NuvaRing and yeast infection

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.

i have used NR and it is very convenient and easy to use. i had no side effects. in fact my yeast infection which was not going away for like last 2 years, went away the month i started using NuvaRing. i stopped using NuvaRing as i was not gonna have sex and i got my Yeast infection back. i started using is this month again and i have no yeast anymore. it feels so good to be free from yeast which was so frustrating

I have only been on it for 6 weeks, but two weeks into it i became very dry, itchy and irritated down there. I figured it was a yeast infection, so I treated over the counter. Did nothing. I went to the dr. who said it could in no way be the ring and did urine and blood test. Until the blood test came back they put me on a cream in case it was a yeast infection and was not all gone on the outside. The blood came back that I had the cold sore form of herpes (will duh I get cold sores) and so they have me on an antiviral mediation. Three days into a five day medication the itching is worse. I keep telling my husband I think it is the ring, but the dr. says it does not do this. Does anyone else have this problem? I do not have to be on the ring for birth control, they are using it to treat something with my cycles that I am realizing would be better to live with than the itching and burning. Please tell me if anyone else has this side effect.

I started the NuvaRing on Oct 1 and felt a flu coming on Oct 5. Oct 6 I had a horrible headache and fever which has been between 99.3 and 100.5. On the 10th I awoke vomiting and developed a yeast infection. It just dawned on me it might be the ring. I googled and found this page. I'll see my general physician tomorrow, not the OBGYN who sold this on me when I complained about heavy periods. I'm using this not as a birth control but pre-men stabilizer. I'm thinking to yank it right now...?

Hi, I am 28yrs old. I tried the nuvaring for the first time 1 month ago. After 2.5weeks I noticed I had shortness of breath (before i would normally bike about 30 mins three times a week), my heart was racing, chest pains, leg pain mainly in my left calve, depression, a rash on my arm, yeast infection, body aches and flu like symptoms (I went to the emergency room this weekend and they told me I had sinucitis) , when I breathe in my chest hurts. Also this past weekend my period started and I am bleeding so so heavy and the pain is unbelievable ( I am thinking about going back to the emergency room as I type this). Basically I have almost every side effect that could lead possible stroke, blood clots or death. I need help. I am so scared right now, but i am not going to use it anymore. When I asked my ob/gyn about my symptoms she said "the nuvaring does not have side effects.

Thank you all for sharing your feedback here. Reading this has come as a true relief. I've had the ring almost 2 weeks now, my gyn gave me one after i mentioned i was interested in other options besides the pill. I started the pill almost 3 years ago because my period cramps were so bad. I always use a condom and use the pill as backup in case theres an accident. I hated having to remember it, so she popped in a ring before i could really say OK I GUESS. I was not sold on it because i knew there were different side effects, but she insisted that it was "just like the pill".

Lies.

Today almost broke down crying for no reason in front of all my coworkers. I have been really depressed, to the point where its affecting my work and friendships and i can barely do anything. The first week of the ring i was so tired, i took 3 hour naps in the middle of the day...

I am 24, exercise regularly and take very good care of myself, and from the first day of having the ring i was weary. I have been having so much discharge that i have to wear a liner, the discharge has an odor that's totally embarrassing (i told my gyn and she said there was no way it was the ring, probably an infection, just see if it goes away). I've never ever had a yeast infection...though I bet I will now that I have read everyone elses statements.

I feel disgusting, im so bloated i look pregnant, all i want to do is eat, i have no motivation to exercise which is a real problem as i do races and marathons. I know I have gained weight....weight that I have worked very hard all summer to get rid of...that i have gained in not even 2 weeks...

i have absolutely ZERO sex drive. I never thought I would care about that last one, but I feel like i have become a passionless robot from Brave New World or something. It SUCKS. nothing turns me on. I thought it was my last boyfriend that was the problem, but I'm dating again, and I have no desire. its becoming really sad for me.

i always had a little acne break out on my chin, but i have had a bunch of breakouts nonstop.

thats it in a nutshell. i already told my gyn i want to go back to the pill, because of the discharge alone being enough of a nuisance. she said wait and try it a while. I'm talking to her in the next couple days and insisting a switch back to the pill before i am due for another ring. i cant wait to get the thing out. i don't really think its a good idea to have a plastic thingy shoved up in there anyways.

i wish we didn't have to get all hopped up on hormones that throw our bodies off so much.... :( i hate it.

I've been only a week with NuvaRing. I've experienced depression, vaginal dryness, vaginal itching, after only 3 days of using it I got a nasty yeast infection, I didn't find my boyfriend attractive anymore, I got offended easily, Also I got this BAD headaches, and cramps "down there" very frequently. Also I got a strange rash on my vag, accompanied with the itching. I don't like NuvaRing at all. I took it out today, since I couldn't sleep because of the itching and the cramps. Bad experience. When is my boyfriend going to get fixed... Back to condoms it is.

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!

I am so relieved to has found this page. I had no idea how many people on the NuvaRing were having the problems I've been having. I started using the NuvaRing a few years ago soon after starting to have sex. I wasn't very good at remembering my pill everyday, so I thought it would be a good option. I was so happy in the beginning because I could depend on it.

However, the first major thing that happened a few months later was IBS symptoms, which has put a big damper on my life since. I never know what food item will cause me to cramp and bloat next. It changes every day. I have always doubted this symptom attributed to Nuva until now. I thought my metabolism was changing because I was entering the workforce and exposing myself to new levels of stress.

