NuvaRing and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bre...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for about 6 years now. Never had any problems from beginning to now. I did have horrible cramps my first month using it when my period came, but after a few months, my body got used to it. I now only have a period that's about 3-5 days, and I enjoy how it spots right before I take the ring out, so I know it's time for my monthly cycle. It's easy to insert, and you don't have to think about having to take a pill every day. I did notice that when I had no health insurance, I went about a month without it; I had gotten my period, and it was horribly heavy with terrible cramps. But after restarting, everything got back to normal. I never noticed any weight gain or mood changes. My sex drive has stayed the same over all these years."

• Gab...
• July 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to use NuvaRing years ago and never had an issue with it. I loved that I didn't have to take a daily pill. Unlike other birth control, NuvaRing didn't make me nauseous or break out. I recently started using it again after about a 4-year break. Huge mistake. I have been on it for 2 months, and I had to take it out. I am normally just a happy person in general, I became so short-tempered and irritable. My fiancé saw me so emotional and anxious. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my head and would snap at my son and fiancé over nothing. I gained 5 lbs in less than 2 months, am always hungry and super tired. I also started getting short of breath and had leg cramps that were absolutely crippling. I would wake up screaming from the cramps, and the next day my calves would feel bruised. I don't know if it's changed since I last used it, but I can't handle it. The effects were noticeable after just 2 days, so if you notice anything abnormal after you start taking it, don't ignore it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Gained 60 pounds in less than 3 months, periods went from 28-day, 4.5-day clockwork regular to 2X a month, 9-day long murder-scene heavy. PMS used to be mild to nonexistent, went to migraines from hell, debilitating cramps, etc. Dr. told me to stick with it. I did for a year. Off the ring, took a year and lots of work to get my periods back to something approximating normal, and the weight will NOT budge. I did not have weight issues before, never had. Now I also have endometrial hyperplasia and have been told the weight is sticking no matter what I do to lose it due to an overabundance of estrogen. If you use the Ring and start gaining or going period-wonky AT ALL, stop, please, immediately and do not be like me."

• orc...
• January 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on combo birth control pills for years and switched 9 months ago. I have always used my birth control to skip my periods, so breakthrough bleeding was usually an issue, but it got better on the ring. I had the typical issues of the ring sliding down and causing me discomfort, but I got an applicator, and that fixed it. I have noticed a drop in my sex drive, and my vagina is drier than usual, which has led to tears and bleeding after sex. I assume using lube would fix that issue. My partner had issues with chafing when I left the ring in during sex, so I take it out now. I also have issues with cramping whenever I insert the ring. It doesn't last long, but I feel like it's my vagina rejecting the ring. So far, I haven't gotten pregnant, so it does a great job at that, and usually, I just forget that the ring is there. Overall, I like that I don't have to take a pill every day, and it's pretty easy to insert, but there seems to be more side effects than the pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on it for 3 months, and I used to be very wet during sexual intercourse with my husband, and now I am not able to get wet at all. We have to use lube, and sexual intercourse is very painful during the first 2 minutes. It feels like I'm a virgin all over again. My husband likes it, but it's a hassle for me. I do like the fact that I can take it out when I need to. Other side effects I have are tiredness, loss of appetite, and uterine cramps. Otherwise, I love it. We haven't had any issues as far as it not working."

• KAC...
• September 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I actually loved the NuvaRing! I did have some side effects such as cramping and breakthrough bleeding, as well as the ring actually sliding out. I know it is unheard of, but I did gain weight on the NuvaRing, nothing major but a good 5 pounds! I used the ring for about three months. I recently switched to Lutera to see if I like that better. I will post a review on Lutera when I use it longer."

• Fri...
• January 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for 3 years now. I really enjoy how convenient it is, you only have to remember 2 days out of a month. My periods are literally non-existent, I do still get the friendly cramps to remind me I am not pregnant. And my mood swings are not nearly as bad as they were on other high-hormone pills. That being said, this pill did slowly eat away at my happiness. My outlook on everything was just BLAH. No interests, don’t want to hang out with friends, don’t want to do date nights with my boyfriend, no motivation to work out. It turned me into a zombie without realizing it. Eventually, it took away ALL of my libido. No interest in my partner AT ALL. I was disgusted even at him touching me. That is the reason I am off it currently. Looking back on it now, the little libido I ever did have while using NuvaRing was the week I took it out to have my period. It is a great form of birth control, just be aware of how it affects you. I hope this helps someone!"

• Por...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I've used NuvaRing for over two months now, and when I first started using it, I had stomach pains (like cramps) for two days, but since then, nothing. I can't feel the ring, neither can my partner, and it has never fallen out. Slightly drier than usual, but not disturbingly. Other than that, I'm completely normal; no acne, no mood change, no weight gain, nothing. I love it."

