NuvaRing and vagina

Your stories makes me feel much better. I've been battling with yeast infections on and off for the last five months. It's been scary and frustrating. Surprisingly I've been on NuvaRing for about 3 years and these symptoms have just begun to be a problem but they won't stop until the ring is out and my period starts. I've tried everything, I've changed soaps, changed to lube without parabens, stopped wearing cute underwear, started showering twice a day, and have used several types of over-the counter's. I've treated with so many over-the-counter creams for yeast infections that I'm getting concerned about what all that fungicide might do in the long run. They usually work but then the yeast infection will return. I think perhaps the NuvaRing may affect the chemistry inside the vagina making it more susceptible to yeast infections once one occurs. This has negatively affected my sex life with my fiance because sex stings and burns and I always get a yeast infection, I'd rather avoid it all together. I was going to go to the OBGYN and beg for Diflucan but from a previous post similar to my situation it may just be another temporary fix. I've never tried the pill but I'm going to switch this month and see if the yeast infections finally go away.

Hi
I first used the ring 3 years ago when i got married. ever since then, I've had extreme pain upon penetration. Basically, we haven't had intercourse for 3 years. My vagina burns like crazy, like sand paper every time my husband penetrates. I also haven't menstruated in 3 years. So far, doctors have not been able to treat the problem. I am going to an endocrinologist now who will prescribe hormones short term for my period. Has anyone had a similar experience? I would appreciate any feedback, advice, doctors, etc.

Hi I'm 19 years old, I've been on the NuvaRing for about 4 months now and I'm taking it out this weekend to switch to the pill. I loved the convenience of it and not having to worry about taking a pill everyday and it was always comfortable. But I've noticed in the past 3 months or so that all I do is sleep! I've experienced the worst fatigue of my life and I've been really depressed for no reason and have no interest in doing anything which is not myself at all. I've had crazy mood swings where I'll be screaming or crying one second then laughing the next, absolutely no sex drive and always dry during sex, every little thing irritates me, i'm always hungry but have only gained about 5-10 lbs, I'm bloated, my skin is always itchy and extreme vaginal itching, I've had a yeast infection, a urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis all in one month of using NR, and I've noticed I've been stuttering here and there as well? I was always recommending the NR to my friends because of it's convenience but after reading this I realize that all of my symptoms are due to NR and I do not recommend this anymore!

Same here girls, I can tolerate the unusual rash on my vagina because I thought it had something to do with my boyfriend being too rough on me, but no, it is the NUVARING. But what I can't live with is my decreased libido, I HAVE NO SEX DRIVE, and I have always been the exact opposite. This has been a nightmare, and the dryness, what's up with that!!!! I would not advise a girl to use it, not at all.

I was using the Nuvaring for about six months and It started to make my vagina sore, so I took it out for about two months. After my second period ending without having it in, I put in a new one; it has been two weeks and I am potting and getting terrible cramps. I don't know what is really going on and it concerns me because every symptom list I have looked at claims they are pregnancy symptoms or ovarian cancer. ah!

I've been on Nuvaring since June.I have mood swings,I have constant headaches,and there is always an itching sensation in the outer part of my vagina.The little period i do have the cramps are severe.I didn't know these were side effects until i saw a commercial on T.V. Then i googled it for more info.

I am 24 years old and have been on the nuvaring for more than 3 years. It has been pretty much impossible for me to have sex for most of that time. Although I have not noticed hair loss or weight gain since use, I do experience a burning pain when having sex. The pain almost feels raw, as if there were an exposed cut splitting in my vagina. I have had multiple tests for STDs and all have come out negative, and am in a stable relationship. I have often been diagnosed for possible yeast infections, and the medications prescribed have not relieved this pain. It is until now that I have associated the nuvaring with my problem, and I will try removing it to see if I notice any difference. I hope that those who have tried this method and noticed positive results will keep in touch and let me know how long it took them to see results. Thanks for posting your stories.

Hello... and I want to thank everyone for thier comments. I am 23 and have been on the nuvaring since my son was born two years ago. Since I have been on it I am tired, irritable, and had no sex drive. Every doctor I went to said that the s/s were from being a busy mom. Over time things have gotten worse I never think about sex EVER (my poor husband). I have been gaining weight in my stomach, butt, and thighs for no reason. For the past 2 months my vagina is completely dry and it was always the opposite. I barely have a period. I freak out on anyone for no given reason, even to hear someone speak. I sleep 24/7 and it is not enough. I am nauseated 24/7 to a point I feel like I am going to vomit. The only plus is I use to be a large A cup and in 2 months am a large C cup. And I am not pregnant.
Sooo...I asked my MD to check my hormones. To find out my Estrogen level is 40. With low estrogen this causes all of these s/s I have been having. Did the nuvaring cause this? Am I going to be able to have anymore children? I am taking this nuvaring out and I never want to see one again!