Next, I never expected that it would diminish my sex drive. I have to convince myself that I'm in the mood, feeling responsible for maintaining a healthy sex life with my husband. That sounds so horrible, and it is. I'm almost never in the mood, not even to masturbate, and I have to keep a calendar to keep track of the last time I pleased my husband. I have not had a real orgasm since before starting the nuva.

It doesn't help to not only be not in the mood, but also when I do have sex, it's uncomfortable, burning, and very painful urinating afterwards. On many occasions, the ring gets pulled out a little during sex, causing a moment of uncomfortable prodding plastic for both of us, and I need to stop long enough to take it out and put it somewhere so I remember to put it back in again. Sex is more comfortable without it after that, but the irritation is still there. It takes a few days to heal before having sex again.

The last straw is more recent. I began to get discharge - a lot - starting the second week in the cycle. It wasn't a yeast infection, as I had a physical and pap at this time and the doctor would have picked it up. There was some itching, but mostly, I've had to wear panty liners 3 out of 4 weeks, including my menstrual cycle. This makes me feel less appealing, and much less interested in having spontaneous sex because I have to clean up first.

It just sucks that this has effected me for almost my whole relationship with my husband. Our dates, our honeymoon, our first anniversary vacation last month. All this time, and I find that the only prescription drug I'm on is what has caused me so much stress, sexual tension, and digestive ailment. One can only imagine what all these other happy commercialized medicines have in store for us, and in multiple amounts!

I'VE BEEN ON NUVARING FOR 4 MONTHS AND AM CONSIDERING STOPPING AFTER THIS MONTH. EVERY MONTH SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON THE RING I'VE EXPERIENCED A YEAST INFECTION! I CANT HANDLE IT! I ALSO EXPERIENCED THE DRYNESS DURING SEX. I'VE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE RING, BUT THOSE TWO ARE ENOUGH TO STOP USING IT.

It has been only the third day that I started using NuvaRing. I'm already considering to take it out. First, I lost all my sex drive, and I feel nausea, headache, bloating, depressed and fatigue. However, the yeast infection has not happened yet, which I worry the most before I started it. I thought the side effect might go away in a week or so. Should I take it off and just stick with condom?

It has been only the third day that I started using NuvaRing. I'm already considering to take it out. First, I lost all my sex drive, and I feel nausea, headache, depressed and fatigue. However, the yeast infection has not happened yet, which I worry the most before I started it. I thought the side effect might go away in a week or so. Should I take it off and just stick with condom?

I had been on BCP a couple of years ago but was really terrible about remembering to take a pill every day. I went off of those because I was no longer sexually active, and I didn't see any reason for it. When i met the man of my dreams and became active again I wend to my Dr. to go back on Birth Control I told her about my previous lack of ability in the pill-taking department and she prescribed the NuvaRing for me. At first I thought it would be great! I couldn't ever feel it, I never had the problems with slippage that other people seemed to complain about, and it didn't even bother my boyfriend or I during sex. After 2 months on the ring though, last night was my day to put it back in, and I didn't. My libido wained to absolute zilch (in talking with my BF about this last night, we realized that we had only made love 3 times in the past 2 months) I just never wanted it. The times that we had made love, I suffered from extreme dryness, to the point where it really hurt a lot, even using lube. I also suffered through 2 UTIs and a Yeast infection in the last 2 months. (not to mention the 10 lbs I've gained, and the crazy irritabless/depression that the poor guy has had to put up with for the last 2 months... best described by me as "a boat load of crazy")

My BF and I discussed it last night and we decided it was best for me to stop using the NR to see if my libido comes back (it seems to be on its way already) and see if the dryness improves. I think my boyfriend put it best when he said "if it makes it so that you never want sex, and when you do - it hurts, that's one hell of a birth control. Can't make babies if you never make love!"

We decided to just continue using condoms as we have even with the BC. (I know they're not perfect) We realize that there's a risk of getting pregnant, but like he said "We'll cross that bridge if we come to it."

I'll see how this next month or two goes... if I am back to normal, it's got to be the NR.

Has anyone had the itching? The horrible horrible itching like you want to peel your skin off in a not very pleasant area? My doctor started me on NuvaRing last Monday and ever since it's been like my skin is on fire. I took the ring out last Sunday, but am still itching sporadically. It's pretty unbearable. Any ideas on how to handle? Any help would be appreciated.

I have been on NuvaRing for 3 years now. I was using Depo Provera shots for 2 years prior, but struggled with consistent weight gain, mood swings, and no sex drive. Since I have been on NuvaRing, I have had none of those side effects. I have been very pleased with this product, except for the 2-3 times a year that I get a yeast infection as a side effect. I do also get a headache the first day I take it out. I love not having to remember a pill. I never feel the ring at all. I am a happy customer!

i've been on and off the nuvaring for a little less than a year. my boyfriend and i were in a long distance relationship, so i'd make sure it was active the few times we saw each other, and then i'd generally stay off it the few months in between - probably not the best for my body, but the ring was rather expensive and it seemed a waste to buy them for all that wasted time.

anyway, i just moved to his area about three weeks ago, and in the weeks since i've arrived i've noticed my sex drive has essentially disappeared - which is the OPPOSITE of how i'd think it should be. i first started thinking about the nuvaring causing a problem when i noticed i was much drier than i generally am, having a hard time getting aroused, etc. it's now to the point where i am frustrated when he wants to make love because the desire for me is *so* nonexistent - someone else posted that it seems like a "task", and that's exactly how i'm feeling. this seems unfair to him and is troubling to me, as i've always had a perfectly healthy libido, and was beginning to worry that something was wrong with me.

i've also had the beginnings of what seems to be a mild yeast infection, but i have always been prone to those, so it could be unrelated. i also experienced ridiculous burning after sex one night, as others have mentioned, although it has only happened the once. last week i had a headache for three days (which has never happened before) and the mood swings have been huge - one tiny thing sets me off into either tears or ridiculous anger. my poor boyfriend.. ):

i was going to wait it out and see if things balanced in a month or two, but after reading some long-term effects here, i think i'll find an alternate method. it's just not worth hurting my boyfriend/relationship/body for this. thanks to everyone who has posted before me, this site was a huge help in making my decision.

