NuvaRing and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for a year now, and it is the most effective and worry-free method of birth control I have ever used. I did gain some weight on it, but I'm a stressed-out college student. While I think the ring is great, it has had some adverse side effects for me personally. I have terrible back pain with my periods, even though they are short, lasting 3-4 days. I have such a decreased sex drive, and it is so affected and sometimes puts a strain on my relationship (I have been with him for 3 years, so he's been through the birth control changes and has noticed himself). And the ring has probably made my anxiety worse. I did not have anxiety problems until using the ring, they are mild episodes, but still annoying to have. Haven't gotten pregnant, so it's good for that."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I lasted a total of four days with my NuvaRing. Day 1: felt fine! I was a bit worried about the side effects, but overall I easily inserted it and even used my menstrual cup at the same time-no issues falling out or interference with my cup like I had expected. Couldn’t feel it once inside and went about my life. Day 2: felt mostly fine, nothing crazy to report-a little extra emotional, but that’s to be expected when adjusting to a new birth control. Day 3: crying, irrationally angry, anxious about everything. I started crying in the morning on the third day and didn’t really stop crying till I fell asleep that night. Day 4: I woke up and had about 30 minutes before I got so angry, I was worried for my safety and those around me because of how mad I was. I removed it so at least I know I won’t hurt myself or anyone else because of some piece of plastic inside me."

• Bba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to love NuvaRing because I have irregular periods, and normal strength estrogen pills did not help to regulate them like the NuvaRing. Been on it for about two years now. I’m only deciding to stop it now because I’ve noticed my moods have been super crazy, and I’m normally not a very emotional person. My anxiety levels are up, and even though my life is pretty great right now, I still feel depressed. Possibly because this birth control lowers your sex drive like no other! I used to have such a high libido, and now it’s like it disappeared. I’m only 20! I’ve been with my SO for 3 years now and can definitely tell the difference from when we first started dating till now. I even did an experiment just taking it out for a week and then putting it back in for a few weeks and now taking it out again. My moods have calmed down, and my sex drive is back! Never getting this medication again unless I’m single, haha. A real relationship roller coaster with this."

• 5an...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

For Birth Control "The NuvaRing gave me NuvaRage! Can’t even begin to write how terrible of an experience it was to have the ring in. It made me anxious and so depressed. I cried every day for no reason and felt the lowest I have been in my entire life. The doctor told me I was crazy because there is no way that low of a dosage could have done that, but the minute I took the ring out, I was back to my normal self."

• Jus...
• September 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for three weeks today. I have a history of seizures, depression, and anxiety. I haven’t had a seizure in almost 12 years. My depression and anxiety were under control when I started. The last three weeks have been some of the lowest in my life. I ended up having a seizure a week ago, and my anxiety and depression are back in full force. I literally cry over everything and anything, have had the worst mood swings and emotional outbursts, and just feel overall awful about myself. I have experienced such heavy bleeding for the last three days with horrible blood clots (worse than I normally have each month). I have also had a feeling that I can only describe as “brain fog” since starting the ring. Today was my scheduled day to take the ring out, and I did, and I am not putting a new one in. I honestly feel so much better mentally, and this thing has only been out for an hour. My experience has been awful."

• Emi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for about two years, and I absolutely loved it the whole time I was on it! I found it extremely convenient, and it was super easy to skip periods/plan my periods around any vacations. I did experience more discharge than usual, however, no weight gain. The only downside, which is the reason I actually got off of it, was that I realized the NuvaRing was the source of my anxiety. I had really bad anxiety and was super emotional while I was on it, but I honestly just didn’t connect the two until recently. I got off of it, and within the month, I felt my anxiety go away and felt more in control of my emotions. I’m trying out pills now, but I am sad due to how convenient the ring was. If it wasn’t for the anxiety, I would still be using it! I know not everyone experiences this, though, so I would recommend still trying it out! Maybe it’ll work better for you!"

• Nta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I am getting ready to end my 3rd month on the NuvaRing... I used to be on BeYaz but couldn't stand the mood alteration, and it was making my anxiety levels very high. When I went off of it, my acne (which was nonexistent before) popped up like crazy! My gyno recommended the NuvaRing because, unlike the pill where you get one high dose of hormones, the ring gives you a continuous dose of hormones. Here is a list of my pros/cons for the ring. Pros: no mood alteration at all, no weight gain that I can tell, not pregnant. Cons: discharge, you can feel it, I got a UTI within the first month of using it, your partner can feel it during sex, it's difficult to get wet, and it doesn't help with acne at all."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I had previously used NuvaRing with little side effects, had a child, and decided to use the NuvaRing again... big mistake. I had breakthrough bleeding all 3 weeks, headaches, anxiety, insane mood swings - felt like crying or got super angry at the drop of a hat, not sure if this is attributed to the NuvaRing but I lost about 12 lbs in a month. It also caused UTIs after having sex, something that my body previously got used to and wasn't a problem. Ultimately, it is easy to use, but it made me totally psycho, I felt relief within hours of removing the ring. No one in my family has ever seen me like that, and the mood swings, anxiety, and paranoia were so bad that it affected my 4-year-old."