I've been on NuvaRing for about two years now and have had random fainting spells and my periods start early and last longer than normal. Whenever my boyfriend and I have sex it feels like my vagina is burning (no condom used). Also, whenever my boyfriend wants to have sex I turn him away because the thought of it makes me disgusted. There is no desire to have sex. The only time I do have sexual desire is when the ring is out and that is when I have my period. I get very irritable around other people when the ring is in. The last time I put the ring in, the following day I felt nauseated all day and vomited. A week later I got my period. My patients is running out because I'm sick of getting my period all the time and not being able to spend intimate time with my boyfriend (weather it's because I have my period or because the thought of sex disgusts me). The reason I started NuvaRing was because I had been taking the pill for 4 years and wanted something that was not going to make me sick if I did not eat after taking it. Also, I wanted something that was more convenient. Now I've experienced the side effects and I highly discourage anyone else from using NuvaRing.

I HAVE BEEN ON NUVARING FOR 5YRS. I DO HATE IT.BUT THE ONLY GOOD THING IS I DID NOT GET PREGNANT FOR 5 YRS.
I HAVE HAD MORE URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS THAN BEFORE,EVEN ACUTE PYELONEPHRITIS,PREMATURE VPCS, BAD MOOD, WT GAIN, FATIGUE. HEAD ACHES, SINUSITIS.
NO SEX DRIVE, CANT GET WET LIKE I DID BEFORE. VAGINAL DISCHARGE, ITCHY VAGINA,
I AM A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND I DO TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF MYSELF. I THINK NUVARING SUCKS!!!

Oh, forgot to add -- the few times I have actually had sex while on the NuvaRing I had this intense burning sensation to the point where I was almost in tears and I had to ask him to stop!! Has anyone else experienced this??

i love the internet. you can find so much on nuvaring effects it calms me down a bit.

im 21

so i started nuvaring on March 1st. sex a week later, and then the second week i started getting very sick, terrible nerves and stomach aches. i cried all the time so much that i was sent home from work almost everyday for 2 weeks. surprised i wasn't fired... goodness. i took the ring out the middle of the 3rd week it was in and debated using it again. i decided i would after reading all the other comments and reviews. i put the ring back in and all ive been experiencing this month are slight headaches and the brown discharge. the discharge freaked me out a little at first, but ive read that its normal and just your vagina cleansing due to the hormones? anyways. okay i haven't gotten my period yet and i took the ring out a few days ago. im a little worried, but i haven't shown any symptoms of pregnancy so i guess im okay. ive read it is also normal to be late or miss it while on it. i really like the nuvaring, but if it doesn't work out ill go on the pill. my love doesn't feel it during sex either. but he likes to play a little sometimes when he's fingering me.... silly boy. im also losing weight. ive lost 4 lbs since being on it. well i guess since i started having sex. haha. we don't use condoms during sex, just vaginal film sometimes. things have been great the past 3 weeks. im hoping this continues and no pregnancy occurs! hope this was helpful to others.

i recommend this to people under 180 lbs (due to it is more effective if under that weight) and as long as you can bear the terrible sickness for the first month you should be fine. take Vitamin B-complex, it helps to balance out the depression and stress. its like a natural anti-depressant. if you freak out a lot then use a second method when you are on it.

I used it for once month....No sex drive. I did not want to be with my husband. My vagina was extremely dry all the time. I did not think about sex at all, and I hated it! My self esteem was zapped out from the lack of sex I was having.

Just started with Nuvaring a week ago. Haven't been on any birth control in over 5 years. I don't know if these are common to all hormonal birth control methods but have been experiencing nausea, dizziness, anxiety, mood swings, pelvic soreness, and I can feel the ring; in general and during intercourse. My boyfriend can feel it, too. Also, there is some vaginal discharge that smells funny. Not strong, just funny. The mood swings are intense, from crying for almost no reason, to a strong sense of anxiety. My sleep has been disturbed due to a general sense of nervousness. I think after this month, I will switch to the pill.

This website is absolutely amazing to me...
I started the nuvaring in March of 2007, but got off of it after a few months because I had gained some weight. My doctor didn't think this was related (she is a wonderful doctor, and this form of birth control was also new to her), so in September of 2007, I got back on it. At this time, I had lost over 26 lbs in between the months I hadn't had it.

