NuvaRing and condoms

Is this normal??? I inserted NuvaRing for the first time August 26th. (During my exam). My NP said it would be okay to start then (although my last period was 08/11), but to use additional contraception. My husband and I have been using condoms since the birth of my daughter 2 years ago - so we continued like normal. Twenty minutes after my appointment, I became very nauseated. The following day I had a severe metallic taste in my mouth and a pounding headache. I became extremely tired (falling asleep at 8:30pm) and got very achy, especially arms and legs. I felt like I was on diet pills or drugs (jetty feeling, trouble spitting out words, racing thoughts). The symptoms would be gone in the morning, but come back as the day wore on. The problems became so bad that I took the Ring out on 08/31. (Holiday weekend, no NP on duty). I called the doctor's office on Tuesday. They said that I probably coincidentally caught a virus. It is now 09/07. My symptoms have become better day by day since removing the Ring, but the metallic taste is now a soap taste and I still have occasional nausea. Shouldn't the hormones be gone by now? How long will this last? Anybody????

Friends,
I've posted on this twice before. I was on the ring for nearly 2 years before I got off this past February when I discovered this site. I have to say I feel sooooo much better. Currently, I'm not on any birth control (we use condoms and spermicide) and I love being myself and being normal. While I gave up convenience and a relative peace of mind, I also gave up a decreased loss in sex, dryness, mood swings, fogginess, and putting my health at risk etc.

I still have numbness in my legs especially at night (RLS was ruled out) but it's much better than months ago. I never had this before I started the Ring.

I worry about others because I didn't know my side effects were caused by the Ring. And my obgyn made me feel like an idiot when I suggested it. But getting off the Ring was the best choice. I have my health, my sex drive, and natural lubrication not to mention a great relationship with my boyfriend (when you lose interest in sex obviously your partner is going to take it personally).

If you have NO side effects and are confident the Ring will not affect you then by all means go for it. But if you have doubts look into it. Trust your instinct and take care of your health. There's no point in taking birth control if it's going to kill you (figuratively or literally).

I'm looking forward to being healthy again and I hope that you all are safe.

I am 44, have had an endometrial ablation surgery to try to put a stop to heavy, ridiculous, debilitating periods (I also have a tipped uterus...) and had very intermittent periods for a couple of years after surgery. Now they're back on a 28 day cycle and I reluctantly went back on birth control. Since on nuvaring two weeks I've had a heavy discharge, low back pain-- and the worst of it is breast tenderness, moodiness and tiredness that mimic the symptoms of pregnancy. I, like many contributors here, feel like condoms and spermicides are a better option. My GYN whom I trust a great deal is a big fan of NuvaRing

Wow! I cant believe other women have had these same symptoms, I started the NuvaRing about three months ago after I lost a baby very early in gestation, I swore I would never have to go through that again, so my doctor put me on the NR and I couldn't tell If I was still hormonal from the pregnancy or if it was the ring, But Im a wreck! Im so mean and hateful to my husband pretty much mean to everyone, I feel like this big mean lady walking around, and thats not me not at all I have crazy dreams, horrible anxiety, panic attacks and PMS from HELL. I have never been on birth control before so I have nothing to compare it to. But after reading this.Im really considering taking it out so I can be myself again.

I'm 26 and i decided to go back on birth control after being off the pill for about 7 months, and i heard that the nuvaring was amazing. well im three weeks into it and i have the worst acne i have ever experienced in my life, my face, neck, back.... and I am extremely clean with my skin. I am also experiencing intense anxiety attacks about the smallest things. My sex drive is the same and wetness factor is not an issue, no redness or irritation or discomfort. I noticed my breasts are a lot fuller which isn't a bad thing. But despite that, I pulled it out today frustrated by the extreme acne and overall general mood, I am feeling like I am struggling to be happy and I have never had depression issues in the past. I just want to be myself again and not feel self conscious from acne covering my body. condoms seem like the best alternative to me at this point.

I USED NUVARING FOR LESS THAN 7MO I ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING ,DISCHARGE LESS APPETITE SHORTNESS OF BREATH BACK ACHE, STOMACH ACHE AND EXTREMELY TIRED ALL THE TIME. PAIN DURING SEX SO ENOUGH I SKIPPED THE GYN AND STRAIGHT TO THE ER, A CATSCAN SHOWED A 10MM MASS , YES OVARIAN CANCER GO FIGURE , I SAY ALSO GET BACK TO BASICS CONDOMS THE MOST SAFE EFFECT BC YOU COULD EVER USE PERIOD!