I started on the NuvaRing in April of this year, so this is my 4th month on it. The first month was great! I loved that I didn't have to think about it daily and my libido was through the roof! The only side effects: I noticed immediately that it increased my discharge, which was a little uncomfortable on a day-to-day basis but was very nice for making love. The discharge was also a whitish color, which threw me off because I'm used to it being clear but my doctor assured me that all was normal. Also, it would occasionally fall out during more passionate sex, which wasn't a big deal. I just washed it off with cold water and reinserted it. The second month, things seemed great until the last half of the month. I noticed that there wasn't as much discharge and I would get a slight burning sensation after sex. About a week later, I came down with a full blown yeast infection. I hadn't had a yeast infection in 10 years! I treated it with an OTC 3 day suppository, which seemed to help it a little. I removed the NuvaRing like normal and a few days later I started my period. Things seemed to go back to normal and a week went by without much problem. The middle of the 3rd month I was slammed full force with yet another (or the same) yeast infection, plus bacterial vaginosis as well. I asked the doctor about the NuvaRing and it possibly causing/aiding yeast infections. She assured me that it wasn't possible for the ring to cause infection. She gave me instructions on how to properly rinse it off in case it ever fell out again. She prescribed me 2 doses of Diflucan for the yeast and an antibiotic for the BV. I took both and afterward things seemed fine for another 2 weeks. This week, I noticed that I had a weird itchy feeling down there before bed and sure enough when I woke up in the morning it appeared I had another yeast infection. I called to make an appointment but the nurse just called back and prescribed me 2 more Diflucan pills and told me to give one to my partner. I asked again about the NuvaRing perhaps being an aid in the appearance of these infections and again she told me that it wasn't possible. At this point I am really confused. I don't know if I have a really bad yeast infection due to the ring or if my boyfriend and I are simply reinfecting each other. I also asked about whether I should discard this NuvaRing and start a new one after the infection clears up and got a very vague response of "it's your call". I really don't know whether to can the NuvaRing or keep going a little longer to see if this is all a big coincidence. I just think there isn't enough known about the NuvaRing...by my physician anyway. More side effects to note in the fourth month: weight gain, loss of sexual desire, vaginal dryness (the discharge was short-lived), irritability, crying fits. I'm just at a loss...I really wanted this to work for me...

I'm only 18 and I've been using nuvaring off and on for a while.
I took it out the first time because it was making me gain weight, decrease in sex drive, anxiety attacks, painful sex and i had been crying for no reason. I feel so bad for my boyfriend because I'm just now realizing that my lack of sex drive and painful sex is most likely related to the nuvaring. We've both been confused for so long and he's been feeling so bad about himself thinking its his fault :(.

This is the 2nd week I've had it in since the first time i took it out months ago and I've gotten what seems to be a yeast infection...but like someone mentioned earlier, my yeast infection tests come back negative...as do std and sti tests.
This is my second time with yeast infection symptoms and im only 18...
so, already that seems a little fishy (no pun intended).
Ive also been tested twice for all stds and sti's both times negative.

My doctor and mother don't believe any of this has anything to do with the nuvaring and tell me that i shouldn't believe what i read on the internet because most of what im reading is "rare"..but i believe it and i believe its happening to me.

im taking it out right now.
This website has been very helpful!

With my NuvaRing experience, at first it was all great! I was loving the convenience, it seemed perfect for me and then the side effects started. At first it was nausea. Then came the vomiting. NOW I am experiencing back pain, abdominal pain, severe fatigue, vaginal discharge, tingling in my finger tips and toes. I have only been on the Ring for 2 months but KNOW I have already gained weight. My mid-section is bloated and I FEEL pregnant but no that I am not. Mine is coming out tonight.

day # 3 ive got the worst yeast infection i was fine b4 i put it in now im uncomfortable ........bloating,fatigue, nausea,headache,.. all after 3 days called the doctor he said to give a month just use some monistat but it is now midnight and i just took it out, and you know what...... instant relief im not putting that thing back in ( from my fiance.....fellas don't let her do it you will be sorry)......well back to the pill : ) keep posting this was very helpful

Hi everyone...

I thought I did all the research I could by going through medical journals but I think I'm going through the symptoms mentioned here. I haven't really gained weight but I'm super hungry all the time. The last time I had sex it burn like hell (I thought the guy I was with just sucked but it looks like it could be the ring), I'm sleepy all the time, and I'm having MEGA itching- an online doctor just told me it could be a yeast infection- my very first one :-(. Honestly, I'll be willing to stick with the ring if these symptoms go away over time since it did lighten my super heavy period (I used to wear an Ultra) but beware because my blood was dark brown for a few days. My nausea lasted 20 min after I put the ring in for the first time and I never had a migraine. Hope someone finds this post just as helpful as the others have been to me...

