NuvaRing and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Cdn...
• August 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for almost exactly 4 years, and I love it. I was previously on the pill, which I had gotten for free from my university clinic, but I wasn't remembering to take it daily, let alone at the same time every day. When I started the pill, I remember feeling incredibly nauseous for about a week. I didn't have the same issue with the ring and felt little to no side effects. I've gained about 15 lbs over the past several years, however, I'm not sure if that's a result of lifestyle (work, stress, snacking) or it is the birth control. My periods now are always super light and last about 4 days in total, which is amazing. I did try to use them continuously for 2 months to skip a period, and when I took my ring out after those 2 months, I felt incredibly emotional, irritable, had headaches, and massive appetite. Using them back to back did not work for me, but as long as I take it out monthly, I have zero problems!"

• cas...
• April 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for about six months. For the first month or two, I had terrible headaches at the end of the days I had class, but everything else was fine. Fast forward to 3-5 months, I was moody, I was even a little depressed, and I had no sex drive. I wanted to eat everything in sight. From the second month to the sixth month, I gained about twenty pounds with no significant lifestyle changes or dietary changes besides the NuvaRing. If you are tolerant of high hormone levels and don't gain weight, this might be a good option for you. It stays in for three weeks and comes out the fourth week for your period (which mine came very regularly while on it). If it wasn't for the significant weight gain, I would have stayed on it."

• Dea...
• August 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I only lasted 6 weeks on the NuvaRing. I experienced several side effects: vaginal discomfort, headaches, aches, depression, fatigue, mild nausea, complete loss of sex drive, and a weird sense of feeling unbalanced, but not quite dizzy. I also experienced an uncommon side effect where my cervix became so swollen I thought my uterus was prolapsing. After 3 weeks, I started spotting. I switched it out at 4 weeks for a new ring and had breakthrough bleeding. I finally decided to just take it out because my swollen cervix was really freaking me out, and I'm now on day 20 of a messed-up period. I passed a large amount of tissue a couple of days ago and had a ruptured cyst this morning. Neither of those have ever happened to me before."

• Am4...
• January 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I was prepared for some side effects, but so far there's only more wetness (not bothersome) and a reduction in sex drive (haven't decided if it's bothersome or not yet). I keep waiting for the scary side effects you read about, but so far, so good. I am prone to anxiety and headaches, but all that has been just business as usual for me, no increase. No slip-out. No pain."

• Soc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for a little over 5 months. I started it to help my heavy periods, but the longer I go, the more I am wondering how much the side effects are bothering me and from the ring. I’ve read other comments, and like a lot of others, I have gained a ton of weight and can eat like a man, as someone said. I’m always tired and definitely have mood swings. I don’t have much of a period anymore, but I have spotting literally every day, so I still have to wear a tampon, which my doctor keeps saying will stop, but I don’t know. My headaches have definitely gotten worse as well. It’s a high price to pay to not have a period, and I think I’m going to take it out and see if I feel better. My periods mess with my body as well, but not like this!"

• Dan...
• July 21, 2017

For Birth Control "The NuvaRing at first was odd for me because I was scared it was going to fall out, but if it is pushed inside, it should stay in place and still work. I'm very active, and I've had no problems with this. At first, I did have some light bleeding, and more recently I've had light brown discharge, but I've read that this is completely normal and that the NuvaRing is still working. I have experienced some bloating and headaches easily, but it's usually around a certain time of the month. My sex drive seems fine, it might have gone away for a few weeks, but that could have also been due to stress. (FYI, my doctor told me to keep it in for 4 weeks because I am using it for birth control and not to regulate my periods.)"

• Lib...
• July 25, 2018

For Birth Control "After spending 2 years on NuvaRing and ending up on blood pressure and anxiety medicine, I’m done and never looking back! An incident with insurance caused me to lose my coverage for a few weeks, so that when I needed a refill I couldn’t afford it and decided to go without it. I couldn’t be happier that it happened that way. I realized soon after not having it in my system that I felt like a totally different person. While on it, my blood pressure was up, which led to me being put on meds for that. And it caused all sorts of other problems! Such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, high heart rate and a pounding heart, constant nausea (I had motion sickness just moving my head), headaches when it got close to the time to take the ring out. Extreme weight gain and hunger, moodiness, anger, the list goes on! I just can’t get over how different I feel after coming off of it. I no longer need the anxiety or blood pressure meds, and my therapist even let me stop coming!"