I was just put on the nuvaring and I am not so sure I like it. I suffer from mild depression, now that I am on this I am even more so... I am angry, agitated and yell at my kids often. I don't like this. I have also started to spot and feel crampy and bloated. My periods weren't bad before but is this a sign of bad times to come? I don't like feeling like this and my doctors says stay on it and to go on a antidepressant, not what I really want to do.

I am so relieved to know that I'm not turning into some crazed basket case!
I've been on nuvaring for over 2 years. In the beginning, I couldn't believe the product...it was phenomenal! Put it in, and forget about it! Also, skipping periods was never so easy! I never spotted...just inserted a new ring and went on my merry way!

Well, that all changed about a year ago. I was planning my wedding, so I chalked my moodiness and depression on this huge event (of course! makes sense, right?). Time went on, and the feelings have not dissipated. I have always been a very emotional "in tact" female...a tuff Texas girl! I've had management jobs where my even keel disposition has been key to my success. Now, I'm afraid I'm going to breakdown at work...that would be BAD...really bad.

Also, my weight has been a thorn in my side. Although, I am not a big girl (135#), I'm bigger than I'd like (used to be 125). And, what's up with the belly pooch!? NEVER in my life have I had a belly that pokes out like this! I work out 4-5 x a week and eat healthy (yes healthy, you skeptics). My breasts have blown up like the Macy's day parade which my husband is all for, but I'm, quite frankly, getting a little scared of them:)

I am taking my nuva out on Sunday, and I CANNOT wait!! I want to go back to my fun, happy-go-lucky self.

BTW!! - To you men reading these entries with a girlfriend or wife that has recently turned into a crazy loon...stay strong for your lady. My husband has been an amazing man. I know he's wanted to get in his car and run away a couple times, but he has stuck by me. And I'm about to rock his world with my new and improved sex drive (when it decides to come back).

Best of Luck and I'll see you lovely ladies on the other side!!

I started NuvaRing just like the directions stated. I have never taken any birth control ever in my life. I am 30 yrs old and me & my husband have always used condoms. A few hours after inserting it, I had horrible cramps all night. I started feeling different emotionally and physically (bloated). I completely lost my usually high sex drive. I HATE NUVARING!!! I hung in there for the full three weeks, trying to give it a chance. I started having horrible headaches, and I became the biggest bitch in the world. My husband even begged me to take it out. After taking it out, I could tell w/in 24 hours that I was already getting back to the "old me". I am supposed to start my period now, but instead have some funky dark brown discharge and there doesn't seem to be any blood...could this really go on for weeks...any advice???? ~Very Concerned

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.

HELP!

After reading many postings, I don't feel like I'm the only one with my problems.

I've been on the ring for the past 2 1/2 years. Looking back I've noticed that I've had numerous migraine headaches and pretty much ZERO sex drive. How frustrating!!

What the heck do I do? Anyone know of which birth control I can switch to? I've been on numerous pills (orthocept, orthonovum, orthotri), the patch and the depo shot. They all made me emotionally crazy. Condoms don't really jive with my body.

What a relief! I've been on the nuvaring for 2 months after having the mirena for about a year and a half. The mirena caused aching pain in my abdomen during and after sex, but that seems very minor compared to what I've experienced while using the nuvaring. My sex drive decreased dramatically, I've had headaches like no other, and to top it off I've gained almost 10 pounds while decreasing my diet and running about 5 miles 3 times a week!!!! This thing is coming out today!! Not to rejoice in any one else's suffering, but I'm soo glad to have found this site and realize that I'm not absolutely nuts for thinking the nuvaring is responsible for the changes going on in my body! I'm not sure what b/c to use now - I've gotten pregnant twice while taking the pill religiously - condoms aren't really an option, my husband hates them. Anyone have any suggestions?

