NuvaRing and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kyl...
• June 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for nearly seven months now, and I love it. I am a busy college student, and I was terrible about remembering to take the pill. I couldn't take it at a consistent time each day because I was never always home at a certain time. This led to a lot of scares. Since I've been on the ring, I have not had any adverse side effects. No weight gain, no mood disturbances, no pain, etc. It has been wonderful for me, and I don't think I'd ever consider another form of birth control at this point in my life."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2009

For Birth Control "A very simple birth control to use. I couldn't remember pills, so I was on the ring for almost 3 years (I'm now 29). My sex drive has been reduced to nothing, except late in my period, not coincidentally when the ring has been out the longest. My periods are short, only about 2 1/2 days of light flow, but the cramps start 2 days before that and last right up till I put the next ring in. Worst of all is the depression and mood swings. I have a great life, but when my husband asks what I want for lunch, that has been enough to reduce me to literal tears lately. Also, I've gained nearly 40 pounds despite being more active than ever. I just came back from the gyno and got a copper (non-hormonal IUD) inserted today."

• Tin...
• April 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for about 2 years now, and I recommend it to all my friends. I didn't experience any mood swings or weight gain. But my boobs went up a cup size. It's super easy to put in and take out, and I never forget to take it because it's already there! 3 weeks, and then out one week for a period, and then repeat. It sometimes falls out from sex, but you have 3 hours to put it back in. My boyfriend doesn't feel it at all. You should definitely try it. Nothing but great results for me."

• Ak4...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been using NR for 6 years. I love it. I've tried Yaz and some other types of pills, hated that you had to take them at the same time each day. This is much more convenient. I get my period right on time and then take it out. Simple. It doesn't do anything different to me, such as acne or weight gain. But that depends on the person more than the contraceptive. The best way to put it in: use a tampon applicator (take out the tampon), place the ring in the applicator (bend the ring), and put it in as if it were a tampon. I've heard of it coming out during sex, but I've never experienced this, nor have I ever had it slip out or go missing. Highly recommended :) :) Unfortunately, it is pricey, however. :("

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I would only recommend this birth control to someone that is trying to sleep with my boyfriend because it made me bloated, bleed constantly for 2 months, back aches (complete period symptoms non-stop for 2 months), and gain weight - huge turn-offs to anyone. I am in so much bodily discomfort and have been bleeding for so long now, it is definitely preventing pregnancy. I cannot wait to switch to another form of birth control. It feels like a combination of irritable bowel syndrome and being pregnant."

• Bre...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for about 6 years now. Never had any problems from beginning to now. I did have horrible cramps my first month using it when my period came, but after a few months, my body got used to it. I now only have a period that's about 3-5 days, and I enjoy how it spots right before I take the ring out, so I know it's time for my monthly cycle. It's easy to insert, and you don't have to think about having to take a pill every day. I did notice that when I had no health insurance, I went about a month without it; I had gotten my period, and it was horribly heavy with terrible cramps. But after restarting, everything got back to normal. I never noticed any weight gain or mood changes. My sex drive has stayed the same over all these years."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in early December 2013, and I stopped using it after my month trial was up. I had a few side effects: weight gain (with no change in diet), headaches, no sex drive, and periods that started a week early. I was on the pill for a year and a half with none of these side effects. The NuvaRing just isn't for me."

• 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
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Gained 60 pounds in less than 3 months, periods went from 28-day, 4.5-day clockwork regular to 2X a month, 9-day long murder-scene heavy. PMS used to be mild to nonexistent, went to migraines from hell, debilitating cramps, etc. Dr. told me to stick with it. I did for a year. Off the ring, took a year and lots of work to get my periods back to something approximating normal, and the weight will NOT budge. I did not have weight issues before, never had. Now I also have endometrial hyperplasia and have been told the weight is sticking no matter what I do to lose it due to an overabundance of estrogen. If you use the Ring and start gaining or going period-wonky AT ALL, stop, please, immediately and do not be like me."

• Meg...
• April 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I was using the NuvaRing for about a year and a half, maybe a little over. At first, I noticed a change in my attitude, as if it almost made me crazy, emotional, and snippy. I was excited to have my period shortened to a day a month with clear skin while also being protected from pregnancy, so the mood change wasn't a big deal. About 6-7 months after being on it, I started gaining weight with no diet change. Now looking back, I went from 153 to 198 lbs. Also, my sex drive decreased 100%! If it weren't for my boyfriend loving sex, sex probably wouldn't even cross my mind. Went off it last week with high hopes because the side effects aren't worth it after the convenience wears off."