Since September of 2007, I have gained back 18 lbs, yet I go to the gym at MINIMUM 1.5 hours, 4 times a week, and that scale will not budge. I have done South Beach in the past with great success, but I could drink only water right now and not shed a lb.

Also, I've been in and out of the ob's office with Candida and itchy vagina in general for months. Now, reading these posts, it's all starting to make sense to me.

I was also diagnosed with hypothyroid. Which I'm starting to wonder if there is a connection.

My migraines were so bad last year, that I had to have Fiorocet prescribed to me to get rid of them.

And lastly, I feel much more tired than I have been in the last few years. I need my energy back!

Either way, I will be coming off the ring, again, this week, and my husband and I will be back to condoms. And I can't wait to see if I feel normal.

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading post after post on the side effects of the NuvaRing, and I am so glad that I found this site. Thank you all for sharing! I feel relieved to know I wasn't abnormal or plain crazy. Let me share my own experience.

I've been on the NuvaRing for 14 months, and before that for 5 months. At first, I absolutely loved it and didn't really feel any side effects. I had previously used the patch, and hated it because it made me extremely nauseous and dizzy. With the NuvaRing, I didn't have to worry about taking a daily pill which was great. However, over the past 6-8 months, I've experienced the following symptoms:
- weight gain (up to 8 pounds that I can't seem to shed off no matter what I do)
- slight hair loss and thinning (luckily, I have lots of hair but it's not as healthy and shiny as it used to be)
- extreme vaginal itchiness and also constant itch on newly shaved legs
- ZERO libido. This one started from the very beginning of nuvaring use. I make myself have sex with my partner to maintain a healthy sex life. I used to get easily aroused and would love to have sex with him. I miss that....
- excess weight around abdomen and breasts. Need I say more??
- constant fatigue and lack of motivation
- dryness (vagina)
- bloating and severe IBS symptoms (I can no longer drink coffee which I used to love, can't eat pasta, pizza or heavy breads)

Today in particular, after having the ring in for 24 hrs, I've been extremely nauseated, sleepy, and mildly dizzy. I slept a total of 16 hours! And no matter how much exercise I do, and how healthy and little I eat, the scale won't budge one pound.

I will definitely get off the ring for a couple of months and monitor any changes (hopefully lots of improvement). I'll keep you posted.

My girlfriend and I just got off NuvaRing. The final straw symptoms were an intense burning pain in and around her vagina, extremely low mood, and for me, an itching blotchy rash on the head of my penis.
There were problems with the NuvaRing for her from day one. There was the acne and weight gain, as many people have mentioned, as well as a slight but steady rust-colored discharge. One of the main nuisances of the ring was its tendency to trap semen somewhere in the vagina, only to release it sometimes hours later at incredibly inopportune moments. (Sorry if that's disgusting... Anyone else have that happen though?)
During the second month, the symptoms became worse and more numerous: Pain during and after sex, partly caused by unusual dryness, became a frequent problem. Weight gain and acne increased. And then, in the day or two before we took the ring out, both my penis and her vagina took on a smell which I will describe (somewhat esoterically) as being very similar to that of a good brie after the rind turns orange. In a bad way.
There followed lots of burning and irritation, especially for her, and a general itch which she seemed to have all over her body. She said the pain in her vagina was on par with the worst she'd ever had, coupled with an intense low mood. We became 100% convinced at that point that the ring had to go, and immediately after its removal the symptoms began to slowly subside. It's been less than 24 hours so far, and we're both still calling each other to complain about our genitals, but the bright side is: We're off NuvaRing, the symptoms are subsiding, and we'll never have to go through that again.
As a final note, a message to the women on here who were dumped by their boyfriends because of what NuvaRing did to you: Those guys sound pretty much worthless. Good riddance.

Hi my name is Brenda
i just placed my nuvaring inside of me 2 days a go and the first day i put my partner and i had intercourse and today i woke u and my vagina has this weird burning sensation i really don't know what to do should i remove it or is it something that is normal for a first time user??? l feel like i have a lighter down there so if anybody knows any USEFUL INFO please Email me ******

Thanks
B.

I am 35 years old and recently have had a string of ovarian cysts, which did not disappear at the end of my regular menstrual cycle. After three menstrual cycles and continued cysts, my gynecologist recommended I go on birth control to rid myself of the cysts. As I had tried Loestrin in the past and disliked it, she thought I might appreciate a low estrogen solution and not a pill. She recommended the NuvaRing.