I was on Orthocept pills for 10 years with no problems. Short, light periods, no PMS. I can have a temper, but it was when I was younger and in the middle of a fight. That being said...I gave birth to twin daughters in November 2005. 9 months later, I stopped breastfeeding and had to go back on birth control. My old pill didn't work and neither did 3 others (included Yaz). I bled almost the entire month. I was crabby and irritable, but mostly frustrated. It was a horrible 1 1/2 years. 6 months ago I was put on Nuvaring because it should produce no side effects for the most part. Besides heavy discharge (which I could live with if I wasn't bleeding all month), I had heavier periods. I also noticed I was starting to get some nasty PMS, which I've NEVER had in my entire life. I was moody and irritable and cried even more easily than normal. Lately, I've been lashing out at my sweet girls and yelling at them. At first I thought it was because they are going through the difficult "2's" and mealtime is a struggle. I thought, they are more challenging so my patience is worn a little thinner. My husband has a different story. We've both noticed nasty mood swings and it's gotten to the point in the past month that I feel bi-polar. I really feel out of control. My doc said to go off it for a few months to see how I am. This is my "period" week and all of a sudden I've had a little period. I haven't been able to get my hormones under control since giving birth and it's frustrating. My husband wants his wife back and I don't want my girls to remember me yelling and crying for no reason. THAT'S enough to make anyone depressed on their own. I'm not sure what we are going to do for birth control at this point (condoms I guess...which is no fun when you are used to not using them). I will see what happens. I hope it's not the Nuvaring, but after seeing these posts, I feel a little better knowing I may be able to get rid of some of my craziness over the next few months as my body goes back to "normal". Good luck to the rest of you as well. I love being a woman, but boy, we get the short end of the stick sometimes!

i have been on the ring for a week now, i havent had any side effects, yet. I had to get on the ring because the high estrogen level of the pill was making my hormons go crazy and creating nuts in my breats. After reading all the side effects i dont know if i want to keep using the ring. I have not had intercorse with the ring on because im scared its going to hurt me or my partner.... any help on how to avoid pain during intercose while using the ring??? will my partner feel the ring ??

Crikey - I've been thinking about taking the NuvuRing on advice from the Family Planning Clinic. Thank you for everyone for sharing their experiences. I definitely won't now! While most people probably have great experiences, there are countless examples of side effects listed below that are too extreme to even risk having a good experience (blood clots, black outs, migraines, numbness, insomnia, lower sex drive, depression/suicidal thoughts, body swelling, painful sex/sexual organs, candida, weight gain and the list goes on and on). It's incredible that this is on the market and has gotten through the testing stages.

I took the pill for about a decade and went off it three years ago, mostly because I was over taking something every day and felt I was gaining a bit of weight and had a slightly lower sex drive. After going off it, sex changed (slightly elevated sex drive and easier organsms but less intense) but no change to weight (damn those extra three kilos!). I did lose the horrible brown pigmentation stain on my forehead (which was my initial only conern with the NuvaRing can you believe!) and my skin has remained clear. I have been much more sensitive to thrush/candida though since going off the pill, which my Dr said was due to changed hormonal levels due to such a prolonged time on the pill (10 yrs).

Since '05, I've been using a diaphram which has been fine. It's annoying to have to stop for that 60 seconds and put it in before sex, but I've had no major problems with vaginal skin irritations (very minor) and can feel it slightly during sex, but no where near the extent of condoms and the feeling is about 90%+ as good as without. Noting the issues raised on this site, I think I'll stick with the diaphram as I think I want to stay away from hormone options and the fiddliness before sex is a small price to pay by the sounds of things.

Sounds like the decision to take use the NuvaRing should be a carefully considered one.

I have been on the NuvaRing for almost two years. I have had several of the side effects mentioned on this site to a lesser degree - anxiety, moodiness, depression, fatigue, etc. Lately, intercourse has been painful for me, and I have no sex drive at all. Reading this site makes me feel much better because I have been completely stressed out about my loss of sex drive. Four days ago, my boyfriend and I had sex, and I started bleeding afterwards. The bleeding was very light and lasted for two days. This was a week before I was supposed to remove the ring, so I started freaking out and assumed that I was pregnant and experiencing implantation bleeding. When I was still noticing a bit of blood a couple days later, I removed the NuvaRing and repositioned it, and the bleeding stopped. I am still worried about being pregnant, but I honestly think that the NuvaRing caused an abrasion to my vaginal wall, which is what caused the bleeding. Either way, I am seriously considering taking the NuvaRing out for good. I have been on other types of birth control, and the NuvaRing doesn't seem to be any worse than the others for me, but maybe being on birth control at all is a bad idea. I'm just terrified of resorting to condoms as my only form of birth control. Is it worth it?

I added a post on 26 Feb regarding my decision to stop using NuvaRing. It has now been 2 weeks and I feel so much better. My relationship with my boyfriend is more loving than ever, I have my sex drive back, I have lost a little of the weight that I gained, I'm motivated again, I don't feel depressed at all and I'm not feeling borderline psychotic anymore.

