NuvaRing and legs

I started my NuvaRing on the 5th day of my period and noticed some changes that are going on with my body. It has only been 7 days, but I feel different. I noticed some white, sticky discharge that is not normal for me and bothers me. It has no smell though. I feel very dry inside.....and my sex drive is low. My breasts are tender. My mood is fine however. I am a little concerned with changes my body going through. When I contacted my doctor, she said everything im feeling is normal. But I wonder if those things will change once I get used to the ring and my hormones even out.
Did anybody felt the same way? Please share if you just waited out! I would love some input, cause I have no idea if I should just get off it or stick it out in hopes it will feel better........Confused ;(

I have to say I'm really, really bad with taking pills, so nuvaring is pretty much my only option as far as birth control goes. (plus I'm getting married soon, so I'm hoping that it's not the ring)
I've had Nuvaring in for 9 days now (my first time using it) and I've begun noticing some odd things. I can't say I'm super-attuned to my body, so I'm not sure if it's the ring or not.
My gynecologist says I have Poly-Cystic-Ovarian-Syndrome, which means I probably have cysts on my ovaries. I'm also overweight. Recently I've noticed cramping and pain on my right ovary. I've also noticed slight depression, but I'm also going through finals, so not sure there either. I'm experiencing little pinches of pain in different spots all over my body, especially in my arms, legs, and back. I also had an unexplained nosebleed out of the blue this week, and I've never had one before. (no nose trauma or anything) I'm also noticing I'm bruising very easily, but I'm not sure at all if that is recent. Are these side effects of the nuvaring, or something more serious and unrelated? (or else just stress maybe?)

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.

OK- after reading some of these posts- I have to share......I have been on NuvaRing for 3+ years now. It has worked wonderful for me until 3 months ago. I was told by my GYN that I could use it for 3 weeks and then take it out and immediately put another in to not have a period....I loved that idea. I spotted the whold first month. The second month 1 started 2 days before I was supposed to replace the ring. And this month I started 3 days before I was supposed to replace it. I think I am going to go back to 3 weeks- take it out for 1 week (have my period :( ) and then replace it after. I had no issues before this.
I also have Factor V- which my doctor said actually may be the best type of hormones for me because it is a low dose and constant. However, since I switched up the routine, I have had pains in my legs, and cramping, spotting. (MY SKIN HAS BEEN AWESOME THOUGH)
Just thought I would share.

R

Well...i'm only 17 years old and i have been trying EVERYTHING to get rid of my 2 week long heavy period and extremely severe cramping. I have been on 3 different kinds of oral BC and i would still bleed for 2 weeks. So i tried the Mirena IUD and that was the worst idea of my life. It went in fine but about 10 minutes later i was in a extreme amount of pain (and i have a very high pain tolerance, broke 3 ribs and didn't cry) i called my gyno back and he prescribed me a pain medication but it didn't work. After trying 3 different pain medications and an antibiotic i had enough. I went to the hospital and was prescribed percocet and that helped. I went back a few days later and had it taken out so now i am trying the NuvaRing. I put it in and a few hours later started cramping and having back pain. The next morning i had very bad nausea and cramping. Its about a week later now and i am experiencing headaches, nausea, quite bad cramping, bloating, tiredness all the time and i just don't feel myself anymore. I am calling my gyno back to see what he suggests but i'm looking for any ideas or suggestions until i get a hold of him. Thanks

I am going to tell you of my experience of being off the Nuvaring. I took it out 6 weeks ago. I got on the ring before my wedding last july. I used it for over a year. I had no experience with how sex was w/o birth control. I didn't know it wasn't supposed to be painful & burn after! The final straws for me were 10 lbs. gained in the last year that would not come off, despite serious dieting and working out 5 days/week. Extreme irritability, inconsistent with my nature, and constantly flying off the handle over little things. The nasty stuff always clinging to the ring when taken out wasn't too pleasant, either. D: Tingling in my legs when working out, migraines, all that jazz.

I was hoping the weight would fall off by now, but it has not. A few pounds lost as I have gone down a full cup size and my hips are shrinking to their original size. (btw, I was 115 at 5'6", now 125, and gained it all in my curvy areas, with a nice lil' pooch on my belly).

