NuvaRing and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kid...
• December 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I used NuvaRing successfully for almost 3 years, no side effects. It was perfect for what I needed. An easy-to-use, no-worry birth control method. Over the last two years, I've had a dramatic increase in side effects, zero, and I mean ZERO sex drive. Fortunately, my fiancé."

• 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."

• M13...
• May 9, 2017

For Birth Control "So far, so good. It has been about three weeks. The only real symptoms have been a decreased libido and weight loss (I've been eating the same amounts/foods and haven't increased exercise but have lost 2-3 pounds)."

• Men...
• October 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on this medication since 2006. I didn't want the patch or pills because I knew my body is susceptible to weight gain and the possibility of getting a blood clot (especially at the time, they were finding the patch was causing clots). I have a family history of heart disease and stroke. I'm 31 years old right now, and I'm still using NuvaRing. The ring is convenient for me since I can leave it in continuously, according to my doctor. It has fallen out once, and I took Plan B for extra measure, but overall it is really, really difficult for it to dislodge. In my experience, I may have to get off birth control to revive my libido. I've noticed a decline in sex drive, and it is annoying me because now my boyfriend thinks I don't want any, which I obviously do. NuvaRing has caused me dryness and may correlate to not desiring sex because dry sex equals discomfort after sex."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I have only been on the NuvaRing for about 2 months now. This was very effective for the first month, about. After I inserted my next ring, I have not stopped bleeding and it's not just light spotting, it's heavy bleeding most of the time. Like, it'll seem like it went away, but then it'll either come back on its own or really bad when I have sex. Also, it is giving me a lack of lubrication in my vagina. When I have had sex, there have been a few times that it hurt really bad. I have been very moody lately and will cry for basically no reason, and my sex drive is definitely lower. I may continue on with my 3rd ring, but if the bleeding doesn't stop, I will definitely be switching."

• 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)"

• Bba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to love NuvaRing because I have irregular periods, and normal strength estrogen pills did not help to regulate them like the NuvaRing. Been on it for about two years now. I’m only deciding to stop it now because I’ve noticed my moods have been super crazy, and I’m normally not a very emotional person. My anxiety levels are up, and even though my life is pretty great right now, I still feel depressed. Possibly because this birth control lowers your sex drive like no other! I used to have such a high libido, and now it’s like it disappeared. I’m only 20! I’ve been with my SO for 3 years now and can definitely tell the difference from when we first started dating till now. I even did an experiment just taking it out for a week and then putting it back in for a few weeks and now taking it out again. My moods have calmed down, and my sex drive is back! Never getting this medication again unless I’m single, haha. A real relationship roller coaster with this."

• ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2022

For Birth Control "The first couple of months, I noticed the changes I was feeling, such as being very anxious or upset, but I didn't think anything of it and basically got used to the feeling. This was in 2018. Now, 2022, after having a serious talk with him, I have decided to stop the NuvaRing. For about 3-4 months now, I have noticed a dramatic change in who I am and how I view things. I was sleeping about 80% of my day, I always felt super sick with terrible migraines, constantly so depressed, or crying, or so ticked off over the slightest things. I noticed I wasn't loving myself the way one should. My breasts were always hurting and no sexual desire. A week off, and I feel so much relief and so much happier, positive! I will say NuvaRing did cut my periods down to 3 days and did help with cramps, but my overall well-being is more important than anything."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Pros: pop it in, wait three weeks, pop it out. Replace right away to skip a period (this never really worked for me, but I could stretch it out some if there was a date I wanted to skip. I could never convince my body to skip a whole month. My periods were much lighter and shorter on NR, which was nice. 3-4 days usually, medium to light flow. Cons: no libido, which I guess is what really makes this work. I did not want sex from my husband. I could do the deed, but there was no passion like before. Sex became completely irrelevant for me. I basically formed an indifferent opinion of my husband. I took a break for a month or two to see if I felt more like myself, and I did, but I also ended up pregnant with baby number 3, whoops."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been on the NuvaRing for over 2 years now and have just decided to stop using it. The convenience of it was great, as well as its effectiveness. After 1 year on it, I completely lost my sex drive, and sex became very painful. My periods became very light, which was amazing. My headaches became unbearable. I never had acne before, and during the last 6 months, I had terrible breakouts. I have now taken the ring out for 3 weeks, and my sex drive is already back, and my face is clearing up. If you’re using it to regulate your period, I definitely recommend it."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been on the NuvaRing for over 2 years now and have just decided to stop using it. The convenience of it was great, as well as its effectiveness. After 1 year on it, I completely lost my sex drive, and sex became very painful. My periods became very light, which was amazing. My headaches became unbearable. I never had acne before, and during the last 6 months, I had terrible breakouts. I have now taken the ring out for 3 weeks, and my sex drive is already back, and my face is clearing up. If you’re using it to regulate your period, I definitely recommend it."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for a year now, and it is the most effective and worry-free method of birth control I have ever used. I did gain some weight on it, but I'm a stressed-out college student. While I think the ring is great, it has had some adverse side effects for me personally. I have terrible back pain with my periods, even though they are short, lasting 3-4 days. I have such a decreased sex drive, and it is so affected and sometimes puts a strain on my relationship (I have been with him for 3 years, so he's been through the birth control changes and has noticed himself). And the ring has probably made my anxiety worse. I did not have anxiety problems until using the ring, they are mild episodes, but still annoying to have. Haven't gotten pregnant, so it's good for that."

