NuvaRing and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ker...
• August 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm always tired and moody! I always feel sad and get angry and rageful very easily. I'm emotional and I no longer feel the desire to do the things I used to enjoy. Waking up is a task every morning, my job has become more difficult, and I feel like I've lost all my motivation. I can't wait to be off the NuvaRing. I'm hoping I can go on an IUD or something better. I haven't gained any weight, and I've been on it for two years, but the side effects just aren't worth it. My husband and I seem to argue more and more. My breasts hurt all the time, I feel nauseous and sick constantly, and the smells of certain food make me sick. I might as well be pregnant."

• Kim...
• October 10, 2014

For Birth Control "Maybe a day or two after inserting the NuvaRing, I began having sore breasts. They were so sore a bra hurt them, and touching them was out of the question. I also experienced nausea and/or vomiting every day. I wanted NuvaRing for the convenience, but it's not worth the side effects I experienced."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 13, 2018

For Birth Control "Was on it for 8 years 1) crushing migraines 2) 30 lb creeping weight gain - Without changing diet - spontaneously shed to 20 pounds without trying when off it 3) SEVERE panic disorder 4) 100% loss of sex drive 5) dizziness and vertigo 6) perfumes caused nausea 7) extremely enhanced sense of smell 8) queasy 9) light sensitive.. pupils like pinholes, even in dim light 10) dry eye 11) chronic diarrhea 12) heart rhythm problems when standing for longer than five minutes 13) hair thinning on scalp 14) decreased sweating 15) hot and cold flashes - 23-31 years old 16) heat exhaustion while spending time outside in summer 12) hot all the time - kept the A.C. in my classroom freezing cold 13) vaginal itching 14) gum recession 15) hands and fingers puffy 16) A1C range verging on diabetes even only 15 pounds over healthy BMI range. And guess how many of these symptoms went away after I stopped NuvaRing? EVERY SINGLE ONE"

• Ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 13, 2018

For Birth Control "Was on it for 8 years 1) crushing migraines 2) 30 lb creeping weight gain - Without changing diet - spontaneously shed to 20 pounds without trying when off it 3) SEVERE panic disorder 4) 100% loss of sex drive 5) dizziness and vertigo 6) perfumes caused nausea 7) extremely enhanced sense of smell 8) queasy 9) light sensitive.. pupils like pinholes, even in dim light 10) dry eye 11) chronic diarrhea 12) heart rhythm problems when standing for longer than five minutes 13) hair thinning on scalp 14) decreased sweating 15) hot and cold flashes - 23-31 years old 16) heat exhaustion while spending time outside in summer 12) hot all the time - kept the A.C. in my classroom freezing cold 13) vaginal itching 14) gum recession 15) hands and fingers puffy 16) A1C range verging on diabetes even only 15 pounds over healthy BMI range. And guess how many of these symptoms went away after I stopped NuvaRing? EVERY SINGLE ONE"

• Gan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I initially googled NuvaRing side effects because I was concerned about its impact on childbearing and then came across this site. I’ve been on the ring, I realized just now, for over 10 years. I’ve never had any problems with it at all besides it falling out during sex a few times. However, for the last year, I have been having some weird things happen to my body. Random passing out, very intense migraines, nausea, and random leg dumbness. Up until reading others’ stories, I assumed it was just getting older and my body changing into its mid-30s. Now I wonder if it’s due to the NuvaRing. I’m going to try going off it and see what happens. Thank you for sharing your stories."

• 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."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I had a mostly positive experience with the NuvaRing, but ultimately discontinued use. Pros: I have a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis, and the ring made symptoms like cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, and vomiting less frequent and more bearable. My skin was beautiful. My cystic acne disappeared, and I only got 1-2 small, almost undetectable pimples a month. I also loved how convenient the ring is. It’s so much easier to remember to change your ring every 3-4 weeks than to take a pill at the same exact time every single day. Cons: The first few months I had some mood swings and got frustrated and angry at little things. This did taper off. Noticeably lowered sex drive (but this might be more connected to endometriosis pain). Near constant spotting. I would spot 8 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off. Spotting was the only reason I discontinued use. I wish my body reacted better to these hormones because it really is a fantastic BC option. I would recommend it to a friend."

• 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!"