We're using condoms now and I actually don't mind it! The latex free ones don't irritate me and there is something a little bit sexy about the process of putting a condom on!

Okay, I am not on the NuvaRing, but I came across this site doing research because my sister was on it and had some side effects, and was thinking about going back on it to see if it was just her. After reading all of your replays to this type of BC, I am going to sum it up, HORMONES, you are outright playing with your hormones. Of course Dr.'s say it is a lower dose than the pill, which to them in a petri dish or chemical layout initially may be, but your inserting something into your system to absorb a chemical to change and alter your hormones that is left in place, aka: different mix of hormones and the bad thing is everyone's system is different on absorption - especially from a lab rat/mouse :) or person to person. What is one thing all women have in common and we all will complain about - our periods :) our cycle, and if you don't have one and are one of the unfortunate and not able to bear children I'm sorry for you :(, but you still have hormones and we all know we have "PMS" or some factor of it, and certain things bring more of it about - as well as those that are going through menopause or pre-menopause - it all deals with hormones....so basically when you mess with hormones; as you all can read here and other places on the web, they play a big deal in our day to day lives, our systems, and our overall chemical makeups - basically don't play with mother nature - just stick to either condoms or if your single go with the abstinence and then go and look for Pure Romance (I sell it :) or Slumber Party products...they're safer :) and cheaper :) and they don't talk back :) LOL..had to throw that in there...I am no doctor, but the more I read here look at all your "common symptoms" that should be a clue to everyone using this that it is NOT a safe product and we need to quit being GUINEA PIGS, geez, this one goes inside you and is a slow release but if your stressed or depressed it's going to effect the absorption rate...I could keep going...but I'll stop because I hope you get the picture..... Well everyone take care and watch your diets, stay away from synthetic hormones and vitamins, eat well because it plays a huge roll in all you do!! :)...ldfangman

I took my ring out this morning. I have dealt with anxiety and some depression to varying degrees in my past, but lately it has been much worse for no apparent reason. I started having panic attacks and heart palpitations last fall, they told me I was fine physically, and there was no other explanation. I have irregular periods, so I was hesitant to stop using the ring, but I've made my decision. Before I spend hundreds of dollars going to specialists to try to help me, I'm going to see if taking the ring out improves anything, and based on all of the other posts here I suspect that it will.

Just another FYI, I started the ring in the first place because my doctor told me it was a lower does than the Pill. The Pill gave me GALLSTONES 4 tears ago at 19 years old and I had to have my gallbladder removed! Then, when I was on vacation in Mexico, I had to go to the emergency room b/c I had symptoms of a blood clot in my leg. UGH! I was hoping the Ring would be different, but my elevated level of anxiety and depression and mood swings leads me to believe that it's not different at all.

Overall, birth control is just not worth it. It is not worth sacrificing my sanity. Condoms here I come! lol.

I am glad I found all of these postings. I have been on the NuvaRing for 2 months and I am just not liking it. I cry all the time. I feel like I have a problem. I am usually so happy and outgoing, but I feel like I am not myself. I've had it with birth control! I have tried all sorts of pills. I thought the NuvaRing was going to be the answer to my birth control problems, but it is just like the others. It causes me to be fatigued and depressed, as well as have bad headaches. AHHH. It is coming out ASAP! I hate using condoms but I guess they will have to do. Good luck to ya'll.

Hello, I have been on NuvaRing for about 2 months now. I have no sex drive at all. I don't want to be touched let alone even have sex. I feel dizzy all the time, get bad headaches, my heard will beat a million beats, I get very moody and mean to my boyfriend who has been so understanding. I hate being on it and I am taking it out tonight. I hope to get my sex drive back and be my normal self. oh also since using NuvaRing i have developed acne! i have never had it before ever and now I do!! There is nothing good about this ring....I guess one positive is you don't have to remember to take a pill once a day. I am going back to condoms. forget the ring.

i am 26 years old .

I'm on my 3rd cycle with NuvaRing. I've been on anti-depressants for years, so I can't tell any difference there, and some of the other side effects you've mentioned were present in some degree before the ring and attributable to other factors. Three issues: 1) The vaginal secretions and odor have definitely been bad! 2) The tissue I touch when inserting and removing the ring feels rough and bumpy - some of it could be scar tissue from biopsy, LEEP, and cystectomy but has anyone else had an allergic skin reaction to it? Especially so far inside? I never paid much attention so I can't tell if I'm imagining the change. 3) My boyfriend and I recently got back together and have been intimate twice. Tuesday is the first time we put the ring to the test by him not pulling out. Since then, he says he has had chafing, irritation, and some sort of rash on his penis. Does this sound familiar to anyone else?