• kc1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2014

For Birth Control "My whole reasoning to get on birth control was to help my miserable cramps and periods. Saying that it was my first time on birth control, my midwife and I decided that the NuvaRing was the best route to go. I put it in the first day of my cycle, and I bled for three days (I have a five-day cycle). I was so excited to have no cramps and a short period. Then, about a week later, I started getting horrendous cramps, even worse than my period cramps. The cramping wouldn't go away, along with the cramping - my skin changed from silky soft to desert dry, and I was extremely itchy all over my body. Come to find out, I was actually allergic to the NuvaRing. Some other symptoms that I got with the NuvaRing were zits, hunger, and moody!"

• Car...
• November 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing at 13 to regulate my heavy periods. I'm 23 now, still on it and love it. Here's the basics: -Never falls out, can't feel it at all (unless it's not put in right or if you have a wider/tilted uterus) -Husband is large and can't stand it, so I put it back in after intimacy. -If I forget/lose it, I just put a new one in for 3 more weeks (skip a period, whoop!) -I have never refrigerated mine, the teens don't need to see that in there lol -no cramps, bloating, acne, weight gain, etc. (I eat a lot so I'm not gonna blame my anti-baby meds for my own bad habits) -no mood swings, sex drive hasn't changed, periods are lighter/are over quicker than before. -no insurance? Forget it. These freaking things are $150 a pop."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Very easy to insert! Felt like it kind of popped into place. Put it in on the first, heaviest day of my period, and it completely stopped it. Days 2-5 were crampy, nauseated, fevery, achy, irritable, and generally not fun. Since then, it's been wonderful. No lingering side effects (except ridiculous discharge, it really is bad). It hasn't fallen out, even during sex or bowel movements. Boyfriend can't feel it during sex. Still not pregnant, but we use condoms as well, so I can't speak to its efficacy on its own. Skin is clearing up, mood is better, sex drive is as insatiable as ever. Appetite has increased. Love the convenience compared to the pill and low commitment compared to an IUD. Would recommend."

• ban...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 23, 2019

For Birth Control "(21 yr old) I've had the NuvaRing in for almost a year now, and I'm taking it out. The first few months I loved it because I had minimal side effects, so I thought my body needed some time to adjust, but it's gotten worse. I'm moodier, have low motivation, ZERO sex drive (I used to have such a high sex drive, now sex is repulsive). Constant debilitating cramps and bloating, headaches, chest pain, depression, and anxiety. I've also gained about 10 lbs recently, despite eating the same. The heavy discharge I can handle with some pantiliners, but sometimes there's a strong, horrible scent. I've always had heavy periods and cramping (lasting 7-8 days), but now it lasts about 14 days. I've never been able to skip my period on this because I bleed when the ring is still in, it just gets heavier on the day I'm supposed to take it out. I liked the ease, but it's taken a toll on my body, mental health, and life. I wish I had taken it out sooner."

• Cas...
• June 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I found the NuvaRing to be a hassle. Two weeks after insertion of the NuvaRing, I had to take it out! The first week, I started experiencing nausea, headaches, cramps, noticeable excessive vaginal lubrication, and desensitivity around my lady parts. These symptoms followed into week two and started getting worse. I couldn't tell if the NuvaRing was affecting my mood or not due to mental health issues I already have, I didn't know if I was just having a bad few weeks of depression (which is normal for me) or if maybe the NuvaRing was causing me to feel bad. I also found the NuvaRing hard to insert, as it felt like it was always going to come out, and I had to keep putting it back in place. I would not recommend it. Just wasn't for me."

• Lei...
• November 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for about 2.5 months at this point. The first month was fine, but my boyfriend and I couldn't have sex because I was in so much pain, even a slight touch to my vagina set me into shooting pain. Once I hit the 2-month mark, the pain started to subside, and we are able to have sex again, but not often because if there is too much irritation to the area, I will be in pain again. The side effects I have noticed are lack of sleep and overall exhaustion, decreased hunger, constant nausea, cramping most of the month, acne, weight gain, bloating, and mood swings. I have also noticed that my discharge has become three times more prominent and that it has a different odor from anything I have ever smelled before (gross). I have been very sad the last month, and I am keeping track of all these side effects. However, if they do not subside or stop within another 2 months, I will be going off of it."

• tuf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I thought it was not noticeable when inserted. I just left it in during sex, but if you want, you can take it out and put it back in after. I went off it recently, and I'm so glad I did. Each month, before my period, I would get really bad migraines and cramps. Also, I consistently had anxiety and no confidence. I would always have a few very depressing days before my period, which made me want to do bad things. I'm thankful I did not act on those thoughts. I thought it would be a more local form of birth control, but it certainly had an effect on my whole body. I also gained weight, about 10 lbs when I started it, though they claim it doesn't cause weight gain...."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I had been using NuvaRing for just about a year when I decided to call it quits. The first few months were great. I loved the convenience of it, and my boyfriend could not feel it. I also never had a problem with it slipping out. After 3-4 months, I started getting intense cramps, bloating, and breast sensitivity for about a week before my period that lasted until I popped the next one back in. Meanwhile, I was getting crankier and moodier, and the smallest things would make me cry. I started breaking out on my face (which NEVER happened before), and I gained about 10-15 lbs (not that I was doing anything differently that would cause this). After about 6 months, I started losing my sex drive, and when I did have sex, it would be painful."

