NuvaRing and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for 6 months and overall did not like it. It seriously increased depression and anxiety for me. It was also very uncomfortable and painful to keep in during sex. You technically can take it out for up to 3 hours, but let’s be real - how inconvenient is it to pause everything just so you can go take it out to have sex? Talk about a mood killer. The positive side was that it was nice not having to remember to take a pill every day, and it effectively prevented pregnancy during the time I was on it."

• kb9...
• November 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on NuvaRing for around 10 months. At first, I loved the ring. It stopped my heavy periods and intense cramping, was easy to put in/take out, and easy to remember. But a couple of months ago, I started having more extreme anxiety than I have ever experienced. I have always dealt with some anxiety when my life gets more stressful than usual, but not like this. I just haven’t been myself. I find myself on edge 90% of the time and anxious about everything and nothing at the same time. I’ve also started to get migraines and have no motivation to do anything, and I’m tired all the time. Nothing seemed to help any of my symptoms. Then I got a really bad yeast infection - it would not go away. I finally decided I would rather have heavy and painful periods once a month than feel like this all the time. I took it out around 14 hours ago and can tell you that I already feel a difference. I’m not 100% back to being myself yet, but I definitely feel better than I had."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Did its job preventing pregnancy, however, side effects were not worth it. Crazy anxiety a few days before period, weight gain (15 pounds in 3 months), constantly bloated. Had to adjust frequently. I will be going back to a pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2023

"My doctor prescribed NuvaRing to address possible endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and painful periods. However, the experience has been challenging. I pay $300 every three months for the medication, but I've experienced month-long bleeding and period symptoms every other month, even though I'm supposed to skip my period on this birth control. Initially, I also experienced massive mood swings, alternating between anger and crying. But after taking it for five months, my anxiety has skyrocketed, and I'm always angry. I've gained significant weight despite not changing my diet, developed random rashes on my face and body, and become almost asexual. Even when I'm able to have sex, it's excruciatingly painful, leading to tears. Additionally, I've experienced ocular migraines, bloating, nausea, and a significantly increased heart rate. To make matters worse, none of my regular pain has subsided. I would advise avoiding this drug if possible."

• 010...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2022

For Birth Control "I stopped taking the NuvaRing (generic version even though I don’t think they’re different) about 2 months ago now because it was ruining my mental health, worsened my anxiety, and I began to get suicidal thoughts and stopped taking it a few days later. I tried to give this one a chance because I usually have bad experiences on birth control and stop so quickly, but even after stopping the NuvaRing I’m struggling with body image, researching sudden extreme bloating (caused by NuvaRing) every single day and just feeling worthless after losing so much weight and putting so much effort in at the gym, and NuvaRing made my body look so different. Mentally, I feel a million times better, but my body is still affected from this birth control."

• JCa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 5, 2018

For Birth Control "USER BEWARE. I am 22 y/o and have been using NuvaRing for about 2 years. Since then, I have put on about 30 pounds (due to intense increase in appetite), been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, have bouts of anger and irritability, and my sex drive is nearly nonexistent compared to pre-NuvaRing me. I chalked it up to the stresses of undergrad, and only NOW are my doctors and I linking this to NuvaRing. After reading some of the reviews on here, I am absolutely certain of it. Like a few others have mentioned as well, the week when my ring is out, I feel like myself again almost immediately (I am happier, more talkative, my sex drive is back, and I am able to control my appetite and eat healthier). Only reason I am giving this two stars is because it kept me from getting pregnant (although it did come out a few times DURING sex). I am now looking into getting an IUD in the next couple of weeks, although the reviews on those do not have me feeling very optimistic either."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m 21 years old and started NuvaRing back in January. Was on it for ~7 months and experienced the worst depression after the first month. I lost all motivation and happiness. I have possible IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and it made my stomach problems triple, was bloated 24/7, and gained 25 lbs in 6 months. I was devastated and worked out every other day with a big decrease in appetite during my time on it. I would have anxiety when it got closer to my period week and found my mood swings to be irate. I didn’t sleep well and was extremely exhausted all the time. Sex was painful but definitely protected me and didn’t make me spot. Periods were light but got heavier towards the last month I took it, where there was a lot of clotting. NuvaRing left me with more health issues than I started with."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for 2 months. I have been very emotional, have bad anxiety, shaking of hands and whole body, very nauseous all the time. I don't think this is a good birth control option for me at all. When I used birth control pills, I never experienced anything like this. It may be good for others, but not for me."