I've been on the Nuvaring for almost a yr to date & could not be more excited to be getting off it next week!!! No sex drive the 3 weeks I'm on it, horrible migraines, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections followed by the excruciating pain of costochondritis, leg pains, neck & back tension, extremely tired all the time, nausea, horrendous cramps, angry mood funks as we call them, bloatedness to the point it appears I'm 5/6mths pregnant, acne returned, weight gain, discharge is out of control & the newest symptom had a yeast infection for a month that just seems impossible to get rid of not to mention attempting sex was very painful. I only switched from the pill b/c of acid reflux and my body not digesting it promptly or correctly but I'm switching back to a diff pill. The only positive things I can think is the irritableness was not not AS extreme as the pill & you don't have to remember to take the pill every day. That's it. I really wish I had discovered this website a year ago as it probably would have changed my decision.

If somebody's just getting the info online about the nuvaring thinking about switching to it, I would not recommend to do so!
I started using the nuvaring 1 1/2 month ago after 2,5 years of being BC free thinking it has less hormones; and I'm totally disappointed in the nuvaring and the health care provider who recommended it to me. Well the first month of use I experienced the worst yeast infection ever with burning and itching and abundant discharge.
It seemed to go away by the next cycle, but my sex drive was almost completely gone (which is not like me at all) accompanied with the dryness and dull pain after intercourse, i gained weight and started feeling like blah. I wear contacts and i started experiencing dryness and blurred vision prob. I still decided to leave it till the next period cycle. But then my husband and I came across a different problem, this time with him. He got a cluster of achy pimples at the base of his penis- that made the decision clear for us. I took it out the same day and tried to find out what exactly was wrong with him, my result for yeast inf. was negative and we are 100%negative for other STI's.
My health care provider could not help me at all, just suggested switching to a pill. BTW i couldn't find any info on side effects in men, but did come across some other comments on other sites left by men with the same prob.
I'm only 25, in a good shape (or at least was before the gain and stopping going to the gym, coz it didn't feel like that any more) and without bad habits, no allergies either; so the side effects have nothing to do with the age, your health condition or the lifestyle.
Well, now I don't see why even try the nuvaring? I see it as a costly damage of your body and letting you man suffer with you.
We usually slip the side effect part thinking it's not gonna happen to us, but i learned my lesson and I really don't know what else to try now.

Well, I have been on the nuvaring for 3 weeks now.
The most dramatic things I have noticed is an EXTREME decrease in my libido(sex drive) and an AWFUL burning. I can't even have sex. I guess this is effective birth control. I feel like I have a yeast infection, but I don't. I have disgusting discharge, and I am embarrassed. I feel dirty.
I am often sleepy after a full night of rest. It is convenient, but I am really moody and bitchy. My poor boyfriend no sex and a bitchy girlfriend.

I used nuvaring about 2 years ago but stopped because i wasn't intimate with anyone and i wanted birth control to clear up my skin which the nuvaring did not do. Now I'm married and I was using yaz bc pills but I would forget to take them so when I went in for a pap smear I asked the doctor to put me back on the nuvaring. I noticed the brown discharge which i know is common but doesn't seem healthy to me. Lately i have also gotten sharp stomach pains and a foul smell and itching. the odor and itching made me think i had a yeast infection because i remember going to the doctor frequently 2 years ago and being treated for yeast infections but my symptoms didn't go away until i stopped using the nuvaring. i went to the doctor yesterday and he sent off tests for everything imaginable... including stds... he also told me he would bet the nuvaring is whats causing all these problems. i should get my test results by next week and will update here. the only thing i am worried about is taking out the nuvaring yesterday b.c. my husband and i had sex about three times last week and since im not on any type of birth control now, i don't know if i might get pregnant... does anyone know the chances of pregnancy in my situation?

After reading all your posts, I just went in the bathroom at work and removed my nuvaring. I have been having many of the symptoms described here. I have been on NR for a little over a year and have noticed the dryness, irritation and decreased sex drive. I have also had extreme tiredness, but attributed it to having 2 small children and working full time. Now, I'm not so sure. My symptoms have all gotten worse in the past few months. I force myself to have sex w/ my husband 1-2 times per month. I have hip and knee pains to the point I can barely walk and then I'm fine the next day. After getting 7-8 hrs of sleep, I am dozing in my office at 11am. My temper is out of control sometimes. I feel like I want to get in my car and drive away from my life...and my life is not bad! Also, I imagine all the terrible things that could happen to those I love and it makes me cry. These are all out of character for me and I was chalking them up to stress, but now I'm not so sure. I have an appt to see my gyn tomorrow due to the fact that after putting in the ring for the last 2 months, I feel like my crotch is ON FIRE...burning, itching, but no discharge like a yeast infection. I also tried to speak to my gyn about the pelvic pain after insertion a few months ago and was encouraged to stay on it and told it was my vaginal muscles adjusting to the ring. Also, I have gained 5-8 pounds with no other change in routine that I cannot seem to lose. I actually took 3 pregnancy tests due to mood swings, weight gain and breast swelling/tenderness a few months ago!
I just hope I go back to normal soon. Anyone know how long it takes?