• Aa2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2013

For Birth Control "At first, I had the Paragard for four months, and it was excruciatingly painful. Come to find out, I have endometriosis, and that's why I was in so much pain. My doctor prescribed me NuvaRing as treatment for my endometriosis and as birth control. So far, I love it. I keep it in continually, so I don't get periods. The only downside is it makes me very nauseous when I first put a new one in. Other than that, I love that I don't have to remember to take it every day, and my sex drive hasn't changed a bit."

• 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."

• Ale...
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the ring for a few months. I have had an increase in appetite, times where I feel nauseated out of nowhere, I have gained 12 lbs! I am highly into fitness and can't seem to shake this extra weight off. Moods definitely change, my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy now, lol. I have dryness and irritation in my lady parts. Kinda sucks feeling you got a yeast infection 24 hours a day, and sex is not so great. I plan on taking this out tonight. Now, looking at all the reviews, this definitely is not for me. Thanks, everyone, for sharing! I am not alone!"

• 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."

• Hey...
• May 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I have tried many different birth control pills, and none worked for me very well. NuvaRing was 100% the best birth control I have ever been on. The only reason I stopped it after a few months was because it was giving me extreme nausea to the point it was hard to function. That was the only side effect I experienced, though. I loved that I didn't get mood swings, vaginal dryness, headaches, or anything else. I heard about a different vaginal ring called Annovera, which supposedly had less hormones, so I tried that one too and had the same experience: awesome birth control with no side effects EXCEPT extreme nausea and throwing up. If you're considering a vaginal ring, I would give it a try because the day after I took the ring out, the nausea went away, so it is definitely worth trying. I was so disappointed to have to give up on this ring because it really did work great for me, just couldn't deal with the nausea."

• kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Don't let the internet scare you. Obviously, most people who write reviews are unhappy with the medication. Happy people are so much less likely to take time to write. I've been doing really well with the NuvaRing. I am so happy to not take a pill every day, and I don't have to worry about pregnancy. At the beginning, I had some nausea and dizziness, this lasted about 2 days. Other than that, pretty much smooth sailing. I'm in the second month now and have experienced some breakthrough bleeding on and off, but that's to be expected, and it's more annoying than it is actually troubling. No weight gain, actually, I have lost about 2 pounds, not sure if there is any relation there. For the most part, I forget I have it in."

• 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."

• 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."

• gra...
• June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "So I just switched from the Pill to the ring (I was on the Pill for three years and needed something more convenient. At first, I loved it because all I had to do was slip it in and forget for three weeks. Two weeks into it, however, I have begun breaking out all over my body (I NEVER break out, EVER), and my forehead is littered with pimples. I've gotten moody, sore, and I'm nauseous beyond belief. After reading about others' experiences, I'm starting to get that it's a common thing. I'm switching back to the Pill. This isn't worth the convenience. Plus, it's two times the cost of what I was paying for the Pill."

• til...
• May 31, 2014

For Birth Control "I started using NuvaRing a month ago. I'm normally very dull when it comes to sex since giving birth to my son. NuvaRing changed that. I'm always wanting sex now, my husband loves it. No breakouts, and we don't feel it during sex, and I can just live a regular life. I don't see any weight gain, but I believe it's too early to know. My only side effect I dislike is the nausea."

• 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."

• Gab...
• July 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to use NuvaRing years ago and never had an issue with it. I loved that I didn't have to take a daily pill. Unlike other birth control, NuvaRing didn't make me nauseous or break out. I recently started using it again after about a 4-year break. Huge mistake. I have been on it for 2 months, and I had to take it out. I am normally just a happy person in general, I became so short-tempered and irritable. My fiancé saw me so emotional and anxious. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my head and would snap at my son and fiancé over nothing. I gained 5 lbs in less than 2 months, am always hungry and super tired. I also started getting short of breath and had leg cramps that were absolutely crippling. I would wake up screaming from the cramps, and the next day my calves would feel bruised. I don't know if it's changed since I last used it, but I can't handle it. The effects were noticeable after just 2 days, so if you notice anything abnormal after you start taking it, don't ignore it."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2009

For Birth Control "I have always used Natural Family Planning until my husband and I started working at the same hospital, and our hours made it impossible to keep track of everything like we had previously. I decided I'd try the lowest dose of birth control, which is the NuvaRing. I had it in for less than one week because I became extremely depressed, had crying spells, was constipated, and felt nauseated. All of this mattered, but I felt like my body needed to adjust to this... until, after sex, I was bleeding, and the left side of my vagina was very painful."