Today was my first time taking NuvaRing out and about four hours ...

The first time I removed it, I had the same thing, only it occurred about 10 minutes after removing it. It was really sharp pains in "that" area, kind of like terrible cramps lower than normal. It went away after a few minutes. After two more months on it, I took it out for good (and again experienced that shooting pain again). Just not worth it. Though to its credit, I did not experience the shooting pain when I took it out in the 2nd month. Just the 1st, 3rd and last. (ha. That sounds so terrible to put up with for so long!)

YES!!! i've read all these posts looking for others who only have symptoms when you take the ring out! for teh solid week that it's out i cry in pain. i feel like i'm in early labor, have the flu, and am constipated all at the same time. it doesnt' let up the whole week.