I started taking it 7 days ago. By the 4th day, I felt I had a yeast infection. By the 5th day, I was in such pain I could no longer walk. I felt itching inside and out, as well as incredible burning. My vagina is so swollen, I cannot wipe myself with toilet paper or dry myself with a towel after showering. I took it out on the 7th day and almost within 2 hours I felt the burning stop. The following day the swelling started to lessen. I can walk now, but the itching and inflammation may take some more time to go away. It is clear with my sudden improvement that the NuvaRing was the culprit.

If you experience burning, itching and swollen privates- STOP taking it!

Thank you to all of the ladies that have written to this site. I've never sent in feedback, but it has been so helpful to read these stories and try to diagnose my issue. I am in the second month of the NR and will remove it tonight. We have 2 children (2.5 and 18 months) and are unsure about more so we have been hesitant to get my husband fixed. I found the site while unable to sleep because of a migraine during the first month. I have never had migraines before, but figured it was from a head cold Then the almost intolerable itching began...that has been awful, but I thought it may just be the "adjustment period". Because of 2 small children and a stressful career, I didn't notice the loss of sex drive right away. But recently, I noticed that NOTHING turns me on. I have always been able to orgasm almost every time we have sex (or even on my own), but now I cannot even stimulate myself or get turned on from sexy shows or ANYTHING. I am only having sex for him and it burns like crazy in my vagina right after we have sex. It was bad enough with babies in the house, but now I seem to have no sex drive AT ALL. So, the whole point was to get away from condoms but since I don't want or enjoy sex...guess that logic goes out the window. To sum up...migraines, crazy crotch itch, and no sex drive. I'm sure this works for some women, but if it is not working for you, take it out. I'll write again after I am clear of it to update.

Like many of the women on this site, I am so relived to have found out that the symptoms I have been experiencing are because of the NuvaRing and not me. I just had a baby 10 months ago, so I have been telling myself that the depression, lack of energy, and serious loss of sex drive were because of the pregnancy hormones. 2 days ago I took out the NR for my cycle and noticed that I finally felt attracted to my husband again. Also I have had a slight stinging sensation in my vagina on a daily basis, which is 10x worse when I have sex. I didn't realize that loss of sex drive was a side effect for the NR, it has put some serious tension and anxiety between my husband and I and nothing is worth that. I was worried about our future because there were times when I didn't even want him to touch me. Obviously something I never felt before and was very worried as to why I felt this way. My husband has also been pointing out that I seem depressed lately and rarely get excited about anything. I am not going back on the NR and expect to see some improvements.

I was on the depo-provera shot prior to using the nuvaring and I would definitely like to switch back! The first month and a half was fine but the second time I put in the nuvaring, it fell out the next day! I didn't realize it for a few days until I "thoroughly searched" and realized it was gone! I thought back and realized it must have slipped out the day after i put it in, (i had a particular instance in mind) well i put a new one in and ever since then (for about 2 weeks now) i have had the most awful cough! =( despite taking endless amounts of medicine, it's not getting any better and it's to the point that I cough so hard that i literally gag. I never would have thought that this could be caused by the nuvaring but after reading these other stories and re-glancing at the side affects, I'm pretty sure it's to blame. I am leaving it in until I get the prescription for the depo which should hopefully only be a day or two. Has anyone else had side pains associated with this? It just started today on my right side and hurts the most when I cough.

So I have only been on the NuvaRing for about 3 weeks and just took it out. I feel SO down but I didn't feel down till about a week ago. Would the depression hit that fast? I keep getting in fights with my boyfriend and I'm feeling like we aren't going to last even though before this we've never had any real issues and I was positive he was the one I would marry. Now I feel like I'm doubting us but I have no reason at all to doubt us, nothing has happened except I started using the NR. I keep denying that it's the ring but the more I look back on it I feel like it could be since only a few days after I started using it I felt very irritable. I guess it's time to switch again? I don't like feeling like this and I don't want birth control of all things to be the reason our relationship fails. I feel so down and depressed but it isn't constantly, it just comes on randomly and stays till I go to sleep pretty much. Has this happened to anyone? Do you think that the effects would happen that soon after starting the NR? Any help would be great! Thanks!

