NuvaRing and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Pan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Six months ago, I went to the ER on a Saturday because I thought I was having a heart attack. I had severe cramping and chest pains. $13k (“after insurance, our portion was only $2,500!”) they couldn’t find anything wrong, thankfully. Right now, we are between insurances, and I had the same feelings 2 nights ago. Because of the cost, I didn’t go to the hospital and just prayed. Took out the NuvaRing and INSTANTLY, immediately, the symptoms went away! I mean, before I even made it to the trash can to throw it away. I am shocked! I cannot believe this seems to have been the issue. I will obviously not be going back on it. I’m 37, 2 kids, don’t smoke or drink."

• Saf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2016

For Birth Control "It's so hard to review BC because it's different for every woman. But my experience with the ring was just okay. I was on it for a year. Didn't affect acne or my sex drive. Losing weight was extra difficult. I got BAD headaches and the worst cramps I've ever had. However, my period was very predictable and only lasted about 2 days. It was nice to not have to think about taking a pill every day. Left it in during sex and no problems. For me, though, the cons outweighed the pros. Plus, depending on your insurance, it's very expensive."

• gir...
• July 7, 2011

For Birth Control "I have not fully decided if I think the NuvaRing is for me or not. I have been using the ring for a little over a month now. The side effects I heard about have not all happened to me yet, the ones I have experienced are a lot of discharge the first week and still some more than normal. My sex drive has completely disappeared, which was not a normal thing for me. My heartbeat sometimes feels like it is a little racier. My stomach has been cramping some, but not anything compared to when I was on the pill. I was on Ortho Tricyclen Lo for 5 years. I have had no weight gain or back pain. No sickness. Hope this helps."

• Glo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I just started not that long ago, but for the past few weeks, I have been cramping like crazy and have had several unexplainable anxiety attacks. While I had it in, I had every symptom of a period except the blood. My depression has been getting better, and I think it's the birth control, but my anxiety and mood swings have been going crazy, and I have no explanation for this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 23, 2012

For Birth Control "My first 6 months on NuvaRing were wonderful - my doc was using it to treat my symptoms of endometriosis (vomiting, intense cramping, etc.). Slowly, over time, I noticed my mood (which is normally rock solid) change, and I started losing all interest in sex. I thought maybe I just needed more time to adjust to it, and now, a year and a half later, I have absolutely no sex drive, am exhausted, and cry/am anxious for no reason. I am switching to something with an even lower dose, hoping to lose some of these side effects. I am generally sensitive to medication, so this may be why I had such a bad experience. I just wanted to share my experience since I didn't get side effects right off the bat - it can take a while for these side effects to emerge."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2023

For Birth Control "So, I have been on the NuvaRing for about 6 months now. These are the side effects that I have experienced: headaches, nausea, soreness just in the first couple of weeks, but I was told that was normal at the beginning, so I kept on. I skipped my period for 2 months, then the 3rd month, I bled for 3 weeks VERY HEAVILY. I also ended up in the hospital with cramps like I’ve never felt before and ended up having a large mass of tissue come out of me. I thought it was a miscarriage, but it was something called a decidual cast, which is where your whole uterus lining comes out. I got extremely depressed and irritable, lashing out at my fiancé. I started experiencing “breakthrough bleeding,” but it’s been going on for 2 months straight, and I cannot get rid of this awful odor that comes with it. I’m taking it out as soon as I see my doctor. I’m scared for what could happen to my mental and physical health if I stay on it."

• Jes...
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on the ring since Oct 4, 2019, and I am still bleeding. I was on Paraguard, heavy period and cramping, tried Kyleena and I bled and spotted throughout the year I was on it. Maybe only one week out of the month I did not bleed or spot. Tried to get my tube tied, but my doctor told me no, because of my six fibroids. He told me to try the ring. Since I have been on the ring, I have been hostile and aggressive. I also have been depressed and wanting to quit my studies. I just finished an episode of intense cramping like I am in labor. I also have brain fog. I have nothing good to say about this birth control, once my third week is over, I will not ever put it back in. I wish I could tell my prof sorry I am screwing up, but it's just my NuvaRing."