I was put on NuvaRing in April 2008 because my DHEA Sulfate (our male androgen hormone) was way high. My doctor told me that the only way to get that hormone down was to use birth control. I had actually used NuvaRing before April 2008 but it was only for about 3 months. I asked my doctor to put me back on the NuvaRing because it was the easiest and I hadn't had problems with it before. Now that I have been on it for almost a year, I have noticed that I will just cry for no reason and that I get irritable quite often. I continue to have these depressed episodes, I am tired all the time and since the first of the year, I have had diarrhea. It has to be the NuvaRing as I am not taking any other medication. Has anyone else experienced diarrhea after long term use? I also got a yeast infection about 2 months ago. I am 34 years old and I have NEVER had a yeast infection until now. Also, I have gained a little over 20 lbs since I have been on it and I hardly ever eat. I can't seem to lose that weight either. When I am off the NuvaRing during my 7 days, I loose about 5 lbs but then gain it right back when I put the NuvaRing back in. Not mention, I have not had a menstrual cycle the entire time that I have been on NuvaRing. If you ask me, that's against mother nature.

i was extremely excited to start the nuvaring but after about six months i start to get extremely emotional. i am a very laid back person and every little thing started getting to me. Things i would not think twice about before. then the headaches started. i get headaches starting the week before my period and go thru the week im on my period. my sex drive faded and seemed to get worse the longer i was on it and once i actually did have sex it hurt. the pelvic pain had me worrying i had PID or something. very strange. I have never had a yeast infection or a bacterial infection in my life and i have had both at the same time with this!! its terrible. i talked to a friend that was also using the nuva and she was having problems with infection too. both of us stopped using the nuva. I switched back to Yasmin. happy with it just didn't want to take a pill everyday but its well worth it compared to the side effects of the nuva. i haven't had any of the symptoms since i switched. emotional i feel sooooo much better and no infections now.

My experience with NuvaRing

I started NuvaRing when I was 40 years old and got married not to long ago. I have two kids and they are in there late teens. My new husband does not want to have any kids, so I've been on NuvaRing for two years because I was always really bad about remembering to take the pill so the NuvaRing is GREAT for me and I love it!!! It's very convenient, being able to just forget about birth control for a month. But for some reason I think that I got a hold of a bad batch and I am having problem with them. If you have experienced the following symptoms, please consult with your doctor:
Depression: because I thought that I was pregnant, so I hit an extreme low.
The first time I used the ring I had itching, discharge, burning and yeast infection.
Headaches, Mood swings, bloating, gas, cramps, emotional, pelvis pain, hair loss, my vision has change, constant fatigue and lack of motivation and I have gained about 20 pounds. I get headaches all the time. I'm CONSTANTLY tired, but I do have to get up to go to work. My experience the first time using the ring was an infections and burning and it went away after the second time I used it. I didn’t know the ring was the cause of the infections it until now. After two years I have been passing blood clots and bleeding know for three weeks, I even thought that I was pregnent and I lost the baby and for three days and I was very diprest, afraid that I really miscarried a baby and on Friday I took a pregnancy test and it came negative. I made an appointment with my OB/GYM doctor and he also did a pregnancy test and it came negative and we didn’t know the reason why I was bleeding for so long and he also gave me medicine to stop the bleeding and also gave me iron pill for my anemic, since I lost so much blood. He told me he would do some test and find out why I am bleeding so much, so he did other test and schedule a Tran’s vaginal ultra sound sonogram test. The doctor found out that I have 3 fibroids in the uterus and the doctor suggested having D/C uterine scraping, so that I don’t get any cancer in my uterus. I talk with my husband and also decided to do a hysterectomy. Surgery went well, I am still here. I schedule the surgery on a Friday and back to work on Monday. Now I am concentrating on getting better and try to loose the weight. NOTE: I have read that soo many of you have problems in the libido or sex drive. I never had a problem in that department. I meet a great man and we both love having sex, before I started the NuvaRing and during using the ring and after the operation have not lost the edge of having sex two to three times a day. I think many of just don’t find the time, too busy with work or busy with the kids, lost that loving feeling. I am too in love and love doing it.
I hope this was helpful.

I started using the nuvaring 2 months ago, and just recently got a yeast infection. I'm not sure if it's from the nuvaring though, because I was on Augmentin for an ear infection as well. Anyways, I have gained about 5 pounds while on it and have had quite a few mood swings. I've also noticed that I have been a little depressed lately. I'm supposed to take it out on Thursday and I think I will just quit altogether.

I can't wait to get rid of this thing. The headaches are terrible. I also have a yeast infection which I never, ever have b/c I eat like 3-4 yogarts a day for the past 8 years. I really think it is b/c this thing is a foreign object to your body that DOESN'T BELONG THERE! No wonder your body does these crazy things- it's trying to kill this piece of crap plastic that's inside you.

I really like the ring! I have been on it for almost three years now. At first I did have some vaginal discomfort and VERY frequent UTI/Yeast infection, but that all wore off.
One thing though it is imperative to keep your area VERY clean to avoid infection and a smelly discharge!
I have a very healthy sexual appetite, no headaches or nausea, ect. I do have "PMS" and pimples but until I read everyones comments I just assumed that was me.
when i first went on NR three years ago I didn't gain an ounce. However, I went off it all this past summer because i wasn't needing BC. When I went back on it I gradually put on 15 pounds which aren't coming off!
Other than that no complaints, I think all BC methods have their cons and ill take the convenience and the extra pounds! also I never get cramps on it!

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!

