NuvaRing and bloating

This is unbelievable... i thought everything that's been wrong with me, has been in 'my head', sex drive, weight gain, fuzzy vision, mood swings...

I honestly think this should be taken off the market. I cannot believe everyone's comments about this contraception. I have taken the pill over the years, depo provera, and thought my mood swings were bad then, but what really is the kicker, is the sex drive, hot flashes and weight gain/bloating.

At 29 years old, i have never felt the way i've felt on this, i've been trying to explain to my boyfriend 'it's just me' !, now i realize why.
as for the weight gain, i have always been conscious of my diet and exercise. for the past two weeks i have especially been trying to lose weight, but to no avail. hot flashes, it's insane. Please after reading this, look for another form of birth control. This should never have been approved. I took it out immediately after reading other's comments.

This is so interesting. I have been taking NuvaRing for over a year now, and for about a year I absolutely loved it. Recently, however, things have changed. In Feb. I accidentally left the ring in for one week too long and then put it in one day late... I didn't think much of it, but then in March my period was really light. In April, my breast began to swell and got very tender and I started having headaches and a lot of nausea and I started gaining weight. At the end of the month, my period was just spotting. I, of course, took a pregnancy test, which came out negative. In May and June things have continued to be bad...spotting periods, extreme fatigue, a lot of weight gain, constipation, bloating and pain in my abdomen during sex. I took two more home pregnancy tests and even went to my doctor for a blood test...all negative. Today, my family doctor suggested that it could be my nuvaring. I had no idea! That's why I googled NuvaRing side effects today and found this sight. I've scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN so I can change my BC method. Looking back, I have noticed that I am much more aggressive than I was 1.5 years ago. I used to have great relationships with my students and used to be such a patient person, but over last 1.5 years I have started to get aggravated really easily...I even honk my horn at people. That is really not who I am! So hopefully after I take the NuvaRing out, I'll go back to being myself and feeling healthy.

This is my second NuvaRing after getting off of Yasmin for 6 months. I will be taking out my NuvaRing in a few more days.

The first time I used NuvaRing, my eyes started to hurt and could not tolerate contacts. Now it's fine. I had a bit of cramping. My boyfriend could kind of feel the ring and so could I. My first period came and it was HEAVY! I had to change my Super Absorbancy tampon every 2 hours, even at night, for at least 5 days. My periods are usually 7 days, with the heaviest during the 1st and 2nd days. However I've never had a heavy period like this before. I thought I was losing too much blood.

Right now I'm on the second NuvaRing, and I've been getting bad cramping that ended up with me going to the bathroom to relieve myself. This has been happening for the past two weeks. After eating, cramping. Sometimes I even have to lay down as it feels like I am rupturing my abdomen from the inside out. And tremendous bloating. I could not zip up my pants because it causes cramping.

I've cramped and bloated with Yasmin, but not as bad as this. When I am on top of my boyfriend, it is highly uncomfortable and hurts for me to try to move. I felt that I'm on an emotional roller coaster all the time and headaches come and go. I have almost no sex drive because of the discomfort.

I'm done with the NuvaRing. I'm going back to Yasmin.

Hey all,
I am meant to be starting the Nuvaring on Sunday. I was on Ortho Lo for about a year but gained significant weight on it and could not take the bloating so my Dr. switched me to Yasmin last month. I have been an emotional mess all month so we have decided to try another delivery method, the ring now and see if side effects are less for me. I am scared though in case I gain even more weight or have another month of depression. Has anyone had positive experiences switching?

Just started the NuvaRing. only had it in maybe 2 weeks. tons of pimples and having pelvic pains, lots of bilat flank pain. last 3 days abd bloating and gained 3 pounds (obviously most likely fluid retention). nausea and gastric pain after eating. I had been on the ring quite a few years ago and could not remember why I only used a short time. hmmmmm now I remember! Something quite not right. I went online to see if these symptoms may be short term but from all the other comments does not look like they are. Took the ring out. Also like others foul smelling discharge. This was only after 2 weeks. After reading all comments looks like a poor birth control choice if there are others with good experiences they should report otherwise this medication should really be taken off the market.

I'm five months postpartum and quit the mini-pill a few days ago and started NuvaRing as soon as the bleeding started (yesterday morning). I have never felt so aggressive in my life! Perhaps it the combination of getting off one BC method and onto another, but this is awful! I feel angry toward my baby and my husband. Do I need a break or a new BC? Before I got pregnant, the pill made me feel even worse, crying all the time. Now I just feel volatile and mean.