• Xna...
• August 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I've used the ring for about 2 months now, and it was the best alternative for a forgetful person like myself. I was on the pill before, but I had to stop using it because I'd often forget. Putting the ring in at first will feel a little weird, but once you put it in deep enough, you won't feel a thing. Plus, it wouldn't slide out! The only con I have is that after I take out the ring at the end of the 3rd week, my cramps from my period seem to be more painful."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old, BMI is 16, healthy. Not on any medication or have any medical needs. NuvaRing is the only form of birth control I've used. My experience with NuvaRing: started using it May 2009. I've never forgotten to take it out or put it in. You can't feel it inside you. My partner didn't mind it. It's easy. I haven't experienced any of the common or serious side effects. I haven't had any weight gain, irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, headaches, etc. I still have acne, but hasn't worsened since starting the ring. One month I decided to skip my period and was a little more emotional than usual. Sometimes the ring does start to slip out (it's never completely slipped out), which then is uncomfortable. I didn't used to have cramps, but now I get minor cramps. My period is lighter, regular (my period was very irregular before NuvaRing), and even a day or two shorter. I would recommend NuvaRing to anyone interested in birth control, no matter who you are. Plus, it doesn't hurt to at least try it."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2012

For Birth Control "I am twenty years old and have been on birth control since I was 15. I have been on Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, Alesse, Depo-Provera, and Mirena! In five years, I was desperate to find something that worked for me. I had symptoms from weight gain, mood swings, acne, debilitating cramps, and even serious depression. Trying NuvaRing was my last hope. I LOVE IT! It has not given me any mood swings, it has BOOSTED my sex drive! My periods are ridiculously light, 2 days long, and I have no cramps or PMS. Amazing. I know every girl's body is different, but I totally recommend NuvaRing!"

• veg...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in around November 2015. Everything was perfect for the first two to three months. In January, I got my period and it was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt, I didn't think I could survive. It lasted 2 months, filled with terrible cramps and very heavy bleeding. So, I had enough of it, and I took it out, and my period stopped a week after I took it out. A month later, I got my period again, and amazingly, it was shorter and there was barely any pain... I hope it stays that way. I really loved the NuvaRing when I first started it, but it seemed to have completely stopped working, which is weird."

• cry...
• June 29, 2011

For Birth Control "I started using this birth control about 7 months ago. Since I've been on it, I have noticed my zero sex drive and constant breakouts. I have had abdominal cramping and crazy mood swings, depression. I'm always tired but can never sleep. I realized it was all just side effects listed on the NuvaRing website. Thank goodness my husband is patient with me. Wouldn't recommend it. I've stopped using it and am feeling and looking much better."

• Por...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 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."

• Vnr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had the NuvaRing for 2 weeks and a couple days, and honestly, it is not too bad. I thought it was going to be worse due to reading some reviews. The first two days, I felt lightheaded and very tired, but that went away. The ring has not made me gain weight, I’m actually losing weight due to eating healthy and working out 5-6 days a week. The ring has never fallen out or tried to. I never feel it and forget it’s in there. I have more of an appetite, but it is controllable. Some cons are that some days I can be moody or irritable. I have been getting period cramps, some painful and some that don’t bother me at all. Another thing I have experienced is that one day I got very depressed, I just laid in bed and ate whatever I wanted and was very emotional for no reason. I’m sure it’s due to the ring because I didn’t know why I was so down that day, but I was fine the next day. It was very weird, but overall, it is an okay method of birth control."

• Boo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 10, 2018

For Birth Control "I used the ring for a little over 10 years, no problems, no weight gain, but about 5 years into it, I started having chest pains every so often, as well as really bad headaches and nausea. I put up with it due to the convenience of the ring, but then started getting really painful periods to the point that I took it off and all the symptoms went away. After about 8 months, then I got pregnant, no problem. Now my husband is just going to have a vasectomy to avoid all the complications that come with birth control medications."

• wha...
• December 25, 2012

For Birth Control "The first month was bad. Breakthrough bleeding, cramping and bloating, mood swings. But the second month was perfectly fine. I'm going onto my third month now. Once my body got used to it, everything was perfect. I love not having to remember to take a pill each day! This is so easy!"

