NuvaRing and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Lis...
• January 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I actually like it. I did not always remember to take the pill. When I first put the ring in, I had brown discharge for about a week, which was annoying, but once I got past it, it was okay. The only thing I don't like is absolutely no sex drive. I'm switching back to the pill."

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Bloating, mood swings, anxiety, depression, no sex drive, made me dislike being intimate. I want to, but I can't make myself initiate sex with this birth control. It's so hard. I've never had this problem with any other birth control. I get sad too, out of nowhere, no reason, randomly. I like the ease of taking it, but it's not right for me. I gained weight, I like myself even less now. Thanks a lot, NuvaRing. It is still not as bad as Paragard, though."

• Yup...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on the pill before NuvaRing, and the pill made me moody and cry a lot. I'm definitely not one to be emotional. So I tried NuvaRing, now, 8 months later, I still love it. I really like that I can put it in and forget it for a month. I can skip periods if I want. Although I've found I can go 2 months without a period, but then I have to do the period thing so I don't get breakthrough bleeding. I'm also very much in control, if I decided one day I didn't want it anymore, I'd just take it out. I haven't had any weight gain. When I do get my period, it's short and light. The only con I had was I lost sex drive for about 5 months. It's returned though, so I'm happy. Everyone is different, but I'd highly suggest giving NuvaRing a try!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I had a bad experience with the pill, so I moved on & got the NuvaRing. I loved NuvaRing at first. I didn’t get a period every month, which was nice. I also never got pregnant, which was its main purpose. During the 4+ years of being on this ring, I had this inexplicable pain inside my vagina during sex. It felt as if someone were stabbing me with a very sharp knife. I went to different gynos, begging for an answer. No one knew what it was. 'Switch lubes' is often what I heard. (I tried them all.) This, in turn, made my libido a zero because it was so painful to have sex that I never wanted to. Not good on a brand-new marriage. My husband & I eventually decided we wanted to get pregnant, and it was only months after I got off NuvaRing that the pain went from a 10 to a 3 & eventually a zero. I would NOT recommend this product, as it took many years to get back to normal."

• 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."

• Ash...
• December 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using NR because oral contraceptives made me extremely nauseous, so my Dr. suggested skipping the GI tract altogether. I'm on birth control and also take metformin to help manage the symptoms of my PCOS. I had chronic sharp pains in my abdomen for years, and the NR has been the first thing to help. I can't explain how thankful I am to not feel like I'm being stabbed from the inside every day. That being said, NR has given me extreme mood swings and depression and also very low libido. I find myself not being able to feel any emotion but anger. I took the ring out because I would rather deal with the physical pain than the psychological pain. Back to the drawing board for me."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for 8 years and went off it for 2 years for a natural lifestyle - holy cow, I didn't realize while on that pill how depressed I was and had zero sex drive! Now being 25 and single, I thought I would be more responsible and try the NuvaRing to ease my mind. Being very in-tuned with my body, I knew after 1 month this was NOT for me. I’m very active and eat healthy, so within 1 month I gained 10 lbs, got extremely bloated, was always constipated, and I began feeling extremely unmotivated. My appetite was through the ROOF! The mood swings were severe too, and after just a month I knew I couldn’t put myself through this. I took the NuvaRing out last night and already feel happier 24 hours later. I would rather rely on condoms/my cycle than jeopardize my happiness and health. This forum helped me so much knowing I’m not the only one that had these symptoms. Listen to your body, ladies!"

• Len...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I want to share because I read these blogs and threads and find them useful. I was on NuvaRing twice in my lifetime. I normally have no extreme problems with PMS, acne, or mood swings. Normal periods without contraception. Started NuvaRing when I moved overseas and wanted to avoid pill failure due to digestive issues. Pros: super convenient (once a month dose), easy to use, really great except. Cons: no energy! No sex drive. Unfortunately, to such a level, I stopped it due to not having sex. My normal sex appetite was back within a week! Shame, such a convenient product."