I stopped using the NuvaRing the first period after I broke up with my boyfriend. I just wanted to be off bc and let my hormones get back to normal. I haven't experienced any depression (maybe a little because of the breakup), but I've been spotting like crazy! It'll last a couple days, then go away. I think it'll be over and then it'll come back. I used to have horribly irregular periods, pre-NR, so its kind of irritating. I liked the NV when I was on it, but I did have some discharge, moodiness, and cramps when I was on it. But the discharge was the worst. My jerk ex actually told me that he was "grossed out by my vagina" (actual quote, one of the reasons for the breakup). My doctor told me it was normal, and I had switched to the ring because the pills I took before that did the same thing. Anyway, I think all bc is just going to give us unfavorable side effects. What can we do? I guess just grin and bear it.

Ladies, ladies, ladies...have I got a few stories for YOU!

I will never forgive myself for wasting three months of my otherwise fabulous life using the Nuvaring.

Nuvaring Nightmare #1: The Slingshot Incident

One night, my boyfriend and I were making love in an unusual position when his member slipped out of me. After an awkward pause I turned around and saw a look of shock and confusion on his face, with the Nuvaring sitting on his chest. Apparently the naughty Nuvaring had gone soaring out of my vagina like a slingshot during all the action and had bounced off his face to land on his chest.

BUT WAIT...it gets worse...

Nuvaring Nightmare #2

Boyfriend and I were in the bathroom for a quickie one day with all the lights turned off, when we realized that the floor was strangely slippery...our feet were slipping all over the place. We turned on the lights to find ourselves and most of the bathroom covered in blood! After a few seconds of searching for the source of the blood, we quickly realized that the evil Nuvaring had badly nicked the head of my poor boyfriend's penis. Needless to say, the mood was killed. Worst of all, it took two weeks to heal...and then it happened again on my brand-new mattress. There are still blood stains under my bed. After that, my boyfriend said, "Either you STOP using the Nuvaring or we STOP having sex!!"

My roommates said I was a moody monster for the entire three months that I used the Nuvaring...and I suspect you would be too, if this had happened to you. If you value your sex life, you relationships with others, and your personal safety, DO NOT EVER TRY THE NUVARING!

Ive been on the nuvaring for about four months and for three of those months everything was fine. my doctor told me that i could leave it in for 3 weeks and have a period for a week or three weeks and change to a new ring. well being that most women hate periods, i decided not to have one four four months. But now i am having this weird brown discharge(no smell) and i have had reoccurring yeast infections (white discharge, itching, burning). this skin around my vagina was raw for a week or so. gross i know. can anybody tell me whats up with this. i have been overly emotional because i thought something was wrong with me. is it?

I'm 18 and I've been on NuvaRing for a little less than 2 months. The first month was fine nothing out of the ordinary except that it kept slipping, it wouldn't stay all the way up in my vagina(and still hasn't). My doctor told me I could either do 4 weeks in and one week out or 4 weeks in and then put in another one right after(so i wouldn't have a period). I put the new ring in just over 2 weeks ago and started to experience abdominal pain(i thought it was just a pulled muscle or something), but then I started to get a brown discharge. Last week I started to feel absolutely sick to my stomach and am so tired all the time. I decided to take the ring out on Monday since the discharge hadn't stopped within a couple of days. I also did this because I had started to get terrible cramps and diarrhea. I had to skip 2 classes because they were so bad. I almost never had cramps before but these are so terrible that not even a hot shower and Ibuprofen can fix them. How long will it take for this to go away since I didn't use the ring for the entire time? I hate feeling like this, I can't really function. I'm glad I'm not alone on this.

I just started the Nuvaring last Sunday and have been having some strange symptoms that I did not know that could have been associated with the NR, until now.
Since I've been using it, I have noticed that I'm bloated (but I dismissed it as possible water retention), mild cramping, and HORRIFIC sex!
I noticed this last night after having sex for the first time after inserting the ring. Upon insertion, my vagina burned horrifically. I told him it burned and he asked me if he should stop, but I felt bad and let him finish. The sex was miserable! Painful and burning! Then afterwords, holy crap! My vagina felt like it was on fire! I went to go pee and it hurt like a son of a bitch. Then this morning, my vagina itched like there was no tomorrow!! I had to shower and frigging give it a major scrub down! Not to mention, having to put hydrocortisone and vagisil on it!
Also, I've experienced some pretty nasty depression. Before reading this, I thought I was just depressed cuz Im going through a hard time right now, but its strange cuz I've been going through a hard time for a few months now, and haven't felt like this! I have been known to have depression in the past though, but since I've been going to the gym, its helped. But all of a sudden, the gym doesn't work anymore! I feel hopeless, I'm sensitive and crying for everything, I feel miserable with low self-esteem and self worth. I wanna sleep all the time and I'm just pissed off at the world. I'm worried about how far this depression may take me!
Not to mention, now, I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I have noticed hard bumps on myself. 2 in the back of my head, and one on the side of my neck. What the hell are these? Cuz these just appeared out of no where! The two on my head are painful to touch and the one on my neck is painless. Could these be swollen lymph nodes?
Oh, and I'm also thirsty all the time! I cant stop drinking water!
Now, this is all the stuff I have been experiencing so far, but after reading all these other testimonials, I'm afraid to start my period or even remove the damn thing! I thought this thing was supposed to be awesome! It sucks ass!! I think I may end up going back to the pill...I've never had crazy side effects like this before!