I've been on the NuvaRing for about 6 months now. I really like it . Recently though I do find it doesn't sit right inside me and I'm not a very sexually active person so I don't know what would make it move around. But anyways I personally prefer it in comparison to the other birth control options. (condoms, pill,etc) I was reading the other posts and I don't think that the ring has affected me in the same ways. When I was on the pill I became severely depressed and VERY emotional. The NuvaRing hasn't caused any noticeable problems like that for me yet. I feel like whether its the pill, a patch, a needle, or the ring any hormone injections will affect different women in different ways. After all we cant completely avoid side affects when messing with our bodies. Then again if any birth control is causing problems try another and talk to your doctor until you find one that you can live with.

Hey ladies I am so glad I found this site I thought I was losing my mind! I just had a miscarriage and have been emotional anyway but I felt like I did not have a grip on myself. I had never felt this way before and was really starting to scare myself. I just didn't know how to explain what was going on with me. I started the NuvaRing December 12, 2007 and took it out on the 19th when I saw this site the first time and I feel better already. I can only image the things the rest of you have gone through but through your testimonies I saw myself heading down the same road. I am usually a fun loving, energetic, funny person. In the 7 days the ring was in I was becoming a mess.I was very withdrawn to the point that family and friends were starting to worry about me and everyone else noticed the change before I did.I was depressed before I put the ring in and it just intensified as the days went on. My mate and I were constantly getting into it and we usually are able to communicate very well. I have a friend also on NuvaRing and was wondering why she had been doing a lot of crying and seemed to be depressed. She even went to the point of seeking professional help thinking some thing was wrong with her. I immediately told her as well. Unfortunately she has been on it longer than me and wants an alternative before her nightmare of NuvaRing is over. I couldn't help it I had to take it out I don't like feeling like I have no control over myself. Condoms for right now will be my best friend and I have a peace of mind.

Hi, I just put the NuvaRing in about 2 weeks ago and so far I'm not exactly impressed. It's nothing real BAD but it has completely changed the dynamics of my vagina. It is dry, with a stinging feeling inside all the time - after sex is way worse, and my vagina gets so sensitive that it throbs and aches on the outside, and stings on the inside.

I thought "ok, give it a chance to adapt" but really, there is a foreign object in my body which is

A) unhygienic - it will catch all sorts that will sit in there and fester - lots of semen. The self cleansing action of the vagina (it sheds its walls very quickly, and is full of mucous membranes) is hindered. And
B) I can feel it inside, but not like you would feel a 'foreign object'. I can feel it as it an almost painful uncomfortable achy feeling that is like almost a cramp. Hormones leaching into my flesh - very unnatural I have to say.

What The Man Thinks
Last night whilst having sex, my partner came, and I moved slightly and he gasped with pain and said "I thought that felt a bit strange" - the NuvaRing had hurt his penis but he didn't realize until afterwards as it had directly and intensely stimulated him, it was only afterwards that he realized it was verging on very painful. Not good.

He can also feel it when we have sex and finds it a bit off putting - he is also having sex with the NuvaRing, not just me.

In my opinion, I'm really glad that people are thinking of new ways to administer birth control, but I don't think this one is a winner. I hate condoms with a vengeance but you know what? They get more and more appealing every stinging day.

Don't forget ladies that the greatest experiment ever performed on women was the big fat bullshit regarding oestrogen. We have been experimented on for 50 years, yet right at the beginning scientists knew that oestrogen caused cancer in rats and mice, AND WOMEN. Don't ever forget that pharmaceuticals are out to get your dollars, and will fudge results, fire people, ruin lives and make you sick. Next time you have something wrong with you, try going to naturopath for a proper solution - they actually know what is going on with your body and don't prescribe a ''one size fits all' drug answer.

That's it for me and the NuvaRing!
I tried. I failed.
: )

I had a copper wire IUD, but after having an ectopic pregnancy, likely caused by it, I had it removed. I tried condoms for a short while, but they are so inconvenient, so I went to the NuvaRing. I put in the NuvaRing and felt fine the first day, but by day two I started experiencing pain behind my knees, dizziness, headache, pain in my eyes, spaciness, nausea, lack of appetite, and weakness throughout my body. I didn't have any mood swings, in fact I felt quite good, mentally. However, by day three I couldn’t stand the headache and dizziness and took out the NuvaRing. I was skeptical in the first place to use a hormonal birth control, and this confirmed it. If any one has a suggestion for a non-hormonal birth control form that is convenient and safe, let me know.

