I have used the NuvaRing for approximately 2 years and been very ...

I have used the NuvaRing for approximately 2 years and been very happy with it for the most part, although I have started to realize some possibly connected side effects. Not having to commit to a daily pill taking schedule has been great and I liked the fact that it was a lower dose of hormones since it is close to your uterus and does not have to go through the digestive system like pills do. However, I have noticed a decrease in sex drive and I have been drier over time. Sex is still great, but I definitely have to work harder to get motivated. I have also noticed that my allergies have worsened over the last 2 years and I used to never get sick, but the last 2 years I have gotten sick several times. It may not be directly connected, but it is an interesting observation. I had a little weight gain and my breasts got bigger for about 2-3 months, but then it evened out and returned to normal and I felt great. I think I also was a little bit more emotional than usual the first couple months, but not drastically- nothing that caused any problems. I think I helped regulate my emotions by being conscious that my body was working to balance itself back out. However, because of the allergy thing, immune system thing, and sex drive thing, I think I am going to try going off it for awhile and use a fem cap and spermicide instead. I am ready for male birth control already! I will post again if there are any side effects with going off and how the new methods work. Thanks for everyone's comments; its so important to have this public information out there!