Today was my first time taking NuvaRing out and about four hours after I did so, I got a horrible, stabbing pain in my vagina. It hurt so bad that I couldn't stop crying. The stabbing pain has stopped for now, but there's a constant burning sensation, discharge and stomach cramps. Has anyone else had this problem?

My girl has been using the NuvaRing for a month now. Each time i use it i get irritation and redness and chafing and even some bleeding in a circle around my penis just under the head. I noticed that the placement of the ring in her vagina was such that i make contact with it in the exact places that are these cuts. After sex there is pink and reddish swelling and some small bleeding and much pain.

Is this a reaction to NuvaRing or something else? Anyone else have similar problems?

I am on my 3rd NuvaRing, and my last NuvaRing. This thing has cause me more pain and problems than anything I have ever used! The first time around the only problem I had was an increase in UTI's and extreme discomfort in my vagina and urethra, especially during and days after sex. I was told these side effects would go away within the next trial of the NuvaRing. Boy, were they wrong. After Taking out my second NuvaRing my period lasted from JULY 5TH to JULY 18TH! I also had to face the heaviest period of my life. I would go through a super plus absorbency tampon and panty liner in less than an hour. How embarrassing, inconvenient, and uncomfortable! I have had two ultrasounds, and 3 pelvic exams since starting the NuvaRing just 3 months ago. I have also had to face headaches, stomach pains, MOOD SWINGS, IRRITABILITY, and depression. This thing has put a damper on my sex drive and my relationship with everyone around me including my boyfriend of 3 1/2 years. I would not recommend the NuvaRing to anyone!!!!!!!!

I am 25yrs. old and am trying nuvaring for the second time. I am sooo RELIEVED to find this sight because i was blaming myself for all of the things that are going on. First of all, I have never been one to worry too much and I have been suffering with so much anxiety that I feel like i need to be on some sort of medication for it. Also, Sex has become painful during and even worse afterward! I have constant irritation in my vagina and no sex drive at all. I don't even feel like myself anymore and its not worth it to live this way. After this ring I am done and for good this time!!!!

This makes me feel a lot better too!! I had been on NuvaRing before and didn't even think that my symptoms had to do with it. My vagina was so irritated and sex hurt sometimes. The area was just so tender, I would get sore after a short time and then have to stop and let myself heal for a few days. My b/f felt bad and thought it was his fault. I wanted to have sex but my body just didn't seem to be into it....I would get dry quickly and it made things even worse. I thought there was something else seriously wrong with me. Well, I took a break for a little while from the NuvaRing and things have been great! But not realizing that could have been the cause, I went back on the NuvaRing a couple months ago because it is so convenient. I am beginning to have the same symptoms, plus symptoms of a yeast infection. I am really bad about taking a pill everyday I love the convenience of the NuvaRing but cannot be uncomfortable like this.

I have been using the nuvaring for about 2 years now and have LOVED it. Especially not having to worry about taking a pill everyday. It is very convenient. I have however had problems with the nuvaring irritating the inside of my vagina. I was concerned about bleeding during intercourse and after seeing numerous doctors, discovered that the ring has been causing it all along. It is unfortunate because I have found a convenient form of birth control that I love. Has anyone else had this problem?

I have only been on using the NuvaRing for about 2 weeks now but I am already having mood swings and extreme irritability. I go to school with all men because I am trying to get into the aviation field and the guys I go to school with have informed me that I have become a super bitch. I did not attribute it to the ring until reading the other post's here. I usually ignore all the immature comments that the guys make but lately I have found myself bickering with them on a regular basis.

I have only had sex 3 times since I have been on the ring but each time I had an intense burning sensation on the exterior of my vagina, almost like a yeast infection. The reason that I decided to google the side effects of the ring is because ever since me period has ended I have had a think brownish discharge and cramps every day. I have been wearing panty liners for almost two weeks and this definitely needs to stop. The number one reason I decided to try birth control was because of my severe menstrual cramps, heavy periods and mid month spotting. Now I have all month spotting, what the hell!