• Nuv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing a year and a half and loved it. I then started noticing increased discharge, and the week before I took out the NuvaRing every month, I would have intense vaginal burning. I also started experiencing near panic attacks and not sleeping well. I also was having serious pain with sex and dreading having sex. I thought something was wrong with me until I took out the ring and left it out for a month. My mental health made a complete turnaround. I was happy. No anxiety. Interested in sex again and no more burning. I decided to put the ring in again three days ago. I have had no energy and such bad anxiety I can’t get out of my bed. I have also been so nauseated I thought I was pregnant. I’m insanely bloated and have gained 3 pounds in 3 days despite eating healthy and working out. As soon as I realized what was causing it, I took that ring out. I am not a fan of any birth control but also don’t want to get pregnant yet. Condoms it will be!"

• Klo...
• August 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for exactly a year, and I have stopped it for good. It is definitely very convenient, however, I developed severe mood swings and anxiousness while on this form of birth control. I am a very positive, motivated person with absolutely no history of anxiety or depression. After being on this, I would catch myself crying for absolutely no reason, especially while drinking alcohol! I also lost about 10-15 pounds. I am about to start 'Lolo,' which is advertised as a lower dosage. Pros: lost weight, regulated acne, low maintenance. Cons: increased anxiety and emotions."

• Klo...
• August 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for exactly a year, and I have stopped it for good. It is definitely very convenient, however, I developed severe mood swings and anxiousness while on this form of birth control. I am a very positive, motivated person with absolutely no history of anxiety or depression. After being on this, I would catch myself crying for absolutely no reason, especially while drinking alcohol! I also lost about 10-15 pounds. I am about to start 'Lolo,' which is advertised as a lower dosage. Pros: lost weight, regulated acne, low maintenance. Cons: increased anxiety and emotions."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2015

For Birth Control "This birth control sucks. And I mean suckas. If you already have mood swings, anxiety, and/or a history of depression, please search for other options because this thing will intensify what you have like no other. I've never been on BC prior to this, and I did mention to the doctor if it'll make your mood swings worse, and she assured me it wouldn't. Complete opposite. I feel like I already struggled with some depression and mood swings, but being on this just takes it to a whole other level. The suicidal thoughts come when I'm most anxious, it just flat-out sucks, man. And the worst part is that I never asked to be on this bull, I only need it so I can have a normal period, and this is what I get? Life is hard enough as is. Just stay away from it."

• Hd2...
• August 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken NuvaRing for one full month. I got one migraine headache and was very bloated for the first couple of weeks. It increased my anxiety quite a bit, especially when I was tired. PMS got much better. However, my sex drive has declined. I had a very normal period on it."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I went to my gyno because I was experiencing anxiety due to hormones. He put me on this to 'regulate' hormones. It sent me into one of the worst depressions I've ever experienced. Anxiety, horrible dark sadness, nausea, vomiting, smells made me gag, extreme insomnia (didn't sleep a wink for 4 nights straight), and rage. I went to the doctor to get some sleeping pills because I literally could not sleep, and she recommended I take out the ring. Literally 24 hours later, my brain turned back on. It's been 5 days, and I feel a lot better but not completely. This stuff was hell on earth. Please take with extreme caution!"

• Fan...
• January 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I tried NuvaRing in Oct 2012 and stopped it in July 2013 because of mood swings and bloating. I decided to try a pill and got severe anxiety attacks. Went back on the NuvaRing in Sept 2013 and all was fine for the first 2 months, but month 3 I got my mood swings back and I am so irritable that any tiny thing annoys me. Sadly, I stopped it because I can't take the anger from it, and I know it is the NuvaRing because I've only been angry while on it. It's too bad because it actually helped my anxiety, and it was so convenient. Going to try a chewable pill next."

• Bub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2021

For Birth Control "The first couple of months weren’t bad at all. However, a few months in, I started getting extreme moodiness and couldn’t control my emotions at all. Slowly it started getting worse to where I felt like a zombie some days. Like I just didn’t feel like myself at all. My temper was getting way worse. Then to top it off, I started getting extreme pain during sex, which I’ve never had! Like extreme sharp pain during intercourse. I became violently angry and felt bipolar. One minute happy and everything is okay, next minute in the blink of an eye I’m moody and it’s the end of the world. Definitely been feeling paranoid too. Then, of course, breast tenderness, occasional nausea, and more frequent chest pain. My anxiety is through the roof, and sometimes it’s almost like you feel something is wrong with you, like you get a sense that you feel like you’re dying."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2016

For Birth Control "Do NOT use! Especially if you know that you are more sensitive to hormonal changes. I took this and literally an hour after I put it in, I had a major rush of heat and felt like I had been hit with depression, anxiety, and had a panic attack as a result. Everything felt unreal. I've had anxiety and panic attacks before, and I've never felt like that before. I was crying and paranoid. What an awful experience. I would never recommend it to anyone. Going to possibly try something like the copper IUD that uses no hormones... crossed fingers it works."