The other side effects left within 2 weeks and have not returned. My husband, who is skeptical of me contributing so much to the ring, did comment on how I smile more and am happy all the time. it's true; I am so much happier.

I have more energy and am able to fall asleep easier. I used to freak out at my husband and lay awake for hours with anxiety.(isn't that dumb?!) haven't done that in 6 weeks.

And lastly, I finally want to have sex. :)
thought something was wrong with a newly wed like me...

PUSS LIKE BUMPS/PIMPLES, HAIR LOSS, WEIGHT LOSS, DEPRESSION, NO ENERGY, NO SEX DRIVE, MOODY, HEADACHES, PAIN IN MY LEGS, VOMITTING, NIGHT SWEATS, CRYING AND CHANGE IN THE TEXTURE OF MY HAIR, CYSTS...

I've been on nuvaring for 10 days. My mood and temperament has been fine, but I've experienced incredible breast pain as well as an unexplained rash that covers my legs. I found sex to be painful and there was an extreme increase in my facial hair.

Has anyone else noticed strange rashes?

By the way, I yanked the ring out last night after coming across this site!!!

I have to say the nuvaring has been pretty good for me. I am so thankful not to have had any major side effects from it. For a very long time I was not given any Bc that had hormones because my mom had a stroke from estrogen in the BC pill. It was in the 70's and MUCH higher doses of estrogen were in the pill. But anything with estrogen was off limits to me. I was in the need of some form of BC after 10 years not being sexually active.My husband died of cancer and was not dating until 10 years later. I went for BC counseling and the doc. recommended the Nuvaring. yes it has a tiny bit of estrogen but sh was not worried. I also complained that my period was always so heavy I had to wear the depends underwear because if I didn't I would have to change a tampon or a pad every 8-10 minutes. And I had extreme cramps so bad they went down the front of my legs. She was like "have I got a deal for you'! Well... she put me on the nuva ring and had me change it every 28 days no break in between. Result: NO PERIOD! I love that woman. Ok on to the side effects...I had spotting for like 3 months here and there, The first few months I lost a clump of hair to the side of my part by my forehead..it grew back..I get leg cramps every once in a while and they are doosies (sore for 2 days after) If I forget to remove it during sex my vagina burns after. and yes I have more wetness in my vagina. My b/f jokes it is I just think about him too much! Ladies to all of you that have the terrible side effects my heart goes out to you. I hope you find the BC that works for you. Keep trying others there will be a good fit for you sooner or later.

This is a weight of my shoulders.
I have been experiencing many of the symptoms that have been posted here and cannot begin to tell you what a relief it is that I'm not alone. I have been using the Nuvaring for 6 months. Some of the pros were convenience, larger breasts ( I went from a full C to a DD), and more lubrication. My side affects were extreme leg pain, excessive weight gain (about 30 pounds), increased appetite, fatigue, head aches, irritability, heart rate increase, dizziness, gas, bloating need I say more? Last night I took it out immediately because I finally put all the pieces together. It's amazing to know that I'm not alone in all of this. The weight gain was so fast that I have stretch marks that are extremely deep and I have belly fat for the first time in my life it has sprung right on my stomach. I'm only 19 so this is quit concerning for me... I went from 165 to 195. I have stayed around 165 for 5 years and the fact that I put on this thirty pounds was extremely concerning. I am grateful I know what's the issue, and hopefully with more energy and a decrease in appetite, I will be well on my way to my old self.

Im 24 years old, i've been on NuvaRing since April I a can say that my husband has noticed I scream, and I seem to be in a bad mood all the time.
I do have headaches, sharp pains on the left or right side of my head, strange discharge that is smelly, the pins and needles feeling in my left leg that some of the other women here are talking about. I've never been known to have a temper, or have headaches, sinus problems, or pins a needles in my legs, or any kind of 'smell'. I have also been sooo sad, empty feeling.
So I know it has something to do with this product. I'm just happy I was sitting here on the computer and stumbled upon this site after I typed Nuvaring in the search. This product may work for some woman but it is just not for me.

Two months ago, I gave birth to my son. I have been using the NuvaRing for a week now, and I already have wicked symptoms. I have constant headaches, which I used to get but not as severe or frequent. They would go away with 2 aspirins. I am dizzy and have this rash all over my legs.
I am extremely irritable and snapping at my fiancee and my son for no reason. I am taking it out immediately. I had used the pill for 10 years and never had a problem... I do believe I will have to go back to the pill as it was the most effective method I have used.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!!! NUVARING IS THE DEVIL!!!