Update:
Another week has gone by with the ring out and i feel GREAT!
I'm not paranoid! I'm not sad, or antisocial... I haven't passed out once since it's been out!
I've been able to stay awake all day, every day. No naps, very very little fatigue (just a little at the end of long days, which i think feels normal).
I feel social! Sexual! I have self confidence!
Honestly, in the past month I feel like my life has completely turned around. I am getting along with my boyfriend sooo much better because I am mentally healthier and finally have a libido again!

I agree- if you're not experiencing weird symptoms, you're lucky! I loved the ring at first. Just be careful and aware!

As for alternatives to the ring... I don't know what to do really. I decided with my doctor to take 3 months off of hormonal birth control just to figure out how I feel naturally. After that though, I'm not sure. Just relying on condoms alone kind of freaks me out. Definitely not ready to deal with baby decisions...

I'm so glad I found this site. I, too, thought I was going mad. I had a baby 7 weeks ago, and have been on the nuvaring for 7 days. A few days ago, I started experiencing social anxiety, severe insecurities, crying at the drop of a hat, depression, severe nausea. I felt like everyone at the grocery store was staring at me. I found myself snooping through my husband's phone because I was convinced that he was having an affair. I'm a normally happy and confident person. When my tennis team asked me to lunch, I felt like it was only to be nice and that they secretely hope I won't go. I am feeling like a burden to everyone in my life. So, I took it out last night. Had great experience prior to having baby with the copper-t iud b/c of no hormonal side effects and it lasts 10 yrs. My husband is going to get a vasectomy, but I guess we'll use condoms until he's cleared with that. Thanks for listening.

Been on Nuva Ring for about 1.5 years...just now starting to realize the potentially bad effects its having on me. 3 months ago i started having wierd issues going on with my body. Nervousness, shakes, racing heart, trouble breathing, FATIGUE, constant "floating" feeling/dizziness. I am in good/normal shape, exercise about 2 days a week, but have had no energy. I went to a dr and had some blood tests done. My Thyroid numbers came back unusually high. My Dr recommended an Endocronologist to check out the possibility of Hyperthyroidism (the Thyroid controls the metabolism and hormones in your body). Went to the Endocronologist and am waiting for test results to get back. She said that it is a big possiblity that Nuva Ring could be the cause but wanted me to do further blood tests. I am being opened minded to what the real reason to my symptoms are, but i know that putting any extra hormones in your body has an effect on you, regardless. I took the ring out about 45 min ago and i'm hoping for no bad side effects...cant be worse than what i've already had. I have a boyfriend and he was totally ok with it (encouraged me to take out the ring to see if it helps)....he doesn't like the thought of using condoms, but its a small price to pay to see if birth control with hormones (NR) are causing all these horrible symptoms. I'm going to look for other non-hormonal contraceptives to use!

Had been put on nuva ring as i get migranes from the pill and enormous breasts, i cant take the injections for the same reason so nuva ring being such a low dose seemed ok, but i only lasted i month i had a period the whole time my boobs went up at least one whole size, along with headaches, dizziness, terrible skin and nausea. i wonder has anyone had success with the coil or iud and which one as hormones do not agree with me and condoms are not an option for my boyfriend.

I am a 44 year old widow with 2 children. I had used bc pills throughout my adult life with no problems. I never had a regular cycle, so being on the pill always solved my biggest problems. After starting a new relationship I decided that nuvaring sounded like an ideal birth control to use--worry about it once a month, very low dosage-lower than any pill I ever took. I was told that it doesn't cause weight gain or moodiness. Since I recently lost 24 lbs. I was glad to hear that. I started using it on Saturday. The next day I woke up with a rash on my chest and neck. I didn't associate it with the ring until I found this forum and started reading. I was using calamine lotion on the rash, but it wasn't going away. I took the ring out last night, and this morning it was almost gone and it stopped itching all together. I can't prove that there's a direct correlation, but I'm not taking any chances.
For those of you who are young and haven't started a family yet, I say stick to condoms and spermicide. Not as romantic, but it probably won't kill ya either!