• Sky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on NuvaRing for 6 months now and am deciding to take it out TODAY. I’ve been noticing the DAY I’m supposed to take it out for a week to have my regular period, I literally feel like jumping off a cliff. I’m so depressed. I am a singer/performer and love being on the stage and around people. Lately, all I want to do is be home in a cave and not see anyone. Even if I’m out hanging with a friend, I immediately have anxiety, want to go home, and don’t enjoy the things I usually do. I’ve been so nauseous for months but never tied it to birth control. I have bouts of crying episodes for no apparent reason. I even have waves of paranoia and rage...especially when it comes to moments with my boyfriend. My sex drive is pretty much the same, but besides that, I feel like a different person. I can’t live like this anymore. This is not the person I used to be. Hoping I feel better in a few days."

• hal...
• December 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I love the NuvaRing! Third birth control I've tried and by far the best, I will never be trying anything else. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and then Junel. On both of those, it was so hard to lose weight, and Junel actually made me gain. Ortho gave me really bad anxiety too. Once I switched to NuvaRing, my anxiety went away, my moods are super under control, and I have lost 5 lbs very easily in the past month. The single bad thing is that sometimes it comes partway out, and I will have to go and fix it, but it's quick and easy and happens very rarely."

• Am4...
• January 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I was prepared for some side effects, but so far there's only more wetness (not bothersome) and a reduction in sex drive (haven't decided if it's bothersome or not yet). I keep waiting for the scary side effects you read about, but so far, so good. I am prone to anxiety and headaches, but all that has been just business as usual for me, no increase. No slip-out. No pain."

• cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Was on NuvaRing for more than 3 years. First year it was perfect (after 3-month adjustment period when I had spotting). No other side effects. I used it to skip my period (left in for 4 weeks instead of 3, which is safe). Only had to remember it 1x/month. The second 2-3 years I was on it, my depression and anxiety got worse (not caused by NuvaRing but exaggerated by it). I had no sex drive. It started to cause some dryness and irritation, which made sex uncomfortable. I gained 15-20 pounds, and my boobs went up a cup size and were very sore all the time. I couldn’t lose weight no matter what I did, and I’m naturally very active and eat well. I stayed on it for a while after this because my initial experience with it was so good. Then one day I had a ring break inside of me (only in week 2), it caused a lot of pain. I went to the doctor thinking I had a UTI. At this point, I decided it was time to stop, the side effects were worse than the benefits for me."

• Lib...
• July 25, 2018

For Birth Control "After spending 2 years on NuvaRing and ending up on blood pressure and anxiety medicine, I’m done and never looking back! An incident with insurance caused me to lose my coverage for a few weeks, so that when I needed a refill I couldn’t afford it and decided to go without it. I couldn’t be happier that it happened that way. I realized soon after not having it in my system that I felt like a totally different person. While on it, my blood pressure was up, which led to me being put on meds for that. And it caused all sorts of other problems! Such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, high heart rate and a pounding heart, constant nausea (I had motion sickness just moving my head), headaches when it got close to the time to take the ring out. Extreme weight gain and hunger, moodiness, anger, the list goes on! I just can’t get over how different I feel after coming off of it. I no longer need the anxiety or blood pressure meds, and my therapist even let me stop coming!"

• pgh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the medication in Jan 2015. I have 2 kids, so I wanted to ease of not taking a pill every day without having an IUD. This seemed like the perfect solution. Over the past year, I did experience decreased sex drive, fatigue, an increase in anxiety, and weight gain. I have NEVER had a problem with my weight before, and I consistently work out and count my calories. I was even training for a half marathon and still gained weight. In one year, I gained about 12-15 lbs. I took the NuvaRing out about 2 months ago, and I have noticed a difference in my attitude, and the weight gain stopped. However, it has been very difficult to get the weight off. It was definitely simple and easy to use, just not for everyone."

• zo1...
• April 7, 2016

For Birth Control "Pros: insert once a month & forget about it. Cons: little to no sex drive, anxiety, mood swings, anger, depression, dryness, burning during and after sex, bloating, slight weight gain near stomach. I've been on and off of NuvaRing since 2011. And it wasn't until this last time that I realized that it is what's causing or at least helping all of these negative things. I've now been on it for 10 months straight, and I am taking it out tonight and saying good riddance. I love the idea of NuvaRing, but the side effects made my life/my boyfriend just a little bit more miserable than it needs to be. But I also know it really does work for some people, just not for me!"

• Jen...
• May 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I really like NuvaRing. It's my first experience with birth control, and I've found it pleasant. For the first month, I got a pimple or two (which was likely unrelated). I also would suffer from a sense of anxiety before I fell asleep. However, my skin became PERFECT, and anxiety went away after a month. The NuvaRing makes me a lot oilier than usual, but I actually prefer it; I usually have very dry skin/hair, and now it's more normal. Further, I've been able to lose like TEN POUNDS! I deducted two points out of ten: one for the ring sometimes slipping and causing irritation, and another for the overall awkward experience of your partner finding a plastic ring inside."