By far the worst experience I have had since using the ring happened yesterday. As I mentioned before my irritability has definitely increased. That was very evident yesterday when while at work, of all places, I attacked a girl and beat her up. I was arrested and charged with battery. Granted the girl and I have been having an escalating fued for the last couple of months. My mother was also involved and she was more pissed with my mother than with me. But the fight had in no way been physical until yesterday when she began to curse at my mother. I lost it and swung her into the wall by her hair, she never even saw it coming. I sort of blacked out and cant even remember all the events. This whole thing was definitely out of character for me, especially since I was at work. I am fortunate to work at an office where we are all close enough to be called a family. My boss stood by me and did not fire me. He even bailed me out of jail but that is definitely one hell of a side effect

I am 31 yrs. old and this is month 4 on the NuvaRing. I have been on several different types of BC over the years the side effects had been so severe I decided to give up on BC all together. When my doctor recommended NuvaRing I was leary, but I tried it anyway and was quite pleased until recently. I am not experiencing head aches, nausea, or irregular periods, but I am experiencing problems with my moods. Most of the time I am sad or I get agitated very quickly for no reason. I was shocked to read about some of you experiencing loss of energy. I thought I was going crazy. I don't seem to have any energy...I am tired all the time. I have been taking vitamins, but they don't seem to be boosting my energy any. I have gained weight in my stomach and seem to be gasy and bloated. My jeans are so tight...It is depressing! In a matter of 2 weeks my breasts have grown in size...I am sure I have gone from a 36 C to a D! What I am most concerned about is the blisters that appeared about 2 1/2 weeks ago on the exterior of my vagina. They are very painful and over the counter creams are not working. I am not sure if this is due to the NuvaRing. I have my anual checkup with my OBGYNE tomorrow. I plan on getting all of my questions and concerns addressed. My delima is do I stay on NuvaRing...I like that I don't have to worry about popping any pills and I don't get any major side effects. What should I do?

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.

I love this thing! I am now on my third month of being on the ring and could not be more satisfied. The only side effect i have experienced was a little burning around my vagina when i insert it and then again when i take it out. It has also made it so that i have no cramps prior to my period and my breasts are no longer tender to the touch during that time. I have read so many negative comments that i was scared to try it, but after switching from the dreaded once a day pill, i have never taken a better risk!

I am soooo glad I found this website!! Please read further!!!! I had a horrible experience on the NuvaRing. Can't even begging to explain, but I want to express my knowledge to anyone that is on this site. I think doctors should ask every patient that requests the NR if they have had or have symptoms or have been diagnosed with depression, or at that, any mental illness. With women most mood disorders are somewhat hormonally linked along with some kind of chemical imbalance. The ring has a very strong hormone in it that can cause all sorts of problems for women in this category. However, it is probably great for some people. I was only on it for 2.5 weeks and I was screaming at my fiance for no reason then I would lay in bed and just feel hopeless and cry for hours. I know I have suffered from depression for a great deal of my whole life, but I had it under control until I put that little devil inside my vagina. We, my finance and I, thought it would be great to not have to keep forgetting pills and having a pregnancy scare once a month. We didn't link the two together until I told my therapist that I started the ring and he told me to immediately take it out!!! He said DEPO and NuvaRing are a big "no-no" with mentally frustrated patients. So, to all you ladies out there, the ring is good if you have never been to a psychiatrist!!! If you are on any type of SSRI or Benzo's then you obviously have a mental thing going on....stay away from these type of BC's because they are just simply toooooo strong. I hope this helps doctors and patients.

I H-A-T-E the Nuvaring. My doctor said I would love it...and it was convenient for a little while. But it undid all the work my anti-depressants were doing for my post pardon...it made me gain weight...and I mean WEIGHT. I gained 10 lbs in less than 2 months. I slept all the time. My vagina was COMPLETELY dry. I got swollen and irritable. I hate it. It's not worth it to even try.

Oh, and a friend of mine had a blood clot from Nuvaring...which I know can happen w/ any BC...but just thought I'd add it.

I have been on Nuva Ring for about 3months now and i am starting to notice some odd things happening with my vagina - burning immediately after sex, itchiness and irritation. My boyfriend is also noticing some things on his penis.. we have had all the tests to rule out anything sexually transmitted and all is clear. Am wondering if anyone else has noticed the same issues?