I just started taking the NR 3 days ago. Today is day three and I have a fever and my stomach is bloated and I can't seem to get enough sleep and I just don't feel good. I have increased sex drive and I'm still spotting a little bit after my period. Why does taking birth control always make me feel bad? With the pill I had vision problems, upset stomach, etc. I used the shot and it made me have pains in the spot where the injection was and I didn't have a period for over a couple of years, and then when I finally got my period after that, it was all messed up and I have extreme fatigue and I might as well not exist while I have a period. I'm done with birth control. I'll just use condoms until they can make safer products.

I have had the ring in for 6 days now and had experienced a slight discomfort with sex. Today I noticed a rash of some sort on my back. If symtoms get worse I am not going to put another one in. My husband and I have been using condoms only for four years now no baby yet.

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!!!

Hello! My name is Tyra from Chicago. I started using Nuva Ring 4 months ago. I notice a week before I begin bleeding, I started to have bad gas problems, sometime I get such a bad gas pain in my stomach I couldn't barely move,unable to sleep and missed work. I have no sex drive, I do not want to have sex at all; when I do, it's so painful and got alot of burning sensations afterward. Sometime I feel disoriented, confused and slightly depressed. The ring is causing all of these symtoms. I am going to have to discontinue using this. One thing I will miss is having light and short period, but I rather bleed longer and heavier in exchange to my old self back! I am just going to go back to same old condoms..my boyfriend will have to compromise.

I used NuvaRing for about a year and a half before I stopped. At first, I thought it was great. It was discrete and worry free and cheaper then the pill. I also didn't seem to have any side effects. Until a few months later when I started getting headaches. Then sex began to be painful. The pain wasn't too bad at first and I thought maybe I just wasn't sufficiently aroused. I never thought to connect it with the Ring. Gradually, the pain got worse and worse to the point where I had to stop having sex at all. I thought there was something wrong with me and my body. I tried everything, condoms, lubrication, vibrators, anything that might make sex pleasurable, but it was useless. Finally, even touching the area became unbearable. One night my fiancee tried to touch me it felt like glass cutting my vagina. It was awful.
Until one night when I realized the Ring had fallen out. I always used to check the ring before engaging in any kind of sexual activity, just to make sure it was there, as I tend to be a little paranoid. Event though we couldn't have sex I checked the ring anyway, out of habit, and realized it was missing. Fortunately pregnancy was not a concern since I hadn't had sex in months but it was still a shock that it could fall out and I'd never even know. I went online to see what to do if the ring fell out and discovered the pain during intercourse is an UNLISTED side effect of the NuvaRing. I was outraged. I'd spent months thinking there was something wrong with my body and turns out it was the ring! I stopped using it immediately and two months later was able to engage in intercourse with minimal pain. This has been a huge ordeal and I'm glad it's finally ending. If you value your body, DON"T USE NUVARING! It breaks your body and takes all the pleasure out of sex. Also, had I been having sex I could have gotten pregnant without even realizing it. The fact that pain during intercourse is an unlisted side effect is unconscionable and outrageous! Don't support such an irresponsible company!

Hi,
I have been on the NR for a little over a year. After hearing about the latest death and the 37 other lawsuits against the company, I started getting worried and want to discontinue the use. After reading everyone elses blogs, I realize I share similar symptons. For the past few months, I have had nausea, especially at night and very bad itching down there. I feel like my sex drive has gone down the tubes as well. I am not sure what else to use. The pills I have used in the past have given me breakthrough bleeding problems. I am 31 years old and don't want to start trying new pills at this stage. Hopefully in the next year my husband and I will become pregnant. What else is out there that we can use aside from condoms? Also, has anyone had problems trying to get pregnant after using the NR?

I had a baby recently.... I was prescribed nuvaring and started it before I had my first period. I was very hormonal.. Much much worse than when I was pregnant. So... My DR and everyone else recommended that I take it out and let myself have a normal period and go right back on it. I did that. I am consistantly nauseated, constantly exhausted... I feel so tired that I'm not even interested in playing with my baby when I pick her up after work. This is not normal for me. I go to bed 8 or 9 nauseated, wake up at 5 nauseated and hit the snooze button for as long as I can... not to mention I must have a nap in the afternoon. I just got back from Vegas and I'll tell you.... I kept the same schedule. Bed at 9 up at 5. My boyfriend tells me that I'm much more moody than I was when I was pregnant. I thought maybe I was sick or wasn't exercising enough. It's got to be this nuva ring. So much for conventional sex. I'm going back to condoms because being on NuvaRing is terrible for me.