• SOS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2018

For Birth Control "The NuvaRing is officially “the devil.” I loved it the first two years and, like most, was recommending it to everyone. However, I got off it for four months (Jan-April 2018) then went back to it in May because I didn’t want to get prego. Well, it’s been a nightmare since. I have the worst mood swings and can’t stand my own self. Lost all motivation, depressed, angry, happy, sad. Labia itches, armpits smell weird, constant headaches, and bloating. It’s like I’m living in a nightmare, and I can't get out because I’m afraid of becoming pregnant... so I lay around crying all the time, wishing for something to change. OH AND yeah, the week I take it out, I do feel human again, so I think I should take it out NOW and feel alive again."

• Abb...
• December 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on it for over a year. I never got pregnant, which is a plus, but horrible side effects. I had yeast infections at least 3 times a month. Gained 30 pounds, headaches, and absolutely no sex drive. I switched to the patch, hope it works!"

• Sam...
• June 21, 2013

For Birth Control "At first, it was great. I experienced some side effects (headaches & nausea) but didn't think to attribute them to the NuvaRing. Then they became regular, and the headaches got bad! I have a 7-month-old, and they make it difficult to care for him. Nothing gets rid of them, and the pain makes me super irritable. I started the NuvaRing 3 months ago, I was almost back to my pre-baby weight. I have since gained almost 15 lbs and have no sex drive, which is putting a major strain on my relationship. To top it off, for the past 2 months, I've started my cycle a few days early (17-18 days) while the ring was still inserted. I'm changing my birth control."

• dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been using the NuvaRing for about 2 weeks, roughly. It has caused me stomach aches in the beginning, followed by headaches. As it's coming up to the date where I'm supposed to take it out, I'm feeling menstrual cramps, mood swings, anxiety/panic attacks, and waves of depression. I do not feel like myself. I can't sleep, and I can't eat properly. I was recommended to use this medication because I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). I am 24 years old, I have never been on birth control till now. I will be making an appointment with my doctor about this, it's actually really bad."

• sof...
• April 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the NuvaRing about 3 years ago. At first, I had some pretty terrible mood swings and migraines. I did also gain a small amount of weight. Within 3 months of going on it, my acne got significantly worse, but then completely cleared up in 5-6 months! The trick with this birth control is to definitely give it time. My headaches and moodiness lessened (now I just get a bit emotional around my period), and my sex drive has returned to normal. PROS: super convenient, light 2-day periods, bigger breasts, helped clear skin. CONS: takes a LONG TIME to adjust, slight weight gain, headaches, occasional moodiness."

• Don...
• November 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I took it for 3 years. Starts with a tummy ache. Then, after 1.5 years, I gained 10 lbs, had tons of problems with my hair breaking, headaches off and on (never had a headache in my life), moody (unusual for me), chest pains, breasts sore and plumper. As soon as I came off it, within one week I dropped 5 lbs. Now on my fourth week off, I have lost 7.5 lbs. I have never had to count calories and had to watch everything I ate on this medication. I always took it out and rinsed it off after sex. I did not get pregnant. Just a gut feeling I should not use it anymore because of clots. I had no acne, my sex drive was not affected on or off it. My skin glows off it, and I feel great."

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 3 months, and it's been the worst decision I have ever made. I'm removing it today. Since I started NuvaRing, I get strong headaches, nausea, dizziness, depression, anger, dizziness."

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I had high hopes for this birth control. Heard a lot of great things... And then I tried it myself. 17 days is all I have lasted. Today is Day 17. I'm 37. I already have issues with depression and acne and have heard good things from others who had normally suffered from these things and that the ring changed their life. Well, Day 17 and I can't stop crying. I've been beyond depressed in weird stages. I've had a headache that has lasted over a week. And I have a handful of new cystic acne in weird places beyond my face. Placement was fine and I rarely felt it. Can't wear tampons with it. Not weird during sex either, except I haven't had an orgasm for two weeks! And this is my experience... Good luck, I know everyone is different...."

• Lay...
• August 14, 2017

For Birth Control "Used it for years when I was a teenager, never had problems. Went off it for a few years, felt like it was important to give the hormones a break/let my body reset, balance itself out. Went back on it (I'm 26 now). Only been back on it for a little over 6 months -- this 2nd time around hasn't been so awesome. Makes my periods lighter/shorter/less crampy, which is convenient, but I'm tired of the dryness/itching/discharge. My vagina is some level of irritated/inflamed/bothered, pretty much 24/7. Sex drive lower, and some anxiety/nervousness/depression (though it's hard to tell if it's 100% because of the ring). Headaches/nausea, can't have sex without lube. Nice to be able to have unprotected sex, but only if you can enjoy it. Not ovulating is weird."