Like many others who have posted here, many symptoms have been present, but I failed to recognize that NuvaRing may be the cause. After another restless night, lying awake at 3 a.m. and considering seeking help for my increasingly unpredictable mood swings and depression, I had an epiphany, which led me here.
I’ve long suffered headaches, so I won’t pin that on NuvaRing, but I used to be one who rarely cried. I’ve felt absolutely crazy lately, both crying and being openly hostile to my husband. It’s a relief to think there may be a cause I can do something about. Now I can’t decide if I should remove it now and risk having my period while on vacation next week or leave it in and be miserable.
I’d finally been able to lose a few pounds, but only two months after beginning NuvaRing, it was all back, plus a few more. I hadn’t thought to connect it to the new birth control, as I’ve been on various pills since 1999.
Stomach problems are another issue I was already dealing with, but the possibility that they've been compounded by this birth control is frustrating.
Another symptom that I’m not sure is related: raised bumps on my upper arms and thighs, dry and slightly itchy. Has anyone else experienced skin-related symptoms with NR?
Many thanks to all who have shared their experiences.

Hello, I've never been on birth control before, but i recently had an abortion and decided I really need to get on some kind of birth control. I am 27, married, and I am a NON-SMOKER. Nuvaring seemed to be the best option for me, easiest, effective and practical. I'm only on my first ring, it comes out for the week break in few days. So far I have NOT had any irritability or headaches, or anything like that. I have gotten a little "spotting" which to me can still be linked to the abortion or even sex. What I DID notice, however, is that I had a few sharp chest pains here and there, quick and not consistent, my husband thinks that could be from stress. I also noticed what I thought to be a pulled muscle in my lower calf could be a sign of a blood clot, which totally scares me. A persistent issue I HAVE had so far, is that I have that numb "pins and needles" feeling in my limbs a bit more often than usual. I do sit odd and my limbs tend to fall asleep more than the average person, but I actually notice it happening more frequently, like my blood circulation isn't as good as it was. I have NOT had high blood pressure. I ALSO noticed I wake sometimes with severe leg pain (cramping) that reminds me of those "growing pains" one would get as a child. I haven't had those since I was a child, wondering if it could be due to the NuvaRing. If anyone has felt similar pains let me know. I am visiting the clinic tomorrow to discuss these things and to see what could be a safer method of BC 4 me!

i took nuvaring for about three months and one morning i woke up throwing up, sweating and chivering, i was constipated, had terrible cramps, spotting, couldnt feel my arms or legs, and was hurting like i got hit by a car. when i went to the doctor they said i had pelvic inflammatory disease and a low level of co2 in my blood.. i knew immediately it was nuvaring because i had been having headaches and pains ever since i started using it. i still suffer from the headaches and moodswings and i have been off a month.

I have been on NuvaRing for a little less than a year. My OBGYN prescribed it. It was my first time using birth control. I noticed 2 things right away - I was a lot more calm/non-chalant and I had lessened sex drive. I thought the latter was due to my nervousness about my boyfriend pushing it up too far for me to fish it out again and maybe at first that was part of it. But it's gone from overactive to almost non-existent (little physical desire, mostly emotional & love desire). I think normally there such be a balance. Also it is difficult to have an orgasm now - I have to really concentrate. My calmness was great in that it balanced out my highs and lows, but now it's to the point that I mostly don't really care about anything one way or the other. Too non-chalant. I also am experiencing depression for no or irrelevant reasons - so bad that it's kept me out of work and even - yes - even the shopping mall! I have no desire to go outside and do anything - grocery shopping, shopping, shopping, walking around or anything - which I thought at first was a good thing for the shopping, shopping. Like most of the posters I could just lay around and sleep and eat all day. With the sleep - I can sleep, but I am NEVER tired. I can stay up until the wee hours of the morning without a yawn like it's the afternoon and I still wake up very early. With the food - I can eat multiple times in a row - full meals. I'm always hungry and never full/satisfied. I am constipated with hard stools. This was an issue until I got off of partially hydrogenated oils (about 2-3 years ago), however even with my altered diet I've still been having issues. My thighs have been falling asleep - weird. Also I can't remember anything from one moment to the next - which I blamed on stress and age. I discontinued NuvaRing as of today (the day I found these posts). Thank you for being so honest & for sharing your experiences. Hopefully these posts will help others in search of answers.

