since reading this site I have just run to the bathroom and swiped the thing out as fast as I could.
I did not really want to go to another form of hormonal birth control as I have had some severe side effects in the past on the Pill (Loette 28), which I took for seven years. I had no idea that all the symptoms I was having had anything to do with the Pill until I decided to stop taking it about 8 months ago. Since then, I have been a new person, according to my boyfriend. I no longer feel depressed, sad, anxious, or have severe nausea and vomiting. It's sad to think that for seven years I was doing so much damage to my body and my mind because of this.
The one other thing I noticed being off the Pill was an increase in yeast and vaginal infections. I have also been having abnormal PAP smears and have since discovered that I have mild dysplaysia.
So I went to the doctor and he told me that if I go back on the Pill or the NuvaRing, he thinks it might help the yeast infections. I was really skeptical and have been putting it off for months, but finally, I inserted it 2 days ago. The very first day I was having symptoms: Severe headaches (I NEVER get headaches!), nausea, depression, and the worst heart palpitations and dizziness I have ever felt!! I felt weird, like something was taking control of my body. Anyway, after trying to eat something last night and feeling queasy throughout the meal and then vomiting for the first time in 8 months, I am convinced that this is not me!!! It is the NUVARING!!!
Two days was enough for me- I am not going to wait it out this time. I want to be hormone free! If you really think about it, how can putting your body in a constant state of pregnancy be healthy?? We are not made for that. It is completely unnatural!!! We are inevitably playing with fire here.
My advice to any women out there? Seriously watch for ALL symptoms you are having with the Ring or any Pill and if there are any that are similar to this site, then please try and go off it and see what you feel. You may feel like a different person, like I did!!
Good Luck

I have been on this pill for 5 months and it has been a nightmare. I started to get acne again. My weight jumps high/low. My mood swings changes happy to depressed and i don't even know why. I have never had a problem with vaginal dryness which caused me to have painful intercourse, urinary track infection, vaginal infections, tender/swollen breast, spotting (1st three months) very bad cramps, dry skin, can't sleep. I even had sex the other day and he hit a spot and it hurt for like a min. but after that min thats when i began to cry. I couldnt stop. He felt so bad and said whats wrong and i told him i dont know b/c i didnt know. I felt like an idiot. And i always think that i am preganent from all these problems.

I never had these problems when i was on yazmin. Im switching back to yasmin next week. I never has theses problems and i have been on yazmin for 2 years. I only switched b/c i wanted shorter periods. I would never refer this pill to anyone!

I've been on Yasmin for nearly 5 months now and as of last month, all the major side effects started really kicking in: leg cramps, fatigue, moodiness, weight gain, irritability, depression, foggy thinking, breast enlargement, vaginal infections, etc. So my question is this: If a woman experiences side-effects with one pill, won't she experience them with any and all other pills? I would almost rather just go off of them altogether because I feel like even though the drugs vary from one to another, ultimately they have the same effect: to fill you with hormones to "trick" your body into thinking it's pregnant all the time (no ovulation) so that you won't get pregnant.

Any thoughts?

To the post about vaginal infections
I never had a infection itching in my life now 4 months off Yaz/Yasmine Iam itchy there as well dont know what it is

The anti depressant question Iam still in the air about that I wouldnt take both I debated taking something else also

My life is like a mirror someone picked it up and dropped it

I thought I was starting to feel better than now bad again everytime I start to feel normalcy it changes

I wish I knew what it was

Its enough to drive you crazy

I have been to doctors hormone specialists counselors no one knows whats going on

The only savior is that people seem to get better at some point

I wish someone knew what happened

I have experienced vaginal infections as well as hives around my eyes (which have been severly swollen) and on my neck. It almost reminds me of a heat rash

First off- i want to say thanks to everyone who has posted their side effects because now i know that its the NR thats been causing all of my symptoms. I've been on the NR for 1month-I have inserted my second NR 3days ago.

One of the side effects I have are headaches. It feels like i have a brick sitting on top of my brain. It gets soooo bad, but I take excedrin and it seems to help. Another side effect is abdominal pain, its not bad at all but i can feel alittle discomfort. Also, I have absolutely NO sex drive and during sex I am extremely dry. This was never an issue(I loved sex) but now I dont even think of it. I have also gained weight and increase appetite. As weird as it is, this is the only part I like. I am very skinny and always wanted to gain weight and this side effect is the only reasdon why i am staying on the NR, until I reach the weight I desire then i will get off. My breasts have gotten bigger-1cup size larger. And lastly, I always feel a discomfort down there. It almost feels like I always have a UTI or something but i have tested neg. for any vaginal infections, but still I feel REALLY irritated down there.

All in all, I would not recommend the nuva ring because I have never felt these symptoms before until i started the NR.

It has been a couple of months since I started the nuvaring, and ever since I have been using it, I have had constant vaginal infections, which I never have before. Nothing had changed except for the new birth control i.e. nuvaring