NuvaRing and Headaches: What Users Say

• Per...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Personally, I have had extremely heavy and bad cramps on my period. I’ve been on birth control since I was 14. I started with the pill but forgot to take it all the time, then I went to the IUD but had extreme weight gain and headaches. My anxiety also worsened with the IUD. I switched to the NuvaRing around 5 months ago, and it has been the best decision I’ve made for my reproductive health. My periods are a light spotting, my cramps are tolerable, and I haven’t gained any weight. Plus, my boyfriend can’t feel it during sex. Don’t be afraid of the negative reviews, everyone’s body is different, and you just need to find what works for you!"

• Rox...
• April 29, 2015

For Birth Control "When I started using it, I thought it was the best contraceptive ever until it almost cost me my life. Since February 2015, I experienced shortness of breath, dry cough, headaches, pain and numbness in my legs, and a sharp pain in my chest when I inhaled. Doctors diagnosed me with asthma because I had it as a child. In the start of April 2015, I was rushed to the emergency room because everything just got worse. I also had a high fever. After several tests, the doctors made the discovery of life-threatening blood clots within my lungs and around my heart (pulmonary embolism). I immediately removed the NuvaRing as this had led to my condition. This has happened to many women and also led to the death of some."

• ups...
• January 23, 2010

For Birth Control "NuvaRing is effective in pregnancy prevention. However, the side effects were bad. The first month was fine, with only one bad side effect (diarrhea), and I wasn't too sure if it was even from my birth control that month. It was never listed as a side effect. When I got my period, it was light and lasted only about 2 1/2 days. After 2-3 months, side effects started to kick in: more abdominal cramps, normal discharge, extreme bloating very often, nausea, and headaches. Along with these, I became extremely irritable/very grumpy, had a major loss in appetite, and when I did eat, the diarrhea would hit (severely). Eventually, I had horrible back pain and became very depressed, which negatively impacted my life."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm gonna keep it short and sweet; I've been on about a week, taking it to help with PMS. No initial symptoms other than a slight increase in random emotional upheaval. After about 3 days, exhaustion kicked in along with unnecessary bursts of anger, frustration, or sadness. 4-6 days, mass fatigue, appalling headaches (I promise you, I'm not exaggerating!), crazy outbreaks of spots, nausea, and lightheadedness. I'm going to stick it through for at least another week and will update. I would obviously prefer to follow through to see if it settles down, but I have rather a lot to do in the next few months and would rather not be impeded by my hormones. Good luck! It's worth a try - you can always take it out if it disagrees with you."

• Yoo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I turned to NuvaRing because I didn't want to take a pill every day anymore, and I didn't have a great reaction to the implant. It has been a pleasant experience and, without a doubt, more convenient for me. I know exactly when my period will start, and they have become shorter and lighter. I have noticed that I get slight headaches right before I start a period, though. The first couple of months, I had extra discharge and irritation, but that quickly went away. The very few negative side effects disappeared fairly quickly. Overall, it is a great birth control method, and I'm thankful to have found something that works for me."

• Ela...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

For Birth Control "Only lasted 5 days before I had to remove it. 24 hours after insertion, headaches started. Then my vagina completely dried out and became very itchy. Nausea kicked in so badly I started vomiting, and my face broke out in severe acne. Every joint ached and started stiffening up. My mental health plummeted, and I started having crying fits out of nowhere. I removed it at 5 days, and 10 days later I am still suffering headaches, extreme fatigue, and nausea, which is slowly getting better, and every other issue stopped within 24 hrs of removal. Do not recommend for anyone sensitive to hormones, as this knocks you about quite a bit. Only plus is it can be removed easily when you decide it is not for you."

• kel...
• October 30, 2015

For Birth Control "So I just felt the need to come on here and put in a good word. It has only been 4 days for me, but I haven't had any crazy side effects. The bad so far is: a little nausea and definitely some dizziness, which is improving. I had some fatigue day 1-2 also, and some cramping and headache day 3. My sex drive has been insanely high. I feel like I am more sane than normal and kinder, lol. I don't feel the ring when it's in really, and I do have this compulsion to keep checking to make sure it's still in there. I have had sex and no change (so far?) in ability to orgasm or vaginal lubrication. Previously, I was on Loestrin and was experiencing more side effects than this from the get-go. So overall, I am happy. I will update after a few weeks and see how it's going."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis, and my gynecologist initially recommended the Mirena to help manage it. The inserting process was impossible and so dismissed. Next up was the patch... worst decision of my life. Nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue... that lasted me three days. Next up was the NuvaRing. I'm going into my third week, and so far it's doing better than anything else I've tried. My side effects are awful headaches and cramps here and there. Other than that, I feel perfectly fine. If the headache gets bad, I simply use a painkiller, and voila! I'll definitely recommend it to anyone that can't use a high-dose contraceptive like me. I think the low dose in the ring could make a huge difference. Can't knock it till you try it!"