Has anyone had vaginal bleeding because the NuvaRing irritated your vagina? I had a little bit of break-thru bleeding earlier in my cycle but now the blood looks more like it is coming from something else...I have used a diaphram before and that would really irritate my vagina during sex, I would lightly bleed for the next day or two. My bleeding now looks a lot like my vagina is really irritated similar to using the diaphram. I've had some mood swings--mostly deep lows and being incredibly impatient/irritable which I'm normally not like. Lots of breast tenderness, too. My gyno swore that the NuvaRing with finally be the BC that would work for me (I've been a numerous types of pills) but I've been on it for two months and so far things are not looking too promising...

i have been using the ring for the last three months for menstrual suppression because of a suspected case of adenomyosis. I have noticed lately that my whole vagina and cervix area are swollen and sore. I also too do not want to have sex and i could rip anyones head off at the drop of a hat...which is worse...bleeding for a year or feeling like you have vaginal elephantitis?

I have been on the NuvaRing for 4 months...I have had the worst side effects ever! I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I actually found this website and took the damn thing out- THANK GOD! I already feel better. I can't believe the countless number of accounts on this site- women who are suffering from this BC like me. I knew I was irritable. My Symptoms: ANGER, road rage, impatience with my family and friends, feelings of laziness, extreme uncertainty and anxiety about the smallest decisions. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me..just knew I was WAY WAY off balanced. I thought I might be becoming a manic depressive. The last thing I suspected as the problem was the NavaRing...why????????????... because it's claim on the box that it is less likely to causes moodiness and other side effects than other forms of BC. Not only was I acting like a total bunny boiler but I also broke out several times, gained 10 lbs, had constant UTI's, burning sensations in my vagina and strange odor.

This is the worst form of BC I've EVER EVER tried. I warn any woman that feels strange- TAKE IT OUT!

I'm really scared now!!!

I've been on BC for about five months now but I've been incredibly "hormonal" as you girls can relate...except an extreme. So crazy. crying, no reason.

so i said...maybe the NuvaRing. my friends on it...I'll try it. i put it in and immediately inside my vagina started to feel irritated.

I don't want anything related to depression/weight gain/etc because i already have that shit going on.

I'm also worried to completely change personalities. Witch could be a good thing.

DOES ANYONE! have anything good to say about this thing?

I was on the NuvaRing for about four months. One of the first things I asked when my gyno recommended it as a safe, effective form of birth control was, how is a ring that stays up in your vagina for weeks safe and sanitary? We all know that you cannot have a tampon up in there for more than a day, so how is the ring any different? I got a bacteria infection and bladder infection while on the ring. I think that the ring is an unsanitary breeding ground for bacteria and infections. I will never use it again. In my opinion, THE NUVARING IS DANGEROUS.

Does anyone have problems with the NuvaRing not staying in their vagina????

I used NuvaRing in March of 2004 for 2.3 days and I've been paying for it ever since. My doctor's say it's just a coincidence, but I believe it was all triggered by the NuvaRing.

By the second day I had it in, I had the symptoms of a UTI and it was hurting to even walk. I pulled it out, called my OBGYN, and told them I had a UTI. They put me on the patch instead and prescribed me some antibiotics for my UTI.

After finishing the prescription, my UTI symptoms had not decreased, so I went in and gave a urine sample. They put me on a different antibiotic and after finishing that, my UTI symptoms still had not decreased.

They referred me to go see a Urologist at this point. I went in and they said my urine was fine, however I still did not feel ANY improvement. A week or so later I went back to the Urologist, and then a UTI did show up, so they treated me. Once again, I did not feel any improvement, but I went back and my urine test came out negative.

I had a done to look for possible Interstitial Cystitis, but the results were normal. Basically the Dr. told me I am fine and gave me Pyridium to use as needed to numb the bladder.

Ever since then, I've been to doctor after doctor, trying to find answers. Luckily the pain now is a lot less intense but still happens on average about 2-3 times a week, randomly.

None of the doctor's I've seen know what I have. The last dr. I saw said it's probably Chronic Urethral Pain Syndrome, but he is not sure. He'd want to do several tests, which don't sound fun. I've done so many already and to this day now I've had 3 cystoscopys, DSMO treatments that didn't help, PST tests, and so on.

My suggestion: DON"T EVER EVEN TRY THE NUVARING! Also, I was on the pill (many different brands over ten years), and don't recommend that. After getting off birth control, it took just about 3 years to get my cycles back to normal. The change in hormones also made me break out like a teenager, and I'm 34. Talk about no fun.

I just started NuvaRing today and about an hour or so after putting it in I had sex with my boyfriend after doing that I felt a burn in my vagina I don't know what to think or if this is normal!!! anyone know???

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.