I have been on the ring for 2 years, ever since my twin boys were 1 year old. I never had a problem until 2 months ago when I had spotting a week early, swelling in my face hands and legs and my breast were really sore. Just this week my breasts are sore again and I have had two fibrocystic areas that have been mammo'd but now they are so prominent that you can feel it through my clothes! I think it is the hormones from the ring and I am now considering an IUD!

Let me tell you how thankful I am to know there are others out there. I thought I was going crazy! Horrible depression (suicidal) less than 14 hours after insertion. My husband thought he was going to have to lock me up! I also am on Wellbutrin, but haven't been depressed for a long time! Actually, I would say before the ring, I was the least depressed I have been in years!!! I don't know. I also had extremely bad body aches and burning from the back of my legs up to my neck! Oh, and the headache! I took that thing out after about 20 hours!

has anyone noticed excessive breast tenderness with the NuvaRing. my boobs have always been a little sore the week before my period, but now they start feeling sore, and even aching, up to two weeks before. it freaks me out monthly as breast tenderness is a sign of pregnancy.

Hello,
I've posted on this site before and wanted to give some updates. I had been on the Ring for 1.5 years and took my last one out in February. I feel much better. Some of my symptoms included:

Pain and discomfort in legs
Extreme fatigue
Coldness all the time
Loss in libido
Pain during sex
Dryness
Dizziness etc.

So, my boyfriend and I have been looking into other options and I wanted something nonhormonal because I don't think there's a hormonal BC out there without negatives effects.

Anyway, we went to the gynec at Planned Parenthood and it was so frustrating. Both the nurse and the doctor kept telling me that my symptoms were not related to the Ring and when I mentioned this site, the doctor said that on the Internet people can and will write anything.

I didn't understand why she was defending the NuvaRing and not validating my feelings. I don't think I'm ignorant or naive and I don't think any of you are either. If we did not have these effects prior to or after the NuvaRing, then it's safe to make the connection.

While I know sometimes people can make faulty causations, I don't think we're wrong on this one. Just because my doctor has not had any patients complain about these problems doesn't mean they don't exist.

I agree with the previous comment. Hormonal BC is dangerous even though everyone reacts differently, it doesn't mean it's completely safely.

My boyfriend are doing the condom and spermicide thing right now to give my body a break until we find a new method. My doctor recommended an IUD which I'm looking into. Please email me if you have experience with this.

I do feel better being NuvaRing free but I think it will be awhile until I'm back to normal. I can't wait to get my period. I hope the best for all of you.

Took it out today after being on it for only 2 weeks. Noticed a change in my personality after one day. Have become increasingly withdrawn from friends and family, extreme irritability, complete loss of sex drive, can't sleep, loss of energy, increased appetite, aches in my legs and vagina, headaches, and zits like you wouldn't believe. The worst is the anxiety and depression which led me to this site after doing a search on side effects. I was on the pill for years and had some irritability here and there but nothing like this.
Had a baby 2 months ago and have been freaking out that I was just now getting post partum depression but I believe it is the ring!!! To those who will argue, the ring becomes effective after only 7 days which means that the meds rush into your system almost immediately after insertion.

Thank you all for sharing. I thought I was all alone.

It's been two weeks tomorrow since I got off the NuvaRing. I don't know what to think or say. I've traded in my symptoms for others. I guess I must continue waiting. I hate this. My legs ache so much, mostly at night. Did anyone else have a similar effect? I've also had numbness in my left leg for that last week. Whatever! I don't know what to do. Anyone out there who knows what it might be?!

This is my 1st month on the ring. No real problems except the headaches and had cramping in my legs. I'm 45 today and think this is the last time I'm using this. I notice most people say their cramps go away when they take the ring out...well that's when my started. I thought at first I had strained my lower back again...thanks to this site, I know it's the ring. + the fact that I had sex w/my b/f almost 4 days ago and his stuff was still on the ring when I took it out...that's not good folks.

