NuvaRing and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• January 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 22 years old, no children. I have been using NuvaRing for approximately 2 1/2 years. I LOVE IT. I have never had an issue with weight gain or acne. It is very easy to remember, just a reminder on my phone twice a month. Once to take it out, and a week later to replace it with a new one. The changing process is not gross or uncomfortable. Very mild cramping when it is period week, but the periods only last 2-3 days. I would recommend it to anyone I know."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

"I’ve had it for years now, and it’s been perfect for me. I took it to help my adenomyosis by not getting a period. Every four weeks, I change it and put in a new one and avoid getting a period. My friend used it, who didn’t have any health conditions, and she cramped so badly she had to remove it. My other friend, who has what I have, used it and had headaches and backaches. But for me, it’s been perfect!"

• Hol...
• August 6, 2011

For Birth Control "Love this birth control! I have used several other types of birth control, and the NuvaRing is by far the best. I was on 'the pill,' and it made me very ill, depressed, and gave me mood swings. I like NuvaRing because it is one of the lowest doses on the market. I believe I need a lower dosage amount when it comes to birth control. I haven't had any problems with the medication; no weight gain, no mood swings. My period is on time every month and very light, compared to my regular period, which is very heavy and painful, accompanied by pretty bad PMS. Also, it has helped with my ovarian cysts! All birth control methods produce different side effects in different women, but all in all, I think the NuvaRing is a great form of birth control for me."

• Anonymous
• January 27, 2012

For Birth Control "I've only been using the ring for a while, so I feel a little too biased to give it a perfect rating. That said, I am (so far) satisfied with this form of birth control. I've only experienced mild cramping since first using it (cramps while off my period), but nothing near unbearable. No weight gain, no acne, no noticeable change in my sex drive, etc. In fact, I was on the pill before switching to the ring. On the pill, I had constant, heavy discharge. Since switching to NuvaRing, the discharge has stopped! And it is much, much easier than remembering a pill every day. The ring does come out during intercourse, but it's no biggie: I just rinse it in cool water and reinsert it afterward. No complaints about this ring from me."

• JAL...
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 45 and started using NuvaRing based on a recommendation from my OB after being diagnosed with ovarian cysts. At first, I loved my clear skin and not having a period. I used it for about 1 1/2 months when I noticed swelling and tenderness in my leg one morning when drying off from the shower. I couldn’t remember injuring it and brushed it off as a bruise. A few days later, I still had swelling and pain and decided to see my doctor. I had an X-ray and no bones were broken. I asked the doctor if it could be a clot. He said it wasn’t likely because it was so far down my leg, but based on my family history of pulmonary embolism, he recommended an ultrasound. The next day, I had an ultrasound and was diagnosed with a blood clot in my foot. I feel this was directly related to the NuvaRing. I was told to immediately take it out. After, I started my period again and had horrible cramps and bleeding. I am currently on blood thinners and looking to have an ablation in the near future."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for about 8 or 9 months, and I love it. Other birth controls for me made me have awful mood swings, weight gain, and awful cramps. The first month I was on the NuvaRing, I actually had decreased appetite. Now my periods only last about 2 days, no cramping, still no real weight gain. The only bad side effect I experienced was decreased lubrication, but I only noticed it for one or two months, everything is fine now. I would most definitely recommend NuvaRing to anyone like myself who was having a hard time on pill versions!"

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2012

For Birth Control "I have now been on NuvaRing for 2 years, and I like it. I was never one to forget to take my pill, but it is nice to not worry about it. I went on NuvaRing because it was recommended by a friend and the doctor. I have read many of the poor reviews on the NuvaRing, and all the bad reviews are common side effects of birth control in general. I have been on birth control for about 13 years and have used different types; all have the same side effects: mood swings, bloating, cramping, weight gain, lack of sex drive, and poor natural lubrication during sex. I have been happy with the NuvaRing and will continue to use it."

• Eri...
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I have read all these comments, and I’m very sorry it didn’t work out for all of you. I would say I love being on the NuvaRing. There are positives and negatives for sure. As a positive, it helps me with any acne, I really don’t have any, and it also keeps me more stable emotionally. I feel independent, like I do not need a guy at all. However, it has COMPLETELY killed my sex drive. I have no desire for a boyfriend, for sex, and when I do, the orgasms aren’t as good anymore. I also get pretty sick when I drink even a glass of wine these days when I used to be able to drink often. Despite all that, I do feel like I am a more stable person on the ring. I do get cramps sometimes, and I’m always making sure I drink cranberry juice so I don’t get any UTIs. Overall, I enjoy being on the NuvaRing, not being emotional over guys, living my life."