• E71...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "NuvaRing is very convenient to use, but after 3 years, I am finally getting off of it. I get major mood swings, anxiety, depression, leg cramps, and not interested in sex. At first, I did not think it was the NuvaRing causing this, but after reading reviews, I can relate to a lot of women! It was very convenient, but I will be changing to another method."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in January 2016. At first, I thought of it as a worry-free BC where I don't have to worry about taking a pill at a specific time each day. However, as the months of me using it piled up, so did my mood changes, killer cramps from hell, and increased anxiety. I'm depressed all the time, anxious all the time, and I get mad at my boyfriend for no reason at all. He's asked me to see a counselor. That's how bad it's been. I also have a decrease in sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort when having intercourse. I spoke to my gyno about my situation, and she suggested leaving the ring in for 4 weeks rather than 3. After reading all these reviews, I decided to take out my ring today, and I'm going back to my gyno tomorrow."

• BRI...
• August 13, 2013

For Birth Control "LOVE NuvaRing! I have had the ring for 3 years and wouldn't want any other kind of birth control now. I took the pill for a while and I always cramped really bad and my periods varied from crazy bad to light and easy. Now I have a regular period and my migraines are gone and I hardly ever cramp. I have about a 4-day period and not heavy at all! Only downfall is right before my period there is a little discharge but a little liner is all I need, and TELL your man you have it."

• Ajn...
• June 5, 2015

For Birth Control "NuvaRing has worked just fine for me. I stayed the same weight, but I will say it caused me to have a major breakout, which is abnormal for me. That was setback #1. The second was, my period is 2x more painful than it normally is. I will say I struggle with painful clotting periods when I'm not on birth control. I plan to start using the ring back to back and simply eliminate my period altogether. I was afraid to use this method, but it ended up being great."

• oli...
• March 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on NuvaRing after trying several different pills that didn't work for me (weight gain, irritability, headaches), and the NuvaRing has been amazing! I did gain about 5-10 pounds, and my boobs got bigger, but it was worth it because I didn't have many other side effects. The first month I cramped a bit, but it gets better! To insert the ring, I take out the cotton from a tampon and put the NuvaRing in the tampon applicator and insert it that way, and it's so much easier than trying to manipulate the ring with your hands. I recommend the NuvaRing to all of my friends that are miserable on the pill."

• may...
• March 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for two years. And I LOVE it. I don't have to think about it, very low hormones. Before I started using the ring, I had terrible periods. I would be stuck at home for at least a day because my cramps were that awful. My periods would also last up to ten days. After I started it, my periods became normal, five days long, and significantly fewer cramps. I gained maybe 10 pounds and two cup sizes."

• Sun...
• June 7, 2018

For Birth Control "This ring was hell for me. Week 1: Excited to try a convenient form of birth control. For the first two weeks, I experienced mood swings but thought this would stabilize. I also had a surge of acne, which I normally do not have. Week 3-4: Acne went away, but mood swings continued. Week 5: same. Week 6, 7, and 8: horrible. I started bleeding heavily every day, heavier than a period, for three straight weeks. This was accompanied by cramping and an upset digestive system. Week 4: I passed a blot clot vaginally, which hasn’t happened since I had my daughter 3 years ago. By the end of the second month, I was physically exhausted from the blood loss and pain and an emotional mess from being unstable for 2 months straight. I took it out...and it’s like the sky became blue again, slowly I returned to my normal self. No birth control method is worth this type of hell. Done and done. Back to the pill."

• San...
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "So I was on NuvaRing for over 2 years, and I’m still not sure how I felt about it. I always had really bad leg cramps, as well as my arm would swell up, but no blood clot. During the whole time I was on it, I was always fearing a blood clot would hit me. I liked the ease of use, and I did use it continuously. I did gain some weight. I did always have to plan trips around when I had to insert/take out because it has to be refrigerated. Also, I took a medication for an infection, and during that time, for over a month, I experienced HEAVY bleeding, my doctor said it interacted with my NuvaRing. I never got pregnant, but I’m not sure all the stress was worth it. The day I took it out, I experienced my first ever 4-hour panic attack. Looking into Skyla or Kyleena!"

• JJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2019

For Birth Control "Worst experience - would not recommend NuvaRing to anyone! I’m 31 y/o and haven’t been on BC for about 15 years. This seemed like a great option, but it was the worst. I was so extremely bloated it looked like I was 9 months pregnant. I was only on the ring for 7 days before I had to take it out. Made me incredibly emotional, moody, irritable, crampy, and did I mention bloated!? After having it out for a few hours, I started to mentally feel better, but 15 hours later, I still look crazy, crazy bloated, and my stomach is in a ton of pain. If you retain water or gain weight, this will be a nightmare for you."