NuvaRing and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I literally just started NuvaRing 24 hours ago, and I'm already having morning sickness, a slight headache, and vomiting violently. I told my husband, but guys don't understand. I have to take it out. I'm not going to put my body through months of discomfort. It is not worth it, we have been doing well with the natural birth control method. Ladies, listen to your bodies."

• dun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I was really excited about getting back on birth control, as I have had negative experiences with the pill. After less than 24 hours, I could tell a huge change in the way I felt, overall. I had a pounding headache, I felt like I had not slept in three days, and I wanted to eat everything in sight. I tried to stick it out, but after a week, I gave up and decided to take it out. All of the symptoms vanished within 2-3 days."

• DoN...
• July 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using this for three months, and I'm finally taking this emotional draining mister out this next cycle. I was so excited to use this at first, but as each month went by, I felt more and more depressed and miserable. My libido went down incredibly low, to the point where the thought of even having sex would just give me headaches. I was never like this, and I've become an emotional beast using this, and it has affected the relationship I'm currently in. I don't recommend this, although it has amazing perks and it's convenient, it's not worth destroying you as a person and possibly your relationship and own overall happiness."

• BCa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2014

For Birth Control "Birth control pills make me extremely nauseous, and the shot made me gain a ton of weight and caused bad acne, so the only method I can use consistently is the NuvaRing. It keeps my skin clear, is easy to use, doesn't bother my husband during sex, and it grew my breasts a cup size. Unfortunately, NuvaRing makes me so tired that I gained weight due to inactivity since all I want to do is sleep. I suspect it has caused anxiety and depression (although I can't be sure), and it gives me a terrible headache and nausea the first three days I put a new ring in. It dulls my sex drive a bit, but nothing major. I will probably stick with this method for a while unless something better comes around."

• 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."

• Anx...
• July 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I tried the NuvaRing as a sample. Within two weeks, I had very bad mood swings. I was anxious and paranoid all the time. I got very nauseous and had bad headaches. It put me out of commission for a whole day because I felt so sick. I took it out that day, and within hours, I felt like I was back to myself. Of course, there were still hormones in my system, but the nausea and the severe headaches went away almost instantly. As far as the convenience, it was awesome to not have to remember to take a pill. I didn't feel it at all. If I didn't mind feeling like a lunatic all day, I would have definitely kept using it."

• 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."

• Mrs...
• July 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I choose NuvaRing because if I went on the pill I would never take it because I am very forgetful, plus I've heard horror stories about other birth control. Anyway, I've been on the NuvaRing for about 4 months now, and I do the 4-week cycle, so I don't get periods. I noticed I have a little spotting around the 3rd week of having it in. I'm very moody with this birth control, and my libido is ALL THE WAY DOWN. I also get headaches here and there, those have to be my only side effect with it. My husband isn't a fan of it because he says he can feel it during intercourse. It has taken a toll on our marriage due to my low sex drive. Not sure if it's related to the product, but after reading a few reviews, I'm guessing it is. Considering changing."

• Ses...
• January 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had an almost entirely positive experience. It regulated my periods and made them short and light, cleared up my acne, and has effectively prevented pregnancy. Only two drawbacks have been frequent headaches and daily discharge (inconvenient, but not a huge deal). The monthly schedule is super convenient, and I've never had an issue with it falling out or my boyfriend feeling it. I'm trying out a new birth control to try and get the headaches under control, but if I don't respond well to it, I'm happy to go back to NuvaRing and Advil. I'd recommend it to anyone."

• Giv...
• October 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for about 2 years, and it became so hard keeping track if I had taken it or not. I had always heard great things about the NuvaRing, so I decided to try it. My favorite thing is knowing that it's just there and I don't have to take it every day. On the other hand, I have broken out what feels like everywhere, I've never had a problem with acne before. Also, the day after I put it in, I started getting really bad headaches, and I felt upset. I thought I was just stressed, so I kept the ring in. It continued to get worse, and it got to the point that if someone even walked by me, I would get angry. Yes, birth control is different for everyone, but I took it out two days ago, and I already feel so much better!"

• Nin...
• November 13, 2014

For Birth Control "This will be my third month on NuvaRing, and I am having really bad headaches and acne problems. I haven't gained any weight from the pill, but my acne issue has been worse since I have used the ring. But the ring is comfortable and very convenient, but I think the hormones are too much for my body."

• Dan...
• January 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I will say, the only good thing about the NuvaRing is that it has effectively prevented pregnancy. My fiancé and I don’t have a hard time getting pregnant, so I tried the IUD and my body rejected it. My OBGYN recommended the NuvaRing. I’ve been using it for 10 months and I am done. My depression has gotten worse, I had to start antidepressants. My anxiety is through the roof. I always have headaches, and I’m so angry all of the time. It’s either I’m mad or crying. I don’t like this feeling. I do not like the NuvaRing. I’m also sensitive to medications, and it could be the hormones, but still. Not a great experience."

• 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."

• I...
• August 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched to NuvaRing because my weight gain with the pill was excessive. When I switched, the side effects were fine, the only difference was I had headaches more often, but it did help my weight problems. I felt better and had less water weight. However, I wouldn't suggest this for someone who has sex often. The doctors told me I could keep it in and I wouldn't feel it, and it wouldn't be a problem. Every time I had sex, it hurt, and my partner could feel it also. So I began taking it out each time, which was a pain. I was always worried I would forget to put it back in, and I ended up having to switch back to the pill."