• Bba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2018

For Birth Control "This was horrible. I bled the entire time and had cramps from it being inside of me. Once I took it out, I felt better. Everything was a lot better. Never again. Everyone’s body is different, but use at your own risk."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2016

For Birth Control "The first time I was on Nuva for about 8 months and got pregnant. I'm thinking the cause could have been another medication I was on while using Nuva. After that pregnancy, I had started using Nuva again with no other medications, using it from September 2015 to March 2016. I started getting bad leg cramps, migraines, shortness of breath, dizziness, bad abdominal pain, and some days couldn't get out of bed to take care of my 3 kids, I was in so much pain. I stopped using it and have a doctor’s appointment to check for a blood clot and anything else that could be going on. A lot of my pain and migraines have decreased since being off it just 5 days. Still experiencing some pain in my knees and some abdominal pain, but for the most part, way better than I was."

• amy...
• February 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm going to preface this by saying everyone's body is different and will react differently to medications. That being said, this birth control did not work for my body. A few months after switching from Tricyclen 21, I started experiencing negative side effects. That included: - very bad PMS (one day of me acting like the spawn of Satan, approx. 1 week before my period) - irritability and mood swings, fighting with my bf and threatening to leave at least once a month - heavy cramping - really bad body odor, without any excessive sweating. I had never experienced any of these symptoms before or after being on this medication."

• Eme...
• June 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched to the NuvaRing about 3 weeks ago from the pill. I was excited by how much easier it was than worrying about taking a pill at the same time every day. This excitement quickly faded when I got suddenly feverish and sick on my 9th day with the NuvaRing. I was too weak and had too severe cramping to leave my bed for 12 hours. But I steadily recovered after I removed the NuvaRing. I had it out for two days, and my doctor suggested I put a new one in, so I thought I'd give it another chance. After another week, I've had a sudden and vicious outbreak of cold sores on my lips. I used to get them all the time, but I hadn't had one in three years. I'm done with the NuvaRing for good."

• Gof...
• October 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I love NuvaRing. A few years back, I went on the pill for a few months and was almost suicidal. After dating my boyfriend for several months, I decided it would be safer to go on some form of protection, and my physician recommended NR. The first month and a half, I was an emotional wreck. Irritable and moody, and it almost ruined my relationship. I feel nothing now except for a moment of cramping. He can't feel it during sex either, and I never feel it day-to-day. I am very dry during intercourse regardless of the level of stimulation. That's my only complaint."

• 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
• April 30, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing since January 2010 and love the convenience. Of course, I experience many side effects, such as headache, cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, breakthrough bleeding (first month only), and feeling pregnant all the time. After 4 months, it came out for the first time during sex. It hurt for a bit, then I had light bleeding. I would recommend NuvaRing because of convenience, and as with most birth control, there are always going to be side effects."

• jes...
• August 9, 2016

For Birth Control "23 years old, petite body size. I've been using the NuvaRing for a little over a month now, and so far I really like it. Prior to using the NuvaRing, I was taking birth control pills. Not having to remember to take a pill every day is such a relief! The first time I got my period using the NuvaRing, it was normal. Slight cramping, but nothing out of the ordinary. My boob size has increased probably a half cup so far. The only downside is that my partner can feel the NuvaRing when we have intercourse. Intercourse can be uncomfortable for him if the ring is in, so we have to take it out. Removing and inserting the NuvaRing is very simple. I would recommend this birth control."

• mzm...
• April 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I think this is a great, low-dose form of birth control, which is excellent for women (myself included) who were at first cautious about the use of hormones but not quite ready for an IUD. You must be comfortable inserting it into your vagina and taking it out. It can be removed during sex for up to three hours, but if you are taking it out daily, multiple times per day, another form of birth control might be good for you. Side effects: tender breasts, breast growth. No mood swings for me. Some cramping around my period that is mild and lasting longer than it used to when I was not on hormones. All in all, I highly recommend NuvaRing. My partner does not feel it. Oh, the progestin also increases cervical mucus, which provides more lube."