I am so relieved that I'm not crazy! I started using NuvaRing after rave reviews from my girlfriends. I loved the patch but thought their was no harm in trying something different. After 2 weeks I've thrown in the hat after reading all of your side effects. I have been so depressed! I couldn't imagine wanting to have sex ( we are newlyweds so this is weird!). I had terrible bloating and cramping. I really thought it might have been what I was eating. After really cleaning up my diet I thought something was up. Thanks so all your postings! Hopefully I will get back to the spunky girl I was 2 weeks ago!

I was really hesitant to start the ring. I had tried the Birth Control pill a thousand times since I was 16 and every time I would become an emotional wreck and suffer from severe depression, and gain 20 pounds-so I would stop. My GYNO suggested the ring b/c it has a more consistent release of hormones-the peeks and valley's of the pill may have been the problem....so I am onto my second month using the ring. It was easy to insert, I did notice some cramping the day after inserting it for the first time but expected it! I hadn't noticed any burning or itching. My moods were fine...I thought this was going to be great...until my first 7 day break...my cycle was probably the heaviest its ever been the cramps were crippling. I was in bed with a migrane so bad I couldn't bear to move for the remaining 3 days that I had the ring out. The migrane seemed to have disappeared once I put in my second ring but I have had mild hedaches since on and off and the cramps seem to be more speratic....I was lying in bed the other night and all of the sudden I had a horrible sharp pain I had never felt before- it felt like my ovary exploded.....but it disappeared seconds later and haven't felt it since ( it was a very scarey feeling)....I have noticed some weight gain- about 5 pounds since starting it less than 2 months ago despite being active...and I have noticed the gaseous side effect several other had mentioned...It is horrible (along with the bloating and irregular movements!) The first month was just fine but I am worried now that the side effects may be too much to deal with...I am going to stick it out for a little while longer-I want this method to work! It really is so convienent and I can't feel it nor can my boyfriend!

Oh my god!!! I just read through all the posts looking for someone else with this issue! After using the NR for a few months, i developed this horrible back pain that kept me awake at night tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. I also had a tightness in my chest and although i did not develop a rash, i felt itchiness all over my body. I started having flu like symptoms and wondered if I developed adult onset allergies since I never had them before. I even went back to my GYN and told him and he made me feel like I was crazy...I had stopped the NR for a month and then restarted and the back pain returned...So, i stopped again...strangely enough though, the pain remained for another month...I did also develop a severe migraine headache a few days before I had to remove the ring each month. I tried switching to an oral contraceptive but the naseau always stops me from taking it. Reluctantly, I went back to the NR this month. So far, I have naseau daily which comes in waves, bloating, increased discharge, fatigue...I feel pregnant...just figure my body just needs to get used to it again. Not ready for another baby so don't feel i have much choice right now. Any suggestions?

I am currently on my 3rd NuvaRing. I had been on approximately 8 different pills since 2004 and could not find a solution for my CONSTANT bleeding. I have Endometriosis and I was only having about 5 days of the month that I was not bleeding. This has actually been going on for about 14 years but getting a lot worse since I came off of the Norplant in 2004. Since being on the NuvaRing, this is the first time I have gone more than one month with a completely normal period. I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive but not a complete death, I am paying attention. I am having slight heart palpitations for the first time since coming off of the Norplant, so I know those are from the NR, but not too badly or frequently. Headaches on the last 3 days before it comes out but otherwise. And absolutely NO pain or bloating associated with my period (I used to look 4 months pregnant most of the time). So far I am happy but am watching carefully. I have noticed a negative change in my attitude also but am not convinced yet that it's the NR since I have been through a lot recently. I will keep you posted.

I have been on Nuva Ring for about 7 months now and at first I loved it. It was great not having to worry about taking the pill everyday and with 2 small children who has time to think much less take pills. I started having problems about 3 months after taking it...bloating so bad I looked 4/5 months pregnant, gas pains that would wake me up at night, heartburn/acid reflux. I have been through numerous tests to try and find out what is causing my stomach pains (ct scans, ultra sounds, blood work) now the Dr. wants to put me on Paxil after putting me on Prilosec and Gas Relief Chewables. Nothing is working, I can't stop the bloating for nothing...its interfering with my everyday activities. Not only is my stomach an issue but my moodiness is TERRIBLE. I hate EVERYTHING, I dont want to be bothered...leave me alone is my new attitude. I have always been a moody person but this is severe. Everyone around me says I need to be on "be nice pills" and that makes me even angrier when I hear that. I cry/laugh/get mad feel like Im screaming inside...I am still taking this stupid thing listening to the Dr. saying the Nuva Ring doesn't cause these side effects, but after reading all this I think I'm going to take it out for a couple of months to see if anything changes.