I've been on it for a week and a half. Today I decided to look into whether it could be the cause of my recent (and uncharacteristic) bitchiness and over-emotionalness. Sounds like it. I've also experienced some mild brown discharge.. I think it could be blood spotting, which I've read is common for someone new to birth control. So far, if this is what's making me impossible to be around, it's definitely not worth it. Back to condoms for me...

Dryness, itching, burning, no sex drive at all! I thought I had some crazy disease. I searched WebMD about a thousand times trying to find out what I had. The thought of sex made me irritated. Sometimes I felt so guilty for being a bad wife and bitchy mother. It felt like razor blades were scratching every time I wiped down there. I have only been on the NR for about 4 months. The last two months every day the itching and burning was getting worse and I was getting angry when my husband would want to have sex (we were only having sex like every 10 days to two weeks maybe and it was just for him). I was just about to call the Dr. on Monday morning when I found this web site Sunday evening. It was God sent for sure. I took the ring out Sunday afternoon and with in hours there was a difference. My husband even committed on it Sunday night that I was in a better mood and the itching has almost stopped. By Monday morning I felt better and I sure was in a better mood towards my kids. Monday evening my husband again said I was in such a better mood and the burning was gone. I could wipe again instead of pat. I still did not want to have sex (I think more because I am still sore down there), but I was not disgusted like I had been.
Not sure what I am going to do for BC. I think my husband would rather wear a condom then have me back on the ring.

I have been using Nuva ring for only one cycle and I will never use it again!! At first I used it and I was spotting for 5 days than * day s later I started bleeding heavily for 10days and counting now! I thought I was having a miscarraige!! Crazy cloting... intolerable cramps... mood swings... consistantly tired!!! I advise everyone to try things for themselves but I wouldnt recommend NR to anyone! if you cant take a pill everyday you might wanna try condoms or abstinance!!! Good luck ladies! AJ, from NYC/ATL

Wow. I'm so glad I read this. I've had the nuvaring in for exactly eight days and these have been the most trying eight days i've had in a long time. the irritibility and absence of sex drive have hit me most hard. I am stable normally and am resilient to annoyances so it had the snowball effect of lowering my self esteem because I couldn't control my emotions. Also I have a huge sex drive and I can't get aroused if I try now. I'd rather use condoms galore than wait around to "get used" to this crappy version of myself.

I was on Orthotrycyclin lo for about 3 years. I was on vacation and forgot to bring a new pack of pills. So, I went one month without birth control and my boyfriend and I just used condoms. My friends swear by Nuvaring so I decided to give that a try. Well exactly 2 weeks ago I put that thing in and I have yet to stop bleeding. The doctor says it's normal, but it is driving me CRAZY! I haven't suffered any of the other symptoms. Once this cycle is over I'm gonna go back on the pill. I don't think this ring this is right for me.

I agree with previous posts that we need to remember that this IS supposed to make your body feel pregnant and most of the mentioned symptoms are like that when you're pregnant. I've never really been on much birth control. I took Depo about four years ago and had a VERY bad reaction to it. Then I took Lunelle about two years ago and Looooved it but they took it off the market. Now, I've been on Nuvaring for three weeks. I initially had the headaches and minor nausea for the first week and then it went away but the MAJOR and I mean major side effect I've had is depression. I have never had a problem with depression and I've been through a LOT of crap in my life and dealt with it just fine. But I am depressed to the point that my body and limbs feel heavy. I can not get myself to get out of bed and I have two baby girls that I adore. I cry about any and everything and I feel so freakin hopeless about everything. I talked about it with my fiancee and he asked "well what are you depressed about?" and I have NO reason. I'm doing great in school, I'm in a wonderful relationship, my girls are great...so that's how I know it's this ring. I'm taking it out this weekend and we're gonna go back to condoms for now. This is just so bad and I know other friends and classmates who are on this and have even had suicidal thoughts until they took it out. I'm sorry...it may be the hormones but it isn't worth all of the emotional ups and downs.

I went on the nuva ring about a year ago-to help alleviate severe cramping at ovulation. It defineately helped with that, however I have been plagued w/ mood swings (none of which are pleasant more depressing), headaches (not migraines but some close), leg cramps, chills, diarrhea and other anxieties that I had never had before. I am afraid to go off and return to the cramps but also think that all these new "symptoms" are a result of use and long time use of the nuva ring! I said "good bye" to it today!! Condoms here we come!!