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.

How long does it take for the side effects to get out of my body??? I have been on the NuvaRing for 5 months. At first I did not have bad side effects, besides I didn't stop bleeding. Once that got better, horrible side effects began. I have headaches, lower back pain, bad leg aches, some abdominal pains at times, anxiety, and moodiness. It would suit me fine to stay in my pjs in bed and sleep all day!! I have no motivation or energy. This is NOT like me!! I feel like I have been living someone else life...my poor kids and husband!! So, after months of my Dr. telling me my body would adjust, I took the ring out yesterday!! I am so ready to be back to myself!!!

Hi, Its me again. I am still in severe pain with swelling in hands, fingers, arms & legs (not being able to work everyday) and I took the nuvaring out 3 weeks ago. Many of you seem to have noticed right away. I wish I had been as smart as you all, because I have waited too long. I wish someone could tell me how long it takes to completely get out of your system. My Dr just said a long time. What's a long time? Considering I use the ring for 3 years...I may have to wait longer than the rest of you.

Well I tried NR again..bad choice:( I had severe pain in my legs, arm, chest & back! I also had anxiety attacks and IBS. I recently stopped taking Yasmin because it was causing some of the same problems. I only tried NR because I didn't want to get pregnant! Now I guess I will try an over-the-counter method. Birth control is not for me!!

I'm glad there is this site!
I started NuvaRing a month ago after having an abortion and feel like i've been going crazy.
All the side effects the ladies have mentioned i've experienced.
Dizziness, nausea, no sex drive, severe fluid retention in my legs, bloated, angry, really depressed, vagueness and really tired. I'm only 22 and apart from those symptoms i'm healthy. Its hard to concentrate at work and especially hard to exercise because of the pain in my legs.
I'd like to be on contraception.
Can anyone recommend a type of the pill that doesn't aggravate fluid retention especially? That's been the most unbearable out of all the symptoms. I feel like i'm pregnant again!
Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS POST IF YOU HAD THIS SYMPTOM!!!

I started the nuva ring a week ago and for the last two days I have had the craziest vertigo/dizziness in my life. Seriously, Dr's can't seem to tell me what it is- and I'm wondering if it's the ring... just respond with a "yes"

Hi guys, I've been using the NR for about 8 months and i am experiencing very painful leg crapms in my claves. It happenes once a month or so, but they seem to be getting more frequent. Is anybody else going through this too? please let me know/

Hey ladies! I wanted to know if anyone else is experiencing one of the many systems that I'm experiencing. I started the Nuva ring a week ago and just yesterday I started breaking out in a rash all over my body. The rask on my hands is so severe it look like puss, rash on my neck, legs, forehead, and arms. This is terrible!! I looks like a desease. I never experience this before (It has to be the Nuva ring). I feel moody, sleepy no matter how many hours of sleep I have, and tightness on my chest. I've read that some of you ladies are experiencing lower sex drive, well I'm experience higher sex drive and extra lubrication since I went on it. No discharge or spotting yet.I hjaven't been able to go to the doctor due to my loaded schedule. Any advise or any one experiencing the same? Thank you all for posting your comments to share with the rest of us, it really helps to see we are not alone.

Thanks,

JD

Side Effects of This Medicine

The risk of serious adverse effects is unlikely for most women using the etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring.. However, oral combination hormonal contraceptives have been associated with unwanted effects which may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not determined

abdominal fullness; abdominal pain or tenderness usually after eating a meal; blurred vision; changes in skin color; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gaseous abdominal pain; headache; inability to speak; nausea; nervousness; numbness of hands; pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck; pain; pains in chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs; pounding in the ears; prominent superficial veins over affected area with tenderness and warmth; recurrent fever; seizures; severe headaches of sudden onset; shortness of breath; slow or fast heartbeat; sudden loss of coordination; sudden onset of slurred speech; sudden vision changes; sudden and severe weakness in arm and/or leg on one side ; sweating; swelling; swelling of foot or leg on one side of the body; temporary blindness; vomiting or vomiting of blood; yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of Overdose

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur

Menstrual changes; nausea; vaginal bleeding; vomiting

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

More Common

Cough; fever; headache; itching of the vagina or genital area; pain during sexual intercourse; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; sore throat; stuffy or runny nose; thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor; tightness of chest or wheezing; weight gain