• Mom...
• June 7, 2019

For Birth Control "So I’ve been using NuvaRing for about 2 months now after having my little girl in March. This birth control has given me so many symptoms, I’m going crazy! Nausea, increased appetite, cramps, headaches, and mood swings! I have to apologize to my husband when he gets home from work tonight because I’ve been so mean to him, and I know he’s wondering what the hell is going on! This is my first time being on birth control in 5 years, and I absolutely hate it. Even growing up, my body hated birth control, and I always advocated against it. I let my doctor talk me into not getting my tubes tied because I have 2 kids, and I’m only 27. But I know we don’t want more kids, I’m content with my 2, and we plan to adopt a child when they’re older. I’m scheduled for a consultation in 2 weeks for tubal ligation, and I’m going through with it. This experience with NuvaRing has been the worst! I’m not compromising my well-being for birth control when I know I’m physically done having babies."

• AAa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve used NuvaRing in the past but just got back on it about 8 months ago. It was fine, I also suffer from really bad migraines, so I do notice I tend to get a little bit more headaches (not sure if it’s related to the birth control), but just within the last 2 months I’ve noticed a chemical smell coming from my Vjayjay! I know it’s not BV, yeast, or a sexually transmitted infection, as I get checked constantly. I noticed when I take the ring out the 4th week to get my period, the smell is gone. Two days after I insert the new ring, the smell is back and it’s very strong to the point I can smell it outside my pants! That’s a deal breaker for me! I’m a very clean person and I won’t walk around with any vaginal odor! I took the ring out today, and my underwear had a very strange chemical smell! I probably will never get back on the ring again, I’ll just stick with the pill. That’s about the only bad side effect I had with the ring."

• Yel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for 3.5 years. I almost immediately experienced major mood swings, crying, getting offended by things that normally don't bother me. However, the convenience and the fact that my severe cramps and heavy flow greatly diminished made it worth it to me. But as time went on, after the first year or so, I began to notice my sex drive wasn't as strong. Two years in, I had zero sex drive whatsoever, and three years in I experienced many more side effects. These include severe cystic acne, 12 lb weight gain, headaches, nausea, and my mood swings have worsened. I feel anxious all the time. So, tonight I took it out and don't plan to put one back in again. I did go off the ring once before for a month and felt normal again."

• Toa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I loved NuvaRing... until it caused a cerebral blood clot and stroke (CVST). A headache for days, memory problems, speech like word soup, ten days in the hospital, one in ICU, no emotion. I didn't know who my husband was. Doctors put me on blood thinners and rehab therapy. Six weeks later, I went back to work. Three months and multiple blood tests later, my doctors ruled out any hereditary causes for my stroke and attributed it to hormones in NuvaRing. I can never use birth control with estrogen again, and any pregnancies will be high risk. I have recovered, but nothing will take away the emotional trauma that I and my family experienced. My husband still breaks down in tears over how close I was to being permanently disabled or dying. Please, if you are using or considering using NuvaRing, talk to your doctor about the risks. Not everyone using NuvaRing will experience what I did, but be informed. I DO NOT recommend NuvaRing."

• Eri...
• September 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 33 and have been on NuvaRing for 3-4 years. There are some positives and negatives which I will list: Positives: - Clear skin: I have always struggled with acne, and my skin became very clear. - Light periods and no cramping. - Convenience, and you don't have to remember to take a pill every day. - Easy to use. - Effective in prevention of pregnancy. Negatives: - Highly increased appetite: I have gained 30 lbs in 3 years (start weight was 140, now 170). - No sex drive: Sex became miserable to endure because I had no interest in it. - Increase in mood swings, aggravation, depression, anxiety, and laziness. - Headaches: Occur very frequently and sometimes lasted for 2-4 days. - Sharp random pains in cervix. - Increase in discharge. I have been off the NuvaRing now for a little over a month, and I feel like my personality is back to normal. I feel like myself again. I have lost weight (6 lbs in one month, and I notice I’m not as hungry and don’t have severe cravings anymore)."

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 3 months. I chose NuvaRing because I knew I couldn't be trusted with taking a pill every day but wanted birth control to help regulate my periods, ease mood swings, and clear skin. On NuvaRing, I still have mood swings, more headaches now, at times feel very tired, still have bad breakouts, and also an almost non-existent sex drive. I assumed all this was because I was home with 3 little kids until I noticed a pattern while on the NuvaRing. Three days after I take the ring out, I have a surge of sexual desire (also this is when my period starts, figures). I'm going to stick with it for another 2 months to see how it goes, meanwhile, I'm going to talk with my doctor again about better options."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So I had tried the pill in college, which left me 30 lbs heavier. Fast forward 4 years, and I find myself trying to pick out a birth control that wouldn't cause such a dramatic weight gain. I tried Nuva per my OBGYN's suggestion. I really like how easy it is to use. I never had a problem inserting or removing, along with no problems during intercourse. My periods were also lighter. Nuva really worked with my schedule. The downfall is that my face broke out with cystic acne (which is extremely painful). My breasts hurt 24/7. I have no sex drive. I constantly feel like I have a UTI or something. My appetite is up and down, sometimes I feel sick for no reason. Also, I get 1-2 headaches a day since starting Nuva."