• Jsj...
• November 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I've used the ring for about 4 months, and I can't wait to get rid of it. I have a very hard time removing the ring. I can never find it right away, and I can barely reach it or grasp it to pull it out. I feel as if, although it isn't supposed to go up into your cervix, mine is very difficult to find and is very weirdly far up there, and to me, this isn't normal. I freak out every time I have to remove it, and I usually end up in a panic and bleeding. I also feel like it increases my anxiety and depression a ton! Especially the first few days after inserting. The only positive thing I have to say is that it is convenient to not take a pill every day. Otherwise, I will never be using it again."

• CWI...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on this medicine for 7 years and then got off of it to get pregnant. After getting off of it, it took me 8 months to conceive. After delivering, I decided to get back on the NuvaRing. I was on it for an additional 8 years. During those 8 years, I would get the worst headaches of my life on the Tuesday after I took the ring out. The headaches were on one side of my head and were so bad I couldn't put my head up. My anxiety was also constantly high while on the NuvaRing. I decided to get off birth control 6 months ago, and I have not had a headache or severe anxiety since. I rated this medicine as a 10 because it did prevent pregnancy."

• Nuv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about 2 years. I just recently stopped it in the middle of my 3-week cycle (I got my period 2 days after I took it out, so beware). When I first started this, I felt anxious a lot and always moody, definitely didn't have any libido whatsoever. Also, I gained so much weight, and I exercise and ate pretty decent where I shouldn't gain 30 lbs altogether. When it was about a year into the ring, I gained about 15 lbs, then I stopped it for 2 months, lost a few pounds easy, and then put myself back on it and gained 30 lbs. I really don't like it and don't plan to go back on it. It's funny when I stopped, I lost 5 lbs the next day."

• Isa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I really loved the idea of using this, I loved the fact it was so convenient. For the first few weeks, I loved it. I am now a few months in, and I feel like I’m going insane. I am so anxious, and I get upset over the smallest things (I used to rarely get upset). I feel like I am constantly overthinking, and I feel so negative and down way more than not. I feel unmotivated to do small things I enjoyed doing and really don’t feel like the same person. It doesn’t feel worth continuing to be on this."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for 4 weeks now! (I skipped my first period - put a new ring in after the 4th week.) My body does not react well to birth control. I also have hormonal acne (I've been on Accutane twice), but the NuvaRing has been amazing. My first week I had mood swings, and I was irritated a lot, but I knew it was the birth control, so I just let my body get used to it. The second week I had really bad anxiety, but the 3rd & 4th week have been amazing! My skin has cleared up so much that I literally only have scars & 2 active pimples. Also, my bf can feel the ring sometimes during sex, but it doesn't bother him at all! I was so nervous to try this birth control because of some of the reviews. I promise you this is the best birth control I've ever been on. I've been on Yaz, Diane35, Ortho & Alesse. The NuvaRing is 100% the best one yet. I didn't gain any weight, and my boobs look more plump, but I don't think they've gotten bigger. Honestly, NuvaRing is the way to go."

• Chz...
• May 13, 2016

For Birth Control "Pros: less acne, birth control, easy to use - you don't have to think about it a lot. Cons: While on the ring, I gained 40 lbs, developed severe anxiety to the point where I would become so nervous that I would shake - I had never experienced anxiety before, and began to develop eczema on my face - every time I was sexual, my face got very red and splotchy."

• ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2016

For Birth Control "Make sure you are aware of the side effects of the NuvaRing if using for the 1st time. My Dr didn't give me much info other than the brochure, and I wasn't prepared for the roller coaster 5 days I had (yep, that's all I lasted). Nauseous, sweaty, extremely tired, lethargic, unhappy, starving then not hungry at all, cramps, itchiness, headaches, dehydrated, fuzzy head, cough, teary, EXTREMELY teary, anxious, nervous, irritable... you name it I had it! After a very scary panic attack driving home from work, I ripped it out and will not try it again. Two days later I feel myself again. After using the pill for 14 years, I'm not new to hormonal BC, and I would not recommend this to anyone I know. It was extremely scary becoming a crazy person!"

• ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2016

For Birth Control "Make sure you are aware of the side effects of the NuvaRing if using for the 1st time. My Dr didn't give me much info other than the brochure, and I wasn't prepared for the roller coaster 5 days I had (yep, that's all I lasted). Nauseous, sweaty, extremely tired, lethargic, unhappy, starving then not hungry at all, cramps, itchiness, headaches, dehydrated, fuzzy head, cough, teary, EXTREMELY teary, anxious, nervous, irritable... you name it I had it! After a very scary panic attack driving home from work, I ripped it out and will not try it again. Two days later I feel myself again. After using the pill for 14 years, I'm not new to hormonal BC, and I would not recommend this to anyone I know. It was extremely scary becoming a crazy person!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2015

For Birth Control "Literally could only tolerate it for three days before removing it. Was getting headaches, couldn't sleep, had an anxiety attack out of nowhere, and the brown discharge was gross plus it made my vag sore and itchy. I guess it's one of those things that you really like or just can't stand. If it works for you, run with it, but if you have symptoms, from what I've read, be prepared to have those symptoms for at least a month. Can't say it doesn't do its job, but are the side effects worth it?"

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for about 4 months now and have not been very impressed. I have had breakouts the entire time, lower back aches, horrible mood swings, it has slipped out more than once, and given me terrible anxiety. Since I recently stopped using it, all symptoms have stopped and I feel normal again. I hope this helps anyone who is experiencing the same!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for about six months now, and the first three months were miserable. My whole face broke out in cystic acne, which I've never had before. It was very stressful getting rid of certain foods that I thought caused my breakout, but after my face cleared up, I realized it was just my body getting used to the birth control. I don't notice any signs of depression, but I have real bad anxiety that I've never had before. Also, my boyfriend and I get into these little arguments over NOTHING! Right when he starts to raise his voice at me, I just break down crying for no reason. I haven't gotten pregnant on this, and it has never fallen out for me, however, I'm definitely going to consider switching to an IUD."

• Npl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for a little over 4 years now. I've never had a problem with it for the first 2 or 3 years, but the past year or so I've had extreme weight gain even though I eat healthy and exercise, as well as major back problems when sleeping and severe anxiety. I'm afraid this medication has given me anxiety I will have to live with for a lifetime. The entire time, however, I have suffered from migraines that last anywhere from 1 to 4 days long. I am switching to a new birth control this week and hope this will fix some of these problems."

• Chr...
• February 18, 2018

For Birth Control "NuvaRing was not my favorite birth control. The best thing about it was not having to take a pill every single day. It is convenient, and I didn't get pregnant, so it did its job. However, it did make me gain about 10-15 lbs. While being on it, I had no self-control when it came to eating, which sucks because I'm a pretty healthy person! I eat well and exercise regularly, so this side effect was super frustrating. It also made me super emotional and anxious, especially around my period. I did have some random spotting before my period too. I've heard of people who didn't like it because of it falling out, but that never happened to me while being on it. After being off NuvaRing for about a week, my mood and weight returned to normal."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2018

For Birth Control "This drug ruined my life. I've lost my job, I couldn't recognize myself, I even suffered severe anxiety and depression. I was on leave for 2-3 months from work. I am better since being off the drug but never quite the same, unfortunately. I still suffer from anxiety, though not as severe as when I was actively on the drug. I wish I never started this medication. I was a positive, hard-working person, prior, now I can't seem to get back on track."

• Luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for almost 2 years before discontinuing due to side effects. At first, it was very convenient and I did not gain any weight. Over time, though, I started to experience worse and worse heart palpitations, dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia. I noticed these symptoms would intensify the day I took my NuvaRing out. I have been off it for about a year, and I feel much better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I used NuvaRing for about 5 weeks. I loved it for the first 2 weeks, then my guy started to notice a big change in my moods. I was very depressed, anxious, and I cried all the time. Not to mention, the lack of libido sucks. My friends also noticed a big change in my moods. I stopped using it a few hours ago, and I feel a bit calmer already."

• not...
• October 18, 2017

For Birth Control "Took this for three months but had to stop. Reasons I didn't like it: my partner could feel it every time we had sex. Stinging during and after sex. My boobs were always sore and heavy. Headaches. Bloated constantly. Itching. Depression. Anxiety. When the anxiety got so bad that I couldn't sleep at night, I took it out and felt much better within two days. Wish it would have worked for me because I don't like taking a pill every day."