I started the NUVARING around Christmas time. My boyfriend had just come home from Iraq, so I thought it would be a good idea to get on birth control. I was excited about the NUVARING, but after a few days I felt as if I had a UTI and a yeast infection. I also had a decreased libido. The fact that every time I sat down it started to fall out was a pain in the butt. With all of the side effects I started to get a mild form of depression, which still continued after I took it out after the first month. I am a nurse and just recently after I stopped using the NUVARING a young patient came in with a Pulmonary emboli from smoking with the Nuvaring. So ladies be careful and aware of these side effects.

Birth control has been such a headache for me! If I wasn't married I would probably just give up on sex period. I'm 20 & it depressing to think this is what I will be dealing with for the next 30 years. Of course at some point either me or my husband will be "fixed" but we do want one more kid a little farther down the road. Bottom line, I HATE THE NUVARING! Yeah, its more convenient than taking the pill but after only 3 weeks I found too many things to hate. I'm already clinically depressed and take medication so I can't tell if that's been a side effect. I never feel like its in all the way. I'm constantly trying to shove it in farther. Over time it slowly slips down. I followed to instructions thoroughly & believe me, there's no way to get it any farther up. I'm already sensitive to tampons at times & sometimes sex but the NuvaRing was awful! Immediately I got a yeast infection & a UTI at the same time. Miserable. If you have recurrent UTI's like me, don't use the NuvaRing. Me & my husband have tried to have sex about 10 times now over the past few weeks to no avail. Its like my insides are swollen & raw... it stings! I could barely handle it for 30 sec. My husband says he can feel the ring & his penis will start to sting a little bit. He also says I feel extremely tight & swollen to the point where it almost hurts. So I know I'm not crazy. What's the point in using it if you can't even have sex? Also, no sex drive ladies. I have sex because he wants to. And I feel awful that I can't help him out there now. Hmm, wonder why they birth control is so effective... of course it is if you're not having sex!! If me & my husband are only going to have sex twice a month anywhere I just don't see the point in putting all these hormones in your body... I've just about had it with birth control.

Reading this has made me feel so much better. I have been off and on birth control since the age of 17- Loestrin, Alesse, Ortho Tri, Ortho Evra. With almost all of those, my body acclimated and I would start spotting. If I missed a pill by like an hour, I would spot. It was incredibly annoying. I wanted to try the NuvaRing because it sounded so convenient.

I have also experienced the increased anxiety, mood-swings, and the yeast infection feeling. I have had increased itching in that area, so bad that I have scratched myself. In order to keep my cycle normal, I'm keeping it in for a few more days, but I'm not going to use it again.

Thank you so much for this blog, I feel so much better. I have had the ring on for 1 week, 2days after I put it in I lost all sex drive. This is a huge deal because my husband and I typically have sex every night. I then started having discharge, itching and redness, I thought it was a yeast infection without the white cottage cheese discharge. I am also extra cranky, it is worse than PMS. NOW I KNOW THE TRUTH! The ring is in the trash and I will not renew my prescription. Thanks for all your thoughts and time.
K.R.

So my story starts off like this I am 28 years old and I have used the depo since I was 16 years old and I absolutely loved it. I have had two children in between the shots through-out the years. Recently, my doctor told me that the depo causes you to lose bone density and that I had to stop using it. For the last year I have tried Yaz (pills) & NR. I stopped taking the pills because I thought that using the ring would be more convenient. It has been 1 month and I am having problems. For starters, I have uncontrollable itching that feels like a yeast infection without the cottage cheese if you know what I mean. Second, I have headaches, achne, leg cramps, stomach pain and am very moody or depressed.The second time I placed the NR in it feel out and I didn't even know it happened, so I hope I'm not pregnant now oops. I don't know if I'm putting it in wrong but I sure hope the other one is not floating around inside my body. I will be going back to the pills so lets just hope my ovaries will behave once I do.

I just put the ring in two days ago I have been sleeping nonstop and out of control bitchy. I was using it a few months ago and stopped and my face is finally clear. I am not even having sex but I hope to be having it soon with my ex and I want to be prepared for any holiday surprises! I don't know If i should put my body through this for only possible encounter. I was on the ring for two months had chest pains, leg cramps and a yeast infection. My energy was very low and I gained 7 pounds. I did love the boobs!

I was using every excuse possible for what I have been experiencing. I started NR in May, now it's December, I was scheduled to take it out. Since I started I noticed acne, which I never had even in my teen years. I blamed it on the towels in the gym, stopped using those, then on the sweat from workout... kept trying new acne treatments, but acne magically disappears during the ring out days. I'm not sure if I can call depression, what I felt, it was like I'm never happy with anything and many days in a month my thoughts were very dark, unhappy. I noticed serious decrease in energy, blaming it on 2 children, but my son was a year old when I started NR and I had more energy before with newborn and a toddler daughter. Again I thought, he's so active... I have hard time getting out of bed, sometimes sleep is ok, sometimes no sleep for hours, but this happens to many people. night sweats I was blaming on the blanket, the thinnest one we have(my husband uses 2 at night), I was waking up many days in a month drenched in sweat. No discharge, yeast infection for me, lower sex drive. Even more interesting- I noticed the smell of my partner to be less attractive... Then I read in a magazine that BC messes up with the smell as well. I had horrible headaches, feeling I'm going to pass out< dizzy< especially if I was trying to rush(blamed it on rushing too much). I was growling(like my daughter said) at the kids with the smallest mischief, it's like a little bomb heating up and bursting in my head, I felt rage, not anger, total rage.Life has lost any appeal for me, this is not living, just suffering, I thought all the time. But here I am at home with two little children, hardly ever see friends, always doing work around the house, laundry. Hot flashes during the day are frequent and I feel like I want to tear my clothes off. Recently I started to have a lot of pressure in my chest, like it's hard to breathe. Just last week I almost went to the ER, because I was laying on the couch unable to speak out loud, just whispering, could not move. Then couple of days ago my heart started to ache, it aches now, so last night I looked up the side effects of NR, because I didn't even know where to start with this condition, that has all these symptoms I have been listing. I was planning to go to the doc for all the test. My stomach has been hurting slightly in the last 3-4 weeks(I thought it was food, but no one in our family had any problems). I am 28year old in great shape(I cut back on my food intake to keep th weight the same), I work out 2 times a week and have a very active lifestyle. My relationship with my husband is great, my children are well behaved for their age, So I'm stopping NR before I get divorced like some other women did. If you want to try NR go ahead, it's really convenient, but be aware of all these side effects, so you know, it's not something else, before it's too late.