• CLB...
• June 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing (NR) for about 6 months. Although it is extremely convenient, I have had the worst mood swings EVER. The mood swings overpower the convenience of the NR for me. I have also gained about 10-15 pounds, which is not normal for me at all (20 years old), low to really no sex drive, headaches, nausea. I know side effects are different for everyone, but I wanted to let someone else know my problems before they have to deal with them."

• Alm...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing since I was 15, now I am 24, and I've only been on NuvaRing. I've enjoyed this product, BUT I can say it has changed my mood, and I have no sex drive. I've been with my boyfriend for 8 years, and I just get angry at him for no reason. For years, I thought I was mentally ill, but I have finally realized it's my NuvaRing. Most people who post on here have recently started using it, after almost 10 years of using this, I can say it's a love/hate relationship. Pros: It does its job! Cons: Mood swings, headaches, and no sex drive. I am looking into Nexplanon, but I'm scared to turn into a crazed fiend and put more strain on my relationship. I've been irregular all my life, so I don't know with a new BC."

• Car...
• May 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing on 5/15/2016 and took it out 5/28/2016. I am 38 and have 3 children. I felt so depressed, emotional, and aggravated for the past week. I am extremely tired, have a headache, and just feel off. I'm nauseous and hungry at the same time. I don't know if it's in my head or if my body needs to adjust, but I am scared of going forward or symptoms worsening. What really made me nervous was my eyes felt like I had a fog over them, I took it out and flushed it down the toilet. 30 minutes later, my eyes were clear again. Maybe I was being paranoid, I don't know, but that wasn't for me. I'm getting my tubes tied."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I am a nurse and am confident I’ve never had depression during my life. On the contraceptive pill post having my kids, I had the 'black dog' within a month and immediately ceased it when I realized the link and felt better within days. Fast forward two years, and I’d say the ring has done the same thing, but also the levels of irritation I’ve felt have also felt heightened to anything I’ve experienced. I just took it out as I’ve had a difficult weekend and really do think this is the link. I’m 43 and have not felt like this before. It does 'its job,' but you need to look at what is happening to you carefully. Nil sex drive is also a thing for me that I think now may be linked. Definitely nausea that comes and goes and headaches. I’ve never been a person who uses Panadol, etc., and suddenly I’m needing it for headaches. I’m very hopeful I’ll feel better as this is all out of character for me."

• fja...
• July 24, 2013

For Birth Control "After being on the pill for 7 years, I switched to NuvaRing in January. I did not have any issues with headaches, feeling nauseous, or differences in my appetite. However, after the first month or so, my sex drive was completely gone. Every time my boyfriend and I would try to have sex, it would be very painful, or I would get no pleasure from it. I just switched back to the pill but really wish that NuvaRing would have worked out for me because otherwise I totally love how easy it was to use every month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in early December 2013, and I stopped using it after my month trial was up. I had a few side effects: weight gain (with no change in diet), headaches, no sex drive, and periods that started a week early. I was on the pill for a year and a half with none of these side effects. The NuvaRing just isn't for me."

• Jul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I started using this product after my 1st child was born at age 19. At first, I was a bit nervous about the side effects and all, but after a few months of using it, I was relieved at how awesome it worked. I had no side effects, no weight gain, my periods were regular, except that my partner was able to feel it, which was no problem. Anyhow, I'm going on 4 years of using the NuvaRing, and I've started to get many side effects, from many headaches to low sex drive and a lot of breast tenderness. I'm really disappointed in having to change my birth control because it was so easy to use, and I never had a problem with it at all."

• Mis...
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for 4 years, and I had extreme anxiety and headaches. I switched to NuvaRing and feel great. A lot less headaches, no anxiety. I haven't gained any weight that I've noticed, my sex drive is still very high. I might be a little more snippy, and I have had issues with yeast infections. It's only been two months, so I'm gonna keep watching my weight and will update shortly."

• nax...
• July 11, 2015

For Birth Control "Overall, I've had quite a wonderful experience with NuvaRing. It's very easy to use, and it's very effective. It's perfect for those who are incredibly busy or have an unstable lifestyle (college students, brides-to-be, constantly changing work schedule), and I've had very minor side effects. Let's start with the positives, though - regular periods that are very light, almost perfect skin except when on the period, no hair loss, no mood changes, and no weight gain. It's also very simple to get off the ring and switch to another birth control or completely stop birth control altogether. The two side effects that I've experienced are low libido, and I get headaches a lot easier. I can also feel the ring during sex, but that's an easy fix."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "Hadn't been on birth control since my IUD was removed 11 years ago. I've been on the NuvaRing for 3 months now, and already been to the ER for chest pain, MRI for headaches, and waiting 3 months for a GI appointment. EKG results were fine, so they suggested it was my esophagus. Never had so much abdominal discomfort in my life. I've gained over 20 lbs, and no matter what or how much I eat, I feel like I'm going to explode and I burp like crazy. Can't take a brisk walk, much less run anymore. Coincidence or not, my body changed from one day to another, and it was around the same time I started on this."