Less common

Crying; depersonalization; false or unusual sense of well-being; hoarseness; mental depression; paranoia; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rapidly changing moods, mild feeling of sadness or discouragement that come and go

Incidence not determined

absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods; bloody vaginal discharge; brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin; chills; clay-colored stools; contact lenses intolerance; dark urine; decreased amount or quality of milk; dry mouth; dry skin; fatigue; flushed; fruit-like or unpleasant breath odor; increased hunger; increased thirst; increased urination; loss of appetite; medium to heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, which may require the use of a pad or a tampon; rash; soreness, swelling, or discharge from the breast or breasts; trouble getting pregnant; unexplained weight loss; unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

I was just given the NuvaRing to try yesterday, I did not even last 24 hours! Literally 4 hours after I put it in, my eye started to twitch, constantly. I started have chest pain and pressure, almost like when you have bronchitis. My legs felt crampy, my back hurt, I couldn't sleep, and I had the worst headaches. Seriously. I hoped it would pass by morning, but no luck, so I called the GYNO and she said to remove it and wait to see if the symptoms go away. I removed it this afternoon, and this evening, I am still feel crappy, but at least a tad better.

I read and re-read the Nuvaring packaging looking for my side effects, and there were none. I am so disappointed with this. It was the worst experience I have ever had with birth control!

I posted last night about how I was hating Nuvaring. I don't know why I forgot to take it out last night! Anyway, this morning I was actually day 16 on it. I woke up with pain in my ribs and abdomen and a severe headache. Again, I was very exhausted and depressed. I finally took it out. The rest of the day was very hard to get through - extremely depressed and unable to exercise. Later today, both my legs were killing me - felt tight and like it hurt to stand on them. I had been having some leg pain last week, but didn't attribute it to Nuvaring. It was a like a cramp. I also had pain in my left arm that got worse over a few days. I also spent the rest of the day feeling even shorter of breath than I was yesterday. I am glad I read this board and I am glad I took it out. I didn't know what these symptoms were from really - and now I know.

I've been using the nuva ring for about 5 months now. At first my doctor told me that my body had to adjust, but I am experiencing more and more side effects with each cycle. I am experiencing:

severe headaches
brown dischard (the whole month)
depression (I don't care about anything or anyone)
moodiness (I am insanely angry. I think I could honestly hurt someone)
Urinary (kidney stones and frequent Infections)
No Sex Drive (I don't want sex, don't even want to think about it, its yucky!
Aches and Pains (back, neck, legs and chest)

I didn't realize all these symptoms were associated with the nuva ring. I was about to see a mental health professional, as I am scared I could hurt myself, husband, children, or someone. I have never been so angry in my life. I feel INSANE.

I've been using the ring for 3 months now - it was prescribed following an abortion - i thought that my depression was related to the abortion, i've been sad all the time, crying randomly, unable to sleep, gaining weight, tired ALL of the time, so very easily annoyed. i've had raging headaches, body pains in my legs and arms, and for the past 3 days chest pains. i've been a crazed woman with my friends, and most especially my boyfriend, i'm confused as to what's reality and what i've blown out of porportion now, calming down since the removal of the ring, and laughing at myself. i'd get off the nuva ring sooner than later, it's not something to mess with.

I had been on nuva ring fr a mere 2 weeks and I ended up being rushed to hospital with a 39.2 degree temperature.I also had other awful side effects- like sore joints- my legs were so sore-sore back- i couldnt walk properly on some days my legs felt so "heavy" i had the hot and cold shivers -also- a horrible daily clear discharge which i could actually "feel" coming out ......i took the nuva ring out and it still has left me with an infection.im not saying to other women to not use the nuva ring.just make sure you read the pamphlet properly and know what side effects to look for.

Guest #40983:

OMG if you are having leg cramps take the Nuva Ring out IMMEDIATELY and either visit the ER or call your doctor. I can't believe whoever gave you the prescription did not warn you that leg cramps are THE serious indicator of birth control-induced blood clots, which can and have killed young women on the Nuva Ring. The clots travel from your legs into your lungs and brain, causing a stroke. If one leg is swollen or red, or cramping severely, take the ring out!!!