I've been on the NR for 4 months and was really happy with it.... A little discharge and I knew it was from the ring because I don't ever have discharge but it was not bad at all. This past month I started having the most horrible LOWER BACK PAIN. I started mattress shopping and ALMOST bought a $4000.000 mattress to fix the problem.. Then it came time to remove the NR and within 1 minute (or less) of removing my back pain completely went away and I'm again sleeping like a baby, when before I was up most the night with lower back pain. I haven't seen lower back pain as a side effect so I just wanted to post to see if anyone might have the same problem. Not sure if it was just in the wrong spot and I should try again this next month or not..

I took the Nuva Ring out about three weeks ago for reasons unrelated to any symptoms. I just happened to find this site today looking at something else. I had no idea that the things that were going on with me could be related to the Nuva Ring until I'm reading these posting today. I've always had migraines so I didn't attribute them to the Nuva Ring - however several months ago (I started using Nuva Ring in March) I had to go to the hospital because I had a severe migraine for over three days and the Imitrex that usually alleviates the pain - sometimes even temporarily did not work at all. Also I had suffered from depression before taking Nuva Ring but over the last several months it had become severe. My moods were out of control. I had anxiety, crying all the time, extreme mood swings. I've had extreme fatigue but just thought it was related to the increase in depression. Last month I went to a psychopharmcologist to have a medication evaluation because I felt the depression meds weren't working anymore. The doctor doubled my dosage! I've had weight gain but just thought I was eating more than usual - no idea the Nuva Ring could have been causing the increase in appetite. I've had night sweats and during the day I'm always freezing no matter where I am. At work I use a sweater and a small blanket for my legs. This is crazy. I just thought my office was too cold (maybe it is). Some bloating but nothing I couldn't live with. I have not had any problems with bleeding or unusual cramping. No vaginal discomfort at all. Sex has been good. No problems with dryness. I found it completely convenient. I just had no idea the problems I was having could be associated to the Nuva Ring. I am so happy I found this site. I was going to start back on tomorrow but I definitely will not.

I have been on NR for 5 months. I have experience all of the symptoms metioned in these postings. I have to tell you its a relief to hear I'm not the only one. I feel like I'm falling apart. My periods are about 2 days of brown spotting, the nightsweats are terrible. I know its summer but for no reason I just break out into a sweat and not only at night. Also I have been having kidney pain and what are described as "ice pick headaches". I didnt see these mentioned here. Anyone else feel it? It also feels like I have something in my stomache but it turns out its all the bloating. I also read one poster how she would drink and drink and not go to the bathroom. That happens to me too. I will be making an appt to see my OBGYN to discuss other options.

I just started using this thing because I have problems with memory and attention and did not think the pill was safe for me. But I have had bloating and cramps since I put it in, and now I am afraid to take it out early because it will mess up my cycle. But maybe that is already messed up. I have very regular though sometimes shorter (20 days) cycles And I am wondering what are the consequences of taking it out early. Anyone know?

2 DAYS!!! That's it ladies. I had the dang on thing in for two days. I'd found this website on Day1(Monday)...cause only after 30mins of having it in, I was having weird tighten cramping like crazy. Later in the day they subsided...some! On Day2 (Tuesday), it was like a dark cloud was coming over me (depression?). It was no positive thinking going on ladies. To know me, people come to me when their down. I was also bloated beyond belief... Mind you, I'd just inserted this thing after my regular period (following the directions). So, on the 3rd Day Wednesday), experiencing more cramping, more depression, more bloating... I'd had enough. After reading blogs I knew the best thing to do was to REMOVE the ring. When I pulled out the ring it had a thick white substance on it. WTF!!! Then on Saturday, I started having cramps, and would you know that on Sunday, I started my PERIOD, again!!!! WTF, Really! And, this was no ordinary period... it was everything these women have talked about. It had a smell, it was bloody red/brown mixed, and still today (Thursday) I gotta odor and only brown discharge...GRRRRR!!! Messed up 1pair of panties. I'm mad. Ladies, listen up DO NOT USE THE NUVA RING!! 2days = 2weeks of Bull-----. Bottom-line, it ain't worth it. Sadly, NuvaRing was my 3rd and last BC option. I'm off to find those women condoms. Eureka!!!