• Anonymous
• June 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 4 months, and so far, it's been decent. I've been on roughly 8 different types of pill form contraceptives and had a variety of side effects from most of them, so my doctor finally suggested NuvaRing. I did have some side effects (mild bloating, headaches, irregular period, acne), however, most have subsided or become tolerable. Most of the side effects I've experienced are typical for me, especially for the first few months after switching to a new brand. Overall, it's great and convenient, stays in place and makes life easier."

• Ean...
• December 1, 2016

For Birth Control "Has anyone on here tried NuvaRing and had an extremely poor experience? I was looking for new BC, and my doctor recommended NuvaRing. NEVER AGAIN. EVER. I have only had it in for two days and have felt very nauseous, extremely tired, dizzy, angry, depressed, and have had a terrible headache and cramping. I've been so dizzy, and my stomach has hurt so bad I couldn't even get out of bed. As soon as I put it in, I immediately felt different and in the most awful way. I just took it out, and I'm throwing the rest away. Like I said, never again. I've heard some people have great experiences with it, but that certainly wasn't mine. I just want to feel normal again and hopefully will soon. Anyone else experience symptoms like this while using it?"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for about 2 weeks now, and I must say, WOW. What a difference from the last birth control I tried (Ortho Tricyclen-Lo). The pill made me (within 2 days of starting to take it) cry daily and feel hopeless and even interfered with my studies and social life. But so far, I have had no side effects from NuvaRing, minus the occasional very slight headache, which I am already prone to, and a little bit of extra discharge, which is also easily remedied. If you've had problems with the pill, I would highly recommend NuvaRing. It's easy to put in, and you can't feel it at all, not even during strenuous exercise."

• Man...
• December 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I used the NuvaRing for four years. It took me that long to figure out what caused my problems, such as: attacks of crying for no reason (2-4 hours on end), anxiety, depression, fatigue, rage, severe mood swings, difficulty in breathing, headaches, migraines. Eventually it became too much, I had to go on sick leave due to severe cognitive impairment. I wasn't able to follow simple instructions or engage in conversation. I suffered from memory loss, and I will probably never be the same again. Four years have passed since I stopped using the NuvaRing, and I still struggle. Shopping for groceries demands several hours of planning, and my attention span is 25 minutes long. Whenever there's a social event, I'm looking forward to a migraine soon after it ends."

• wat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I wanted to love the NuvaRing, and it was okay at first. However, I woke up daily with a headache, feeling nauseous, and also had weird smell aversions. There were several times I gagged and threw up from certain smells. Finally, I was also incredibly moody and cranky a lot and was just not a pleasant person to be around. The idea of it is good, but it just didn’t work for me."

• PgP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I just started the NuvaRing last month, my first 3 weeks on it were awesome. I had the implant in my arm for 2 1/2 years and bled all the time, so I decided to try the NuvaRing. My first month was the best! I didn't gain any weight (I weigh in daily), I was a little moody (but I'm naturally pretty moody/emotional anyways), and the constant irregular bleeding was stopped and regulated within days on it. The only downside of it for me was I started getting headaches from it - easily cured with water and Advil! Another issue I had was my doctors didn't describe how to remove it/location, so I was panicking about that, but it was easy once I figured it out! Just set it and forget it for 3 weeks - I love it!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2017

For Birth Control "NuvaRing has done its purpose in a very effective way to prevent pregnancy, considering it prevents without having to remember to take it every day. However, I have been overcome with horrible anxiety. Anxiety has always been a problem for me, but I was always able to manage with therapy and medicine for almost 5 years now. 2 months on the NuvaRing, and I feel crazy. I'm paranoid, constantly making up scenarios and pretty much convincing myself they are true, and not to mention I feel helpless. I am not a cryer, but I cry every day now. I'm also tired constantly and have experienced pretty intense headaches and a lower sex drive. My friends and family have told me as well that I seem off. I took it out today in hopes of getting better."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I went on the NuvaRing because I get excruciating menstrual migraines. My migraine specialist suggested that I try it and have triptans as a backup. The first month had only a few issues - headaches, but Advil took them away. They were different symptoms than migraines. During the third week, I experienced spotting/breakthrough bleeding for 9 days until it was time to take it out and ended up not having a period. I was worried, but it turns out that you need to let your body adjust to it first, and then it will get normal because it is a very mild dose of hormones. Eventually, I'm planning to leave it in for 4 weeks, but in the meantime, I only had 1 migraine and could tell it was going to be bad, so I took a triptan."