I stumbled upon this site looking for side effects of a new BC I am about to start called Loestrin and after reading the horror stories about it, I was about to throw it out. I decided to look at the Nuvaring board because I was on it for 2 1/2 years and was curious to see what was said about it. Had I read this prior to starting the Nuvaring I probably wouldn't have given it a chance. I loved Nuvaring. It was so convenient and I had no side effects at all from it and my cycle was so regular and predictable. I had a yeast infection and vaginitis in the 2 1/2 year period but I don't think it was due to the ring. Unfortunately, I have to change BC to Loestrin due to Endometriosis symptoms that the ring wont help with so I searched it and was discouraged by the reports but now I feel better giving it a try after seeing these posts because I had no problems at all with Nuvaring. I would recommend trying it if you are looking for convenience and regulation.

I started at the end of June. And I started having symptoms during sex similar to the only time i have had yeast infection...never made the connection either - glad I'm not the only one. I also had the burning, really really painful feelings during and after sex and it burned so bad when I had to use the bathroom. Sometimes I was nearly in tears. I just chalked it up to us having sex so much. (we were newlyweds and living together full time for the first time) Now I wonder if it wasn't the ring, but I'll have to wait til May to find out cuz he is deployed! :P :( Definitely not going and refilling the prescription though I don't think - and will definitely be making a doctor's appointment with a good gyn to find out my alternatives (like some of y'all I have a finicky body when it comes to hormones)

I used Nuva Ring after the birth of my first child in 2003 until I decided to get pregnant again in 2007. I've always had a low sex drive, so I never suspected Nuva Ring could be the culprit, but after reading some of the testimonials, I'm wondering...By the way, after I stopped taking it, my sex drive soared - I was having the time of my life and so was my hubby. We got pregnant right away.

I just went back on the NuvaRing 2 months ago after the birth of my second child, which was a scheduled c-section (no harm done to the vaginal area in other words). We've had sex about four times since I started birth control again and it has been extremely painful every time. When I'm not on my period, I'm experiencing a yellow discharge accompanied by some minor irritation. I have been wearing a pad around the clock for literally 3 months! I started bleeding (a period I guess) the day after I started the NuvaRing for the first time. When I called my ob, she said it was a normal side effect of the Ring and to keep it in business as usual until I was scheduled to take it out again in 3 weeks. I bleed the entire 4 weeks until inserting my second NuvaRing. We've had sex twice since and it was almost unbearably painful both times. Now, I am experiencing a yellow discharge again accompanied by some minor itching and discomfort. My ob again said it is a normal side effect but just in case, prescribed a yeast infection med. I completed the course and still have the symptoms.

I loved this product and highly recommended it to my friends for the past 5 years - it is so easy! Now I'm wondering if they've changed it over the past year? Plus, the last thing I need is an even lower sex drive.

I feel so much better after reading this site! I've been on NuvaRing for two months and have had serious bouts with depression for the first time in my life. I mean, I've felt down before, but never like this. Just today I wanted to cry for no reason about 90% of the time. I've had abdominal pain and back pain that I never had before. The mood swings are really the worst (just ask my boyfriend). I relate to what another girl said; that her mood swings range from white hot anger to serious depression. On days like today (less than a week before my period) I just want to sleep the day away. I don't want to interact with anyone and everything makes me miserable. Also, it's changed the way everything smells down there. My boyfriend is really good about it, but even he admits that it's unpleasant to him. I've asked my gyno and she said that I don't have a UTI or a yeast infection, so right now the only explanation is this new birth control. Thankfully Monday is the day I take it out, and I'll be taking it out for good. I hope more women review this site before trying out this birth control because everyone should know the real side effects...the ones your doctor won't tell you.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences- I should have done a search on Nuvaring long ago. I have been using it for almost a year. At first I loved it but now the bouts of itching have become unbearable and embarrassing. No one wants to be caught scratching herself! I have also had lots of watery discharge- my underwear always feels damp. Not comfortable and certainly not helping the itch. I also often have thick white discharge (but smooth and without odor and so not exactly like I understand a yeast infection to be). I say "understand" because I have never had anything remotely like a yeast infection up til now (34), which is another reason that I suspect the ring. My sex drive is also nonexistent, a problem I have had with oral contraceptives too- I feel bad for my husband. I didn't connect it all at first because the itching is external, but then I noticed that I felt better when I took it out for my period and even better still when I stopped using it for three months due to other health issues. I hate to admit it because I loved the convenience of the ring but I took it out an hour ago and think I already feel better. Now I'm wondering if it was the cause of any of my other health issues but will have to wait and see. Can anyone recommend any non hormonal methods of birth control (other than condoms) or at least any oral contraceptives with less sexual side effects?