Been on NR for 10 months. I had been off the pill for a few years after being on it for 15 years straight. The 1st few months on NR I noticed the mood swings from the insertion and removal of the ring, otherwise it was ok. I also lost about 9 pounds. But it has stated to creep up on me that over the last 6 months I felt like I had to really work hard to focus on anything. Very spacy and possibly depressed, critical of myself and others and a bit obsessive about certain things. This was nothing like the laid back person my friends knew before. Then I got a urniary tract infection and a few months later, after very painful sex, I got a yeast infection. Since the yeast infection a week ago I have gained 5 lbs. I hope it is bloating and will go away after this period. It feels is like my body is completly out of synch. I have felt extreamly tired over the past 6 months. It wasent a constant tiredness, but when it came on it was very difficult to stay awake, at work, in meetings etc. I also could not get out of bed sometimes, I had the achy bones and sorness that others have experenced. I kept looking at my nutrition intake to make sure I was getting what I needed and I should have been fine. I keept wondering what is wrong with me...... Then one day I wonderd if the extreme need to sleep, and the general feeling of not beeing fully conected to my surroundings could be this ring and the hormones. I am thinking of going off it to see if my life, sleep, etc. improves. I also wanted to mention that the NR website does not address if there are any issues with using a yeast medication over the counter or the pill. I have seen on other websites that both can cause issues. When I called NR they could only comment on the Monistat, Miconazole-That it will increase the level of hormones-and it is safe to use. Now scientifically if the levels go high enough it can cause spontanious ovulation......but they could not comment on that. They had no information on Diflucan- the pill for yeast infections or its possible affect. How is it possible they do not know if common medications can cause you to potentially become pregenant or have other side affects. I now truly question if this company has did the research in shlud to be on the market.

I am so glad I found this website. I've been on NuvaRing for almost two years. I've experienced many of the symptoms other postings have described such as nausea, excessive bloating, mood swings, bizarre discharge, headaches, etc. I always felt better the week of my period when I was off the NuvaRing. I just put up with them thinking I'd rather deal with this than take the pill every day. The biggest complaint that I have is how (I now know) it has affected my sex life. I've been on NuvaRing since I was married and have never really enjoyed sex during our marriage. Last night was really painful, and it was obvious that it was because of the ring. My vagina felt insensitive during sex and then crazy burning pain. I found this website because I wondered if the ring might actually be affecting my sex drive and the ability to enjoy sex. Much of what I have read confirms my suspicions. I'm done with it and look forward to feeling myself again.

I have been on nuvaring for almost three weeks. After reading these posts, I am wondering if this is why I have been feeling so exhausted and unmotivated. It seemed to start three days after I put it in. I could barely enjoy the camping trip I went on. I am turning 41 next month and am on it to help with getting rid of complex ovarian cysts, extreme PMS, and very painful periods. I have not noticed any weight gain or uncomfortable bloating or breat tenderness, which I like. However, I am thinking this might explain why I am totally exhausted. I suffer from chronic pain and notice that I feel worse lately and the last thing I need is more chronic fatigue. I think since I started having chronic pain after a car accident, I have not been able to tolerate BC pills though in the past, I didn't do too badly on Mircette and a couple of other things. Loestrin was the worst ever. I am wondering if anyone can tell me if the depression goes away on the Nuvaring?

I am a healthy, active 31-yr-old with no medical problems other than acid reflux (I take Prilosec OTC) and 50 lbs overweight. (I may be slightly overweight, but I'm very strong, healthy, and I work out religiously 3-4x a week with a personal fitness trainer.) I've been an Ortho-Tricyclen user for years due to my dysfunctional menorrhea (extremely painful menstruation with flooding blood for days, unending cramps, bloating and water-weight gain). I absolutely adore the OT Rx as I only have to have my period 4x a year, and it's not so dysfunctional when it comes. However after doing much research, I decided to try out Nuvaring and drop taking the pill everyday. I started the ring this past Saturday night at 10 PM (as that's easier for me to remember than a Sunday) and today is only less than two days later. My ankles blew up with what seems like water after the first eight hours of use. I had sex later on Saturday night with the ring inside me, and I got to add a burning sensation to my symptoms, which as of yet still has not gone away. Today (Monday) when I woke up, my hands are swollen now too. Exactly 36 hours of wearing the ring, and already symptoms, least to mention symptoms that should have nothing to do with birth/menstruation control? I just threw the ring away a few minutes ago; I'm going back to OT this week.

I have been on the Nuvaring for 2 months now and have noticed different side effects. Firt of all, I have had severe migraines, to the point of vomitting (and this usually occurs after I have removed the ring). My mood has changed. I am angry all the time and feel bothered by just about anything. Lately I have been experiencing severe back pains and I have been bleeding before the 21 days are over. Also I feel alot of cramps and bloating.