• Lul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for about 4 years. It was my first birth control that I've ever tried, and I LOVE IT! No side effects, and actually my period cramps disappeared. No increase in appetite, no cramping, no mood swings, and no pregnancies. I couldn't be any happier with my birth control."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2011

For Birth Control "I am new to NuvaRing, just been using it for a month and have had a few side effects, which are cramps, spotting, and the worst was a yeast infection, but I actually like it! My body is still getting used to it, so I understand, and hopefully, it will work for me. I had a funny experience when I was taking it out in the third week. My fingers are pretty small and couldn't reach it, but after a few times of trying, I did it."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2010

For Birth Control "I have only tried the NuvaRing as a birth control. I loved it. Never really had any problems, yes, my partner could feel it, and toward the end of my use, I could feel it falling out every once in a while, but usually I reinserted it and it was fine. I didn't have hardly any cramps, and my mood swings lessened. My periods went from 6 to 7 days to barely 3 days. I would recommend NuvaRing to anyone!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2012

For Birth Control "I did a lot of research on different birth controls prior, and NuvaRing seemed to be the best. So, I gave it a try. I'm taking it to control my hormonal mood swings and acne. The first 3 days, my sex drive was through the roof, mood swings gone, but bloating instantly. But then, 5 days to a week later, bloating, depressed, angry mood swings, acne has gotten 10x worse, especially on my back, weight/water gain, and now a week and a half later, I have cramps randomly. I also have been eating like crazy and crazy food at night and junk food. So, basically, it's like I'm on my period! I'm going to give it another week or two until my cycle, then I'll stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for a little over a year, and at first, I loved it. It was my first birth control, and I did not think I would remember to take a pill every day, so this seemed perfect, and it was. It is very effective for not getting pregnant, I have been having unprotected sex with my boyfriend since, and not once had an issue. The only thing is that it did not help with my cramps and back pain. As the months go on, the pain gets worse and worse. I also have times of severe mood swings and depression. I'm switching to Seasonale this month to see if it works any better."

• BCa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2018

For Birth Control "For me, the NuvaRing was much easier than using the pills which I was taking before I had it. You wouldn't miss a day since it's inside you till you need to get it out for your next period, or you can skip it, but I wouldn't recommend it since it gave me bad cramps skipping my period once. It's very easy to use, and I would only forget to insert it or remove it the day I needed it in or out. I could tell when I would need to remove it because I would have cramping right before my period, so that's the time it would be out and changed a week after. My periods are much lighter and don't last as long as before, which I love a lot. It's only fallen out during intercourse in a very weird position once, but it was very easy to put back in. I don't really have any problems with it, but I just want to try something different like the IUD, and I would go back to this if the IUD isn't for me."

• BCa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2018

For Birth Control "For me, the NuvaRing was much easier than using the pills which I was taking before I had it. You wouldn't miss a day since it's inside you till you need to get it out for your next period, or you can skip it, but I wouldn't recommend it since it gave me bad cramps skipping my period once. It's very easy to use, and I would only forget to insert it or remove it the day I needed it in or out. I could tell when I would need to remove it because I would have cramping right before my period, so that's the time it would be out and changed a week after. My periods are much lighter and don't last as long as before, which I love a lot. It's only fallen out during intercourse in a very weird position once, but it was very easy to put back in. I don't really have any problems with it, but I just want to try something different like the IUD, and I would go back to this if the IUD isn't for me."

• cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2016

For Birth Control "The first day I put the ring in, I had extremely bad cramps. I thought it was normal due to the fact that it was new. These cramps were followed by such severe abdominal pain I was not able to walk or drive for a period of time. Shortly after, I began having pain in my leg that would not go away. I have been on the ring a month now, and my leg pain is still there. I have serious feelings of depression, no appetite, nausea after eating, and no energy! I can barely make it 6 hours into the day before I need to lie down. After reading about the life-threatening blood clots the leg pain may lead to, I decided to take it out. Although it works, it is not worth the pain."

• peo...
• August 5, 2018

For Birth Control "19-20 years old. When I was on it about 1 year, continuous use, I did not have a period for about 1 year. Then I started having severe pain randomly that I couldn't walk and had to stop to try and breathe. At night, I would wake up because of such severe back pain, it was the most hurtful thing I ever experienced. I would have to use the bathroom in pain for about 1 hour before going back to bed with no pain. This happened almost every other night. It was excruciating pain that I have never felt elsewhere. My OB-GYN said that it was nothing special and to do stretches, eat better, and eat earlier before sleeping. But when I took my ring out to get a period every three months, my back pain went away. When I have a period, it gives me the worst cramps but only lasts 2 days. It's been good and bad, but man, if you're not scared of the shot or having an IUD, that's a lot better than the ring. If you're not even having sex, then don't do it. The back pain I got is definitely not worth it."