• Aud...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from the pill to the ring, and I am now back on the pill. I did love how easy it was and didn't have to think about it every day, but I did experience vaginal dryness and a decreased libido (which, I mean, is good when you don't want to be pregnant, and don't even want to have sex to begin with). I experienced a disconnect with my body and mind, my mind would be willing, but I could not become lubricated, and vice versa. I do have to say I feel back to normal being back on the pill. Still consider trying the ring because every body is different and are affected by hormone levels differently. It just wasn't right for me and my body."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've never written a review about BC. I've been using NuvaRing for 2 months now, and I'm enjoying it. I think I've found the right method that works for me and my body. I was nervous about it because I still have not found anything wrong. This might just be the one! I was on the pill before, and I definitely felt the side effects... I was hungry all the time, breakouts, moodiness, and depression... and weight gain. With the NuvaRing, my weight has been stable (I did start a workout/diet plan, so this may be the reason why I haven't gained any weight). No moodiness, no nausea, no headaches. I don't feel it during sex, neither does my partner. Very easy process. The only thing I've noticed is that my libido has decreased significantly!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for about 7 months. I have had a good experience so far. My doctor told me to do three consecutive rings in a row for 4 weeks each time. So I go 12 weeks then have a period. This is because I have endometriosis and had too many side effects on the endo medication (Visanne). The first 3-month block I had spotting the entire third month. Now I make it through all 3 rings without spotting and get my period on day 1-2 off the ring. I have depression and anxiety (which I’m on medication for) and haven’t noticed any increase in symptoms. I don’t feel sad or angry like a lot of people here mention. The only side effects I’ve really noticed are increased discharge (it’s thin/watery and doesn’t really bother me) and a slightly decreased sex drive. Nothing crazy or enough to make me want to switch birth control!"

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2021

For Birth Control "NuvaRing made me absolutely crazy. I could deal with spotting that lasted for almost two months and also got used to the breast tenderness, but the nausea was so extreme that I would spend the first day of the new ring vomiting as though I had a bad case of food poisoning. I completely lost my sex drive and was unable to get physically aroused (no self-lubrication at all). On top of that, NuvaRing caused terrible mood swings, I went from being depressed to being violently angry, and it truly made me feel crazy. The only time I felt fine was during the week that I took it out. It lasted three months and I would not recommend this to anyone, this thing almost cost me my relationship. 2/10, because I didn't get pregnant, so I guess it works in that regard. But I didn't really want to have sex anyway while I was on it, too busy puking and terrorizing my partner."

• 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I loved NuvaRing. I was put on NuvaRing as a last-minute decision after the birth control pill I was originally on caused a lot of abnormal bleeding. I never really experienced any side effects, occasionally, I would have a lower sex drive than normal, and I also gained about 10-15 lbs, but you couldn’t really tell. NuvaRing also helped clear my acne a lot, which was great because I suffered from cystic acne for years. Unfortunately, a generic form of NuvaRing has been recently released, so my insurance will no longer allow me to continue NuvaRing. So my doctor decided it was best to put me back on the pill (a different brand than before), which is devastating because NuvaRing was really great, and I highly recommend it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I personally liked the NuvaRing. I am very forgetful, and I had been on the pill before, so I am happy I switched to this. I was on it for about a year and just now switched to Nexplanon because of my insurance. NuvaRing worked very well for me for the most part. The first 3 months when I put the ring in after the ring-free break, I would be very nauseous because my body didn't have the hormones for a week, that was a downside. Another thing is, about 6 months into it, I felt like I had no sex drive. That lasted for about 2 months or so, but I am not sure if I can blame the ring for that. Other than that, I would recommend it!"

• 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."