WOW!! I am so glad I found this site. I started on the NuvaRing last August since then I have beeb consistantly gaining weight. I exercise 5-6 days a week 1 1/2 hours a night. I was getting so frustrated because I would jog and jog. Instead of loosing weight I just kept gaining. I started dieting (didn't eat very much to began with ) still gaining weight. I was at 117 when I started now 140!!!. I have experieenced the bloating. My breasts doubled in size literally. I have many other of the side effects mentioned by other women on this site. I have just gone off of it tonight. I sure hope this goes well. Has anybody suffered any side effects coming off of it?

I have been on NuvaRing for 2 years 8 months. I have been seeing a doctor for the past 20 months for a series of unresolved symptoms:

1) extreme exhaustion
2) unexplained weight gain/inability to lose weight
3) Gall Bladder attack
4) High Inflammation based on CRP (C-Reactive Protein), predictor for heart disease, alzheimers, stroke, cancer, etc.
5) Loss of mental focus - Constant brain fog.

Other symptoms digestion problems, bloating, zero sex drive.......

It just occurred to me this weekend that it might be the NuvaRing. I had a gall bladder attack in June of 2005, with no symptoms and not a typical profile for someone to have an attack. In May 2006 my husband and I took a trip to Hawaii and I skipped my period by inserting a 2nd ring when I removed the first. I did not feel good the entire trip (bloating, extreme headaches, sensitivity to sun, stomach upset), and even had a skin reaction to the tag on my swimsuit (sign of high inflammation). I have been through cancer tests, bone marrow test's, tested for autoimmune disease (all thankfully came back negative) and there is no explanation for the high inflammation I am experiencing. My inflammation/CRP levels are 2x what Lupus and Rhumatoid Arthritis patients experience.

I have been on an anti-inflammatory diet for 6 weeks, and the results were actually worse at the second test. So in trying to deduct what could be causing the inflammation and other symptoms it finally occurred to me that - BINGO maybe it is the NuvaRing! I read the potential side effects and was shocked - gall bladder disease, heart disease is one of them. I have been off for 2 weeks, and I already feel like a new person. I have not been tested again for inflammation (will happen in 2 weeks), but I am almost positive that is the cause.

Don't let this be you, do not let symptoms go as long as I did before realizing what you are doing to your body. Maybe the NR works for some people, but judging by the number of responses on this board, not many!

Hey everyone.
I wanted to thank you for all your comments. I've been on NR for 5 or 6 cycles now and didn't realize that it might be the cause of recent issues.
1. My breast are lumpy/sore and have increased a cup size
2. Some weight gain and salt cravings (I feel like a pregnant woman) which, in turn cause me to bloat.
3. Facial bloating
4. mood swings. I'm on top of the world the first to weeks it's in then im awful the last week.
5. Worst worst, is the constant feeling going into the end of the 2nd/3rd week that i'm on the verge of getting some kind of vaginal infection.

I had something going on over Christmas (my gyno thought it was a yeast infection or cysts) with vaginal pain ovarian pain and back pain that I thought I had PID or even herpes even though tested negative for everything.

I took it out today on my normal cycle and I wonder if I should just stop completely. It scares me because of my fam. history of breast cancer. I've only been on nuva. is there some other form of hormonal birth control that's right for me?

hi all,
just wondered if anyone has had problems with NR after a long period of use? I have been on the ring for 2 years, without a problem. I felt like i had finally found the perfect contraceptive! Then, out of the blue my periods changed- severe cramping and bloating, nausea and vomiting and diarehha (sp?) I called my doc and her response was that it was a side effect of hormornal birth control. She said to leave the ring in and have fewer periods... less times a year that I am that miserable. To me, this seems like a horrible solution. Anyone else out there have a similar experience? What have you done to make it better?

I have been onthe nuva ring for a few weeks. and i have a history of birth control use too. first off, u DONT gain weight from birth control. if anything its water weight such as bloating and such. and yes ur breasts to get bigger.
YOU ALL must understand that birthcontrol makes ur body think u are pregnate!!! HELLO! that it why ur boobs get bigger, and u have abdominal pain, and ur horemones go wack. might i add that u also wanna eat a lot??? but birth control ALONE does NOT make u gain weight. u choose to eat.
unfortunatley birthcontrol isnt for all women b/c of chemical imbalances. which is another story.
but i havent had any problems with nuva ring except some abdominal pain.

Make wise choices, and take care of ur body. u choose to eat, and u choose ur birth control. be well everyone!

The only serious side effect I have had is some bloating and a stomach ache the first day. Does anyone know how long the bloating generally lasts after you begin using the ring?