• Nbe...
• November 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for a little over 3 months (because my doctor made me see if it would get better although I tried to change to something else less than a month in). I have gained 15 pounds, lost my sex drive, and have been extremely moody and unable to feel like myself. However, I would have to say the worst side effect is the breast tenderness. I have been on many different birth controls, and this one has more unpleasant side effects than any other birth control."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Jil...
• May 13, 2019

For Birth Control "So I've been on the NuvaRing for 2 months now going on 3. I was on Junel Fe before this and was complaining of severe bloating, weight gain, erratic mood swings, almost complete loss of sex drive, and boy did I eat like a man! I was begging for something different and was nervous to try this, but I finally did it, and I feel like a new woman! I lost about 8 pounds almost immediately due to my back to normal appetite and my loss of water weight. My bloating has been consolidated to only my period week, which I might add I did not get a normal period cycle until trying this. I was a little emotional to start off with it, but it quickly subsided along with the very mild nausea. I didn't get any vaginal infections or irritation, but I do prefer to take it out during sex because I feel it moving around. I also like that I don't have to take a pill every day. My only complaint is that I am very sleepy all the time. I'm not sure if that's a side effect of this or just me, but I will look into it."

• TxG...
• August 10, 2011

For Birth Control "I'm a 21-year-old female, and I recently stopped using NuvaRing. I must say that I have been feeling so much better since I've been off. While on NuvaRing, I experienced many negative side effects. I was EXTREMELY moody every month for 2 weeks out of the month (more so than usual PMS). My body also felt very tired, and I had little energy. I gained about 20 lbs while on it for 6 months. My libido was very low, putting quite a strain on my relationship with my boyfriend. Since being off of NuvaRing, I am back to my normal self. I know that it will affect people differently, but I would suggest if you begin to feel any of these similar side effects on NuvaRing, stop using it. The side effects do not get better over time."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the ring for a few years and love it! After I put it in, I can't feel it and forget about it. I have to write on the calendar when to take it in and out because I never think of it. My libido is very low, but I'm not sure if that's me or the ring. No other side effects for me. My insurance changed, and I can't afford it now. So bummed to go back to the pill."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2011

For Birth Control "NuvaRing seemed like the perfect option for me. I'm a college student, so life can be crazy, and I never know where I'm going to be at what time of day. I used to like to take the pill. The first month wasn't too bad, but after that, I started noticing some serious changes. I started feeling tired almost all the time, even after 9 hours of sleep. My sex drive decreased to nothing. If I wasn't wanting to have sex, then what's the point of taking birth control and paying so much for it every month? I started having really bad effects on my emotions. I would go from being happy to sad within a second. It was nothing for me to randomly start tearing up for no reason. I never had this problem on the pill. I'm switching back."

• Van...
• May 10, 2015

For Birth Control "Just wanted to share my 8 months' experience with NuvaRing. First, I was really happy, it helps with my heavy and painful periods for sure! Unfortunately, my libido went to zero, and even if I took the ring out, intercourse was really painful... like sharp razor blades. I also suffered from horrible migraines almost every day. Be careful when you use combined hormones. My neurologist, whom I saw for my chronic migraines, suggested I take off the ring and see if my migraine would get better. After one week, I noticed a dramatic change! No more migraines that were ruining my life, and great-no painful intercourse. I got my libido back, lol! So in general, I was not satisfied with NuvaRing, I had more bad side effects than positive."

• Van...
• May 10, 2015

For Birth Control "Just wanted to share my 8 months' experience with NuvaRing. First, I was really happy, it helps with my heavy and painful periods for sure! Unfortunately, my libido went to zero, and even if I took the ring out, intercourse was really painful... like sharp razor blades. I also suffered from horrible migraines almost every day. Be careful when you use combined hormones. My neurologist, whom I saw for my chronic migraines, suggested I take off the ring and see if my migraine would get better. After one week, I noticed a dramatic change! No more migraines that were ruining my life, and great-no painful intercourse. I got my libido back, lol! So in general, I was not satisfied with NuvaRing, I had more bad side effects than positive."

• Sin...
• July 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I used the NuvaRing on a continuous use cycle. I loved it! Being able to skip periods was great. I experienced light cramping and my libido went down. My skin was amazingly clear and I didn't have to worry about it. My husband didn't like it because he could feel it during sex."

• Hd2...
• August 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken NuvaRing for one full month. I got one migraine headache and was very bloated for the first couple of weeks. It increased my anxiety quite a bit, especially when I was tired. PMS got much better. However, my sex drive has declined. I had a very normal period on it."

• ani...
• April 25, 2016

For Birth Control "No one is the same, and NuvaRing obviously works for some, but it did not for me. I'm on my third month and just took it out for good. It put me in a permanent funk... and by that, I mean constantly paranoid or sad, and I would also be upset with my boyfriend over nothing. I hadn't been on BC at all for about two years before. Without birth control, I do get PMS the week before my period, which was toned down by the ring, but it feels like it just spread it out to a more mild PMS the whole time (terrible!). My sex drive was noticeably diminished to the point where I didn't even want to have sex sometimes (and that NEVER happens, lol). Overall, good for acne and regulating the period, but not worth the emotional instability and sex drive effects."