• Gen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I previously did a review on NuvaRing about a year ago, and I have to say my opinion hasn't changed much. It's very easy to use, my skin is clear, my periods are much more tolerable. I have gained about 15-20 pounds within the last year, but I was only 105 lbs, so I look healthier, and my breasts are a lot larger. A couple of things I've noticed are that my breasts are extremely tender and my sex drive is unfortunately very low. Still a very good, effortless birth control."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I had been using NuvaRing for just about a year when I decided to call it quits. The first few months were great. I loved the convenience of it, and my boyfriend could not feel it. I also never had a problem with it slipping out. After 3-4 months, I started getting intense cramps, bloating, and breast sensitivity for about a week before my period that lasted until I popped the next one back in. Meanwhile, I was getting crankier and moodier, and the smallest things would make me cry. I started breaking out on my face (which NEVER happened before), and I gained about 10-15 lbs (not that I was doing anything differently that would cause this). After about 6 months, I started losing my sex drive, and when I did have sex, it would be painful."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I had been using NuvaRing for just about a year when I decided to call it quits. The first few months were great. I loved the convenience of it, and my boyfriend could not feel it. I also never had a problem with it slipping out. After 3-4 months, I started getting intense cramps, bloating, and breast sensitivity for about a week before my period that lasted until I popped the next one back in. Meanwhile, I was getting crankier and moodier, and the smallest things would make me cry. I started breaking out on my face (which NEVER happened before), and I gained about 10-15 lbs (not that I was doing anything differently that would cause this). After about 6 months, I started losing my sex drive, and when I did have sex, it would be painful."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in January 2016. At first, I thought of it as a worry-free BC where I don't have to worry about taking a pill at a specific time each day. However, as the months of me using it piled up, so did my mood changes, killer cramps from hell, and increased anxiety. I'm depressed all the time, anxious all the time, and I get mad at my boyfriend for no reason at all. He's asked me to see a counselor. That's how bad it's been. I also have a decrease in sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort when having intercourse. I spoke to my gyno about my situation, and she suggested leaving the ring in for 4 weeks rather than 3. After reading all these reviews, I decided to take out my ring today, and I'm going back to my gyno tomorrow."

• BOS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I was using NuvaRing for about 3 months, and at first it was fine, but then I lost any and all sex drive. It was to the point where I was getting mad at my boyfriend because I wanted nothing to do with him in that way. My moods were all over the place, and I gained a few pounds, but nothing extreme. It is convenient to leave it in for three weeks, but it's a hassle taking it out before sex and remembering to put it back in within the time frame. Just wasn't a match for me. Your doctor won't tell you about sex drive loss because it is not that common, but definitely know it's possible! Hope it works for you."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing about 5-6 months ago. It started out great because I LOVED not having to remember it every single day. I didn't notice the subtle changes, which makes me disappointed. Side note: my medicine is delivered and NuvaRing had to be refrigerated. The postal carrier kept refusing to deliver it if no one was home and would never try to redeliver. The last time my postal carrier refused to deliver, I came off of it completely - and I'm SO glad I did. I thought that I'd been moody due to recent life changes and all. I had no sex drive, I was angry all the time, I was constantly depressed, and my anxiety was through the roof. After the initial 'ring-free week', everything started getting clearer and clearer every day. It was INSANE. The part that sucked was not being told by anyone that I was becoming more irritable every month. Definitely not birth control for me..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "The NuvaRing is a great contraceptive if you don't like being yourself. My mood swings were unpredictable and nasty. It was very effective due to the fact that the ring started causing abrasions in my vagina, making it nearly impossible to have sex; it hurt so bad I was reduced to tears several times. I lost my sex drive almost completely, and seven months later, I am still struggling to get my sex drive back. In addition, my hair began falling out in a patch by my forehead. I would not recommend this to anyone. To me, it's not worth the risk of the side effects you could face."

• dde...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for about 3 months. It is by far my favorite form of birth control. I was on some form of the pill for the 5 years prior to this year, and I had all sorts of problems with them. I love the convenience of NuvaRing and only having to remember it once a month. I was concerned about how NuvaRing would affect my tendency to acne and am pleasantly surprised that it is working the same as most pills, and I have not had a problem with acne. There are a couple downsides to it, though: no sex drive and tendency to gain weight. I am able to deal with the weight gain and adjust my lifestyle to where it is not a problem. However, the decrease in sex drive is quite irritating for both my husband and myself."