• Nic...
• February 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I've used the NuvaRing for 2 years before my husband and I decided to have a child. I have been on it now for a month. I absolutely love this form of birth control! Pros: no need to remember to take it every day. Easy to use. Just insert it and go. Have never gotten pregnant on it. I haven't had any issues with it coming out at all. Periods are less painful. Cons: low...very low sex drive, which is starting to become a slight issue. Headaches. I've been more tired lately than usual. There are more pros than cons, so I'm planning on sticking with it. So far, this is my favorite method, and I will not use any other kind!!! (Besides condoms)"

• Law...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for 4 months. My OB/GYN switched me from the patch to NuvaRing because I was getting estrogen-withdrawal migraines when I took the patch off. I use the ring for 4 weeks, then take it out for 4 days to minimize any headaches. At first, my headaches got worse -- I was having them when the ring was in and when it was out. The ring has a lower dose of estrogen than the patch (which is quite high), and my body was going through estrogen withdrawal. I also had a fair amount of breakthrough bleeding while the ring was in longer periods initially. However, after about 3 months of erratic headaches, things seem to be settling down. My periods are lighter (or non-existent), and the ring is very easy to use."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I only just started the NuvaRing about 1 month ago after getting my Mirena taken out. So far, I already thought I was pregnant because I had nausea and extreme salivation. Headaches, and oh my gosh, the back and stomach cramps were almost as bad as when I had labor pains with my son."

• k30...
• January 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 18 years old, and this is my first time being on any birth control. I went to PP in hopes of getting a non-hormonal IUD to find something to keep me protected without affecting my hormones, as I get very irritable and have tons of mood swings on/before my period. I was discouraged from the IUD and told I should try the NuvaRing. So far, in this ONE week, I'm facing extreme mood swings (I keep starting fights with my s.o. over nothing, and small things make me cry and feel extremely depressed and hopeless), headaches, more discharge/a yeast infection?, increase in appetite, and I haven't been feeling like leaving my room. The fact that it's only been a week makes me wonder if this is just the hormones readjusting or if the entire time of use will be like this. I'm not sure if I need to keep suffering through and doing a trial run for 3 months or just take it out now. Instead of helping my pre/during menstrual depression and irritability, it has just made it far worse and far more often."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2017

For Birth Control "The NuvaRing has been OK for me, with the exception of making me feel like I have a UTI on and off. It has dramatically increased vaginal discharge and causes some itchiness. I think this is what leads to the bladder irritation that feels like a UTI. I've also gotten some headaches and noticed some bloating around my abdomen. All in all, I am probably going off of the ring. I'm scared of any birth control at this point. They all have side effects."

• Mis...
• July 9, 2013

For Birth Control "This is the first time I've ever had any problem on birth control. I've taken Depo-Provera for 3 years, did perfect on that, aside from finding out I have low bone density now. With NuvaRing 3 months in, I have had mood swings, headaches, weight gain, 142 lbs to 157 lbs. I'm very athletic, so this is ridiculous. I have had tender breasts, and to top that off, low sex drive and supposed breakthrough bleeding for two months straight."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2017

For Birth Control "Okay, so I used NV when I was a late teen with no complications whatsoever. I'm 32 years old now and just recently started back on it again after my c-section. This has been the worst birth control experience of my life. I've used it for 3 weeks and ended up with horrible headaches, extreme cramping in my stomach for a week now nonstop, feeling delusional, and very irritable with no sex drive whatsoever when before taking this I've always had a very high sex drive. I've been breastfeeding, and flow isn't all that good anymore, but worst of all, I have found myself so hard on myself and so depressed, and it's been beyond my control. Felt like I needed to seek help. After reading about side effects, I have figured out where the problem was coming from. No more NV for me."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I had previously used NuvaRing with little side effects, had a child, and decided to use the NuvaRing again... big mistake. I had breakthrough bleeding all 3 weeks, headaches, anxiety, insane mood swings - felt like crying or got super angry at the drop of a hat, not sure if this is attributed to the NuvaRing but I lost about 12 lbs in a month. It also caused UTIs after having sex, something that my body previously got used to and wasn't a problem. Ultimately, it is easy to use, but it made me totally psycho, I felt relief within hours of removing the ring. No one in my family has ever seen me like that, and the mood swings, anxiety, and paranoia were so bad that it affected my 4-year-old."

• Aur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on and off birth control for over twenty years. I went back on two years ago to help with very heavy periods and tendonitis caused by low estrogen. I was still having breakthrough bleeding and periods every 19 days on strong pills, so I asked to be switched to the ring. I've been on the NuvaRing for two months now. I have not had any breakthrough bleeding. My period started two days after removing the ring and was very light. Unfortunately, the side effects are not great. Bad backache, abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, breakouts along my jaw, upper back, and hairline, vaginal irritation, headaches, occasional low-grade fever, abdominal pain after sex, lack of energy, lack of concentration, and I'm extremely cranky."

• Kat...
• July 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the ring for 4 years. I was on the patch before that, but I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive. I leave each ring in for 4 weeks without any gap weeks, so I don't have periods (though I take a gap week each year). I do still get moody, cramps, headaches, and sometimes spotting during the would-be PMS week. I have gained some weight since I started the ring, though I am not sure if this is because of the ring or just my eating habits (or if the ring causes my sweet tooth). I take it out for sex, it can be out for up to 3 hours a day. I have a short vagina, so the ring can be on my cervix and still be right at the opening, which can be annoying because I can feel it (not the ring's fault, just a note for others with this issue)."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I already suffer from migraine headaches, and they stayed about the same, but when I first take the ring out, I automatically get a headache. And when I first put it in, I get a headache. The hormones, I guess. Other than that, I had swollen but non-tender breasts. No nausea. During intercourse, it came out once, but my partner is fine with it and pushed it back in. He says he doesn't feel it during intercourse, which is nice. I believe as long as your partner knows and is cool with it, you'll have a good experience with NuvaRing intercourse-wise. I would definitely recommend it to friends."