• Car...
• October 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I have tried Loestrin Fe 24 & Ortho Tri-Cyclen, both to no avail. Mood swings, depression, weight gain *permanently* of 10 pounds each time. I was ready to give up. But my cousin working in an OBGYN office gave me four months of the NuvaRing as a trial. I CAN TELL YOU I'M IN LOVE! I lost 10 lbs the first month, my appetite was cut in half. My period was light, barely any cramping, & no spotting or ovary pains from my PCOS. These fantastic results continued into the 2nd and 3rd month, I continue to lose unwanted weight. My one complaint: the first 2 months of the ring I had slight vaginal pain, kinda like a yeast infection & an increase in discharge. But the side effects went away as my body adjusted after the 2nd month. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

• Ber...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 18, 2019

For Birth Control "The worst birth control so far. I do not feel in control of my emotions. I had depression with really negative thoughts. I turned to everyone around me for validation about myself, including my boss. I’ve suffered from severe paranoia, complex of inferiority, self-doubt, self-hate, and I would cry at everything. I also gained 10 pounds and have not been feeling like my confident self."

• KAC...
• September 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I actually loved the NuvaRing! I did have some side effects such as cramping and breakthrough bleeding, as well as the ring actually sliding out. I know it is unheard of, but I did gain weight on the NuvaRing, nothing major but a good 5 pounds! I used the ring for about three months. I recently switched to Lutera to see if I like that better. I will post a review on Lutera when I use it longer."

• Tat...
• August 2, 2015

For Birth Control "The ring is the best birth control I have used. I had the pills, but it was so hard to remember to take, and I had the patch. I gained a lot of weight being on the patch, but when I was on the ring, I was able to lose the weight and stay the same weight. It actually made my periods lighter, and I barely have cramps. The only thing I have negative to say is I have constant discharge, and it does not feel like a regular period. But I prefer the light bleeding to the harsh periods I used to have. I highly recommend, but the ring is not for everyone."

• Abc...
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on many different pills, two different IUDs, the Depo shot, and then the ring. The ring, by far, was the worst. I had side effects with all forms of birth control, usually to do with unusual bleeding or inconsistent periods. The NuvaRing was the only birth control I could find that controlled my periods. Unfortunately, it also caused acne, weight gain, despite feeling nauseous all the time and having no appetite. No sex drive, and I was so anxious and emotional that I thought I was going crazy. I was on the ring for almost two years, with all of these side effects, which I did not realize were being caused by it. When I finally realized this may be why this is happening, I took it out, and I feel so much better now."

• nuv...
• August 13, 2009

For Birth Control "It seems that a lot of the people describing their experience with the NuvaRing are of the younger generation. I'm 31 and have been using the ring for the last 4 months after being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for years. Within the first 2 weeks of inserting the ring, my body went through changes as if I were in puberty all over again. My breasts swelled and became annoyingly sensitive, my face broke out with acne, and I gained weight over two months' time. On top of all of this, I've been overly emotional and tired. The convenience of the ring is nice, but definitely not worth all the side effects for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "Hadn't been on birth control since my IUD was removed 11 years ago. I've been on the NuvaRing for 3 months now, and already been to the ER for chest pain, MRI for headaches, and waiting 3 months for a GI appointment. EKG results were fine, so they suggested it was my esophagus. Never had so much abdominal discomfort in my life. I've gained over 20 lbs, and no matter what or how much I eat, I feel like I'm going to explode and I burp like crazy. Can't take a brisk walk, much less run anymore. Coincidence or not, my body changed from one day to another, and it was around the same time I started on this."

• Emm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 23 and have been on NuvaRing for 6 years. This birth control was a lifesaver. I originally went on this because I had severe migraines due to hormones, and this by far was the best choice for me because there are no hormonal spikes. Also, I only get my period four times a year. I still get migraines once in a blue moon, but they're not nearly as severe as they once were. I did not experience any mood swings or weight gain, and I loved the fact that I was always in complete control of it, there was never any guessing if it fell out or moved like the IUDs. I highly recommend this product to anyone who has an unpredictable schedule and might forget to take a pill and anyone who might be plagued with severe migraines due to hormones."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Got the NuvaRing about 10 days ago, prior to it, I had been on Depo for over 17 years until 2015 when I went off it. I had the ring in for 7 days, I was extremely fatigued, fell into a dark hole of depression, gained about 8 pounds of water weight, so much water in my hands that I could barely bend my fingers. I became unmotivated and started to cry over everything. I had gas and bloating, and my breasts swelled up. I took it out 2 days ago and tried to go to work today but only lasted 3 hours and had to go home sick. What a horrible experience, I need my life back!"

• Car...
• November 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing at 13 to regulate my heavy periods. I'm 23 now, still on it and love it. Here's the basics: -Never falls out, can't feel it at all (unless it's not put in right or if you have a wider/tilted uterus) -Husband is large and can't stand it, so I put it back in after intimacy. -If I forget/lose it, I just put a new one in for 3 more weeks (skip a period, whoop!) -I have never refrigerated mine, the teens don't need to see that in there lol -no cramps, bloating, acne, weight gain, etc. (I eat a lot so I'm not gonna blame my anti-baby meds for my own bad habits) -no mood swings, sex drive hasn't changed, periods are lighter/are over quicker than before. -no insurance? Forget it. These freaking things are $150 a pop."

• 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!"

• 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."