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 have been on the NR for almost 2 years. I hate taking pills b/c I would forget to take them on a regular basis and trying to play catch up in just crazy. But I also suffered from chronic yeast infection so my OB suggested the NR and since I have been on it I have not had anymore YI's. However, I have experienced more vaginal secretions than normal; but it has not alarmed. About 2 weeks after inserting NR ..I experienced breakthrough bleeding and I have been since being on NR and it does not alarm me. I suffer from Hot Flashes and night sweats; but that is from my Thyroid Gland. For those of you experiencing Hot Flashes and Night Sweats..have your PCP do a blood test and check your thyroid hormones. The biggest thing that I have noticed is that while on the NR my YI have virtually gone to 0...I have had more Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) than you can shake a stick at. Has anyone else experienced this and if so what are you doing about it?

Hello everyone
I am so glad that I ran across this page. I was on the NuvaRing, a little over a year ago & I only stayed on the ring for 2 months due to side effects, burning in the vagina, discharge..things like that. I gave it up along with all bc. It was the end to a long game of switch the bc, everything is making me crazy, lol. Well last month I went to my ObGyn and after almost a year of only 2 weeks between my period and heavy spotting..and no BC to blame it on, I was told that I have 3 fibroids and a small ovarian cyst. I was also told that we should try bc..to maybe help the spotting and other issues. I am really bad with the pills..I set alarms, keep them in the purse..still don't take them, Not to mention I get soooo sick with them. Did the patches and felt like I was crazy after a year and half..I mean leg pains, depression..damn near every side effect..you can think of. Dont want implant or depo so went back to the ring. Ne way the Dr. said that the issues I had the 1st time with the ring..could have been from a yeast infection or vaginal infection and that I should try it again.

It has been 2 weeks and and the vaginal issues are not bad..sometimes I feel a little something thats not normal..but I can deal with that. The emotional issues are my problem. I have been with my BF for 2 years..we have not had a rocky relationship, problems with cheating or anything else. Nothing more than the usual couple spat.. everything is good, well was good. I feel like an emotional time bomb..yesterday I started a huge debate over him not giving the average girl credit for being beautiful (which he tells me I'm pretty and sexy and all that good stuff!) and praising these women on tv and in magazines (which he didn't do, I asked him if he thought a girl was cute..he didnt want to answer, for fear it would backfire on him, but I told him it was ok..and then tore into him 4 no reason). I feel like I am not sexy enough..pretty enough, this was not an issue before. I feel depressed, I just made a huge to-do list for goals in life..was so hype about it..now nothing..its whatever. Everything is whatever. I have no mojo about ANYTHING. I don't even want to read..and that abnormal. I feel paranoid about things that were never issues..like is he cheating on me..& nothing has changed in his behavior to make me think this way! I am worried that by not taking the bc, I will suffer from my issues from before. I haven't been on the ring long enough to know if its gonna help my issues, like the crazy 2 week bleeding spell and having cramps, but in seeing how its effecting my mood..I don't know if I can wait to see! I feel bad..really really bad. I wish that BC did not have to be so crazy on your body! Its like damned if I do damned if I don't!

Thanks ladies for being so open and honest..good to know I am not the only one..or just making myself think something is wrong when its not..because there is.

samantha*OH

I have used the NuvaRing for about 3.5 years, starting after my 6 week check up when my daughter was born in 2004. In the beginning I felt like it decreased my sex drive but also that maybe post baby body that caused that too. For three years I had no problems. I had noticed breast tenderness throughout but other than that no side effects. About 8 months ago it began with a missed period, then two periods in one month. My OBGYN recommended 'resetting' my body by taking out the ring until my next cycle and starting it up again. I followed his directions but the next cycle came along with a bladder infection followed by a yeast infection. Over the next 4 months I either had one or the other, continually visiting my doctor I didn't make any connection to the two. Stomach pain, chronic fatigue and kidney pain also added to the list. My doctor prescribed a series of medications followed by blood tests and a referral to a specialist. Over the summer my husband asked that I stop using the ring because my sex drive had hit rock bottom. After a few weeks of taking out the ring, the burning sensation during urination has gone away. Stomach cramps and back pain has ceased and no infection to date. I am in my early thirties and after a week off the ring I realized what they mean by 30's sex drive. My husband and I are both happy with the changes. I visit my OBGYN again in a few weeks to revisit non-hormone options for BC

I am 25 and all of the stories sound so similar on here...just like mine. Love the NuvaRing or at least I did. My sex drive has gone down, and now when I have sex I seem to get asked "What's wrong? Are you okay?" because I have such dryness that causes extreme itching and burning during intercourse. I have had yeast infections since 2 months after being on it (Been on it for about a year)...that never seem to go away. Just recently my breasts have been so swollen and sore, and suddenly I have this brown discharge (no odor) its just as though I have been on the end of my period for two weeks now...not fun!...sound familiar at all? I understand so many people can react so differently, so for those of you who have not been on it, try it, it may not effect you in such a negative manor, but for me I have got to find something else...I have my appt in two weeks...having tried so many other forms of BC this is a real disappointment to me because remembering to take a pill is not my style...=) Let me know if this sounds familiar to anyone else...Thanks!