• Aaa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using the NuvaRing for almost one month. I understand they say birth control takes time for your body to adjust to, but I couldn't handle the feelings with NuvaRing and decided to take it out today. I was on Yaz for 9 years and never had any issues. I had no issues putting in or taking out NuvaRing, couldn't feel it was there and loved the idea of not having to take the pill every day, BUT the downsides. I felt SUPER emotional and depressed, always feeling irritated, and I'm generally a pretty happy person. Constant bloating (feel like I already gained 5 lbs), cramps, and itchy and uncomfortable down there, and difference in discharge (almost like BV or some kind of infection). My face/back broke out in acne too! Just took my NuvaRing OUT!"

• Mim...
• July 2, 2018

For Birth Control "Used NuvaRing on and off. Gave me the worst cramps of my life! Aside from that, I had no other problems. I’m debating on going back on it or trying the implant since my IUD is due to come out next month."

• Nen...
• February 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I've tried the NuvaRing before, 5 years ago, before I had my daughter. Then, after having her, I got the Implanon in my arm. I had so many complications with that, so I switched back to the NuvaRing after being off of it for a whole year. I didn't have any problem with the NuvaRing when I used it before, but... the second time is killing me! I have severe headaches, breast tenderness, and I'm tired all the time. My periods are heavy and my cramps are unbearable, but my periods are shorter. I like it because of the fact that you put it in and forget it, take it out and have your period, put it back in and repeat. I just can't take all the side effects. I want to get rid of it, but it's the only one that works for me as far as convenience at this time."

• Jes...
• November 25, 2016

For Birth Control "Terrible mood swings, cramps all month long, constantly bloated, made my periods way worse, and there was an irritating discharge. Never again. I'd rather have to remember to use the pill every day. Plus, doctors have told my friends that haven't had kids yet they can't use it, and I can't find any information as to why."

• NoP...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on BC since I was 16 and am now 37. I’ve only had the last 8-9 years off hormonal BC, doing the fertility awareness method due to thyroid disease, and believe me, it’s NOT better. Maybe worse. Let me explain. Having 'normal' periods after having 2 children is a very humbling experience. Ok, after babies, it is expected. But once those initial hormones subsided and things went back to “normal,” it was absolute hell. The worst PMS. Cramping that was like contractions, heavy flows requiring me to stay home. Oh, and did I mention the PMS? I want to kill everyone. Absolute rage and depression for up to 2 weeks before starting. I only have a 26-day cycle now, so I would literally be ovulating, on my period, or PMSing the entire month. It is miserable. Let's talk about ovulating. I track and abstain from sex during high fertility days using an iPhone app. It works well. But here’s the “side effects” of that: I’ve never wanted sex more, and when you have two young kids, it’s absolute torture. When I finally could have sex (and it was great!), then would start the “fear” for the next two weeks, worrying that I would be pregnant. Then the PMS sets in, and I act worse than I ever did on NuvaRing. Oh yeah, and I get BV after each period anyway. I can’t lose weight (did the NuvaRing help me lose weight too?), so what’s the point of the fertility awareness method? To have balanced hormones? Guess what ladies: they ain’t balanced. I’ve been trying to balance them for the last 8 years. So here I go back on the NuvaRing because I’d rather not worry about getting pregnant anymore, y’all. I’ll be proactive and still take my supplements when I get nauseated, I’ll take my 5HTP and L-theanine when I feel full of rage or anxiety. I’ll take my probiotics to keep my vagina pH in balance. Just like I do WITHOUT being on the NuvaRing."

• Nia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I tried NuvaRing because I got tired of having to remember to take a pill every day. It was a bad experience. I’ve never had acne, and when I started taking it, I began breaking out. I thought it might take a month or two to get used to it, and as of the third month, the acne was getting worse. Initially, it caused cramps and was irritating my vagina. The irritation subsided for the most part, but there were days it was very uncomfortable. As most birth controls do, it caused weight gain, not a huge amount, but definitely several pounds. It made my appetite increase significantly, especially for sweets. It’s likely because your body is being exposed to all those hormones at once instead of a small amount at a time like the pill. I’m sure it has worked great for other people, but for me, it’s a NO!! I really wanted it to work, sometimes simpler is better, so it’s back to the pill for me."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2018

For Birth Control "Been on NuvaRing for 2 months. Put it in and was going to skip my period, leave it in for 3 weeks, then a new one. 3 weeks after I started spotting. Realized days later that I missed my 3-week mark. Left it in until the end of the 4th week and put a new one in. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since, and I have been bleeding despite having the ring in this whole time. The bleeding is full and clots with cramps, and the ring itself is stained! I read when women skip their periods they bleed. So tomorrow will take it out and have a period and see if it stops. I gave 5/10 because it has prevented pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for about 7 months now. It is the best birth control I have used. It is hassle-free for me, and I do not have to remember to take a pill. The only side effects I have gotten are a little backache, little mood swings, and slight cramping, but the plus side is I have shorter periods and lighter ones. Overall, best decision ever!"