NuvaRing and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for about two months. I took it in hopes of clearing up some acne I had, first mistake. Well, after about a week, I was already feeling depressed, emotional, and easily angered. I had also gained weight, had sore breasts, and might I add, experienced no change in my skin (it was possibly worse). Not saying this won’t be for you, but it definitely wasn’t for me!"

• Lei...
• November 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for about 2.5 months at this point. The first month was fine, but my boyfriend and I couldn't have sex because I was in so much pain, even a slight touch to my vagina set me into shooting pain. Once I hit the 2-month mark, the pain started to subside, and we are able to have sex again, but not often because if there is too much irritation to the area, I will be in pain again. The side effects I have noticed are lack of sleep and overall exhaustion, decreased hunger, constant nausea, cramping most of the month, acne, weight gain, bloating, and mood swings. I have also noticed that my discharge has become three times more prominent and that it has a different odor from anything I have ever smelled before (gross). I have been very sad the last month, and I am keeping track of all these side effects. However, if they do not subside or stop within another 2 months, I will be going off of it."

• tuf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I thought it was not noticeable when inserted. I just left it in during sex, but if you want, you can take it out and put it back in after. I went off it recently, and I'm so glad I did. Each month, before my period, I would get really bad migraines and cramps. Also, I consistently had anxiety and no confidence. I would always have a few very depressing days before my period, which made me want to do bad things. I'm thankful I did not act on those thoughts. I thought it would be a more local form of birth control, but it certainly had an effect on my whole body. I also gained weight, about 10 lbs when I started it, though they claim it doesn't cause weight gain...."

• Tif...
• May 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for four years and six months. No periods after two years of being on it. No breakouts. No nothing. After the fourth year, I noticed my face was becoming extremely broken out. My blood pressure was getting worse, I am still on medication. I did not have blood pressure issues before the NuvaRing. My blood pressure issues started during my fourth year of using it. I gained weight like crazy. My depression was horrible. I had awful nightmares. I could never sleep peacefully at night. My body always ached. Keep in mind, I never had bad migraines or headaches until being on the NuvaRing for so long. They would be so bad, I would vomit profusely. I would stay so tired. My body was literally attacking itself and the NuvaRing. My appetite was like a man's appetite. I could never stop eating. Let's talk about the sex. I never had sex. I hated looking at a man or even thought of sex. My libido was gone. So my OBGYN finally said enough is enough."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2013

For Birth Control "This was the first form of birth control I took. I was on it for about 5 years. It's a fantastic form of birth control; you only have to remember to take it out every 3 weeks, no mood swings, no weight gain (I actually lost 20 pounds while using the ring from switching to a healthy lifestyle), and my boyfriend doesn't feel it during sex. I recently switched to an oral contraceptive, only because the ring was costing me $60 a month. If cost isn't an issue, I highly recommend trying it."

• Twi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I've used the NR off and on for almost a decade. It's fantastic, but does have side effects. Typically regular, short, and light periods. This was huge for me not being regular ever without it. But for me, it causes about a 10 lb weight gain and kills my sex drive."

• Pro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I love the NuvaRing. I started on it after my son was born 6 years ago. It's easy to use, gentle to put in and remove, doesn't move at all while in there, and I never ever feel it during sex. After I started using it for about 3 years straight, I came off for 2 years as my fiancé was out of the country. I just started back in June 2013, and love it even more now. It doesn't decrease my sex drive, and although I am newly married, I have to admit my sexual desire has increased. With every birth control, there are bouts of sadness and anxiousness, but you distract yourself by watching great movies and eating popcorn, not tons of goodies which probably increases weight gain. I have never attributed weight gain to the NuvaRing, but my own diet."

• oli...
• March 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on NuvaRing after trying several different pills that didn't work for me (weight gain, irritability, headaches), and the NuvaRing has been amazing! I did gain about 5-10 pounds, and my boobs got bigger, but it was worth it because I didn't have many other side effects. The first month I cramped a bit, but it gets better! To insert the ring, I take out the cotton from a tampon and put the NuvaRing in the tampon applicator and insert it that way, and it's so much easier than trying to manipulate the ring with your hands. I recommend the NuvaRing to all of my friends that are miserable on the pill."

• 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."

• 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!"

• I...
• August 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched to NuvaRing because my weight gain with the pill was excessive. When I switched, the side effects were fine, the only difference was I had headaches more often, but it did help my weight problems. I felt better and had less water weight. However, I wouldn't suggest this for someone who has sex often. The doctors told me I could keep it in and I wouldn't feel it, and it wouldn't be a problem. Every time I had sex, it hurt, and my partner could feel it also. So I began taking it out each time, which was a pain. I was always worried I would forget to put it back in, and I ended up having to switch back to the pill."

• may...
• March 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for two years. And I LOVE it. I don't have to think about it, very low hormones. Before I started using the ring, I had terrible periods. I would be stuck at home for at least a day because my cramps were that awful. My periods would also last up to ten days. After I started it, my periods became normal, five days long, and significantly fewer cramps. I gained maybe 10 pounds and two cup sizes."

• gue...
• February 20, 2013

For Birth Control "Been on NuvaRing for about a month now, so far so good. I've had my share of troubles with trying to find the perfect birth control, and it seems I've found it with NuvaRing. I switched from pills, which caused major weight gain and significant side effects after prolonged use. I haven't experienced any serious side effects besides slight nausea/dizziness from time to time with NuvaRing. Other than that, I can't complain.... 5 stars in my book."

• San...
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "So I was on NuvaRing for over 2 years, and I’m still not sure how I felt about it. I always had really bad leg cramps, as well as my arm would swell up, but no blood clot. During the whole time I was on it, I was always fearing a blood clot would hit me. I liked the ease of use, and I did use it continuously. I did gain some weight. I did always have to plan trips around when I had to insert/take out because it has to be refrigerated. Also, I took a medication for an infection, and during that time, for over a month, I experienced HEAVY bleeding, my doctor said it interacted with my NuvaRing. I never got pregnant, but I’m not sure all the stress was worth it. The day I took it out, I experienced my first ever 4-hour panic attack. Looking into Skyla or Kyleena!"

• dpa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2013

For Birth Control "Switching to NuvaRing was an awesome decision, and I would never go back to other birth control methods. I experienced no weight gain (people blame their birth control for that way too often), my skin was fine, no mood swings, no side effects whatsoever. You can't feel it when you're having sex, and it's relatively easy to put it in and to remove it. You don't feel it once it's in. The only downfall is it is pretty expensive (with my insurance, $90/month), but there's a 50% off coupon that the company offers, so it makes it much easier to afford. I love this birth control and would recommend it to anyone who asked."

• 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."

• Ema...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I love the fact that I can’t get pregnant. I hate the fact that it’s made me gain weight, and I now go through mood swings like crazy, and it has awakened my long dormant depression again. I stopped taking it after college and just started it again. I’ve used it for about 8 years total because I can’t remember a pill every day."

• 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."

• Chr...
• March 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I used birth control pills for 6 years prior to trying the NuvaRing. I had pretty good experiences with my old brand, but wanted to try something different and thought not having to remember to take a pill every day would be awesome. I was on the NuvaRing for about 6 months, and I noticed extreme breast tenderness, increased acne, and the worst part was the 15 lb weight gain. The weight was extremely hard to lose while I was on the ring, but after I switched to another contraceptive, the weight I had gained melted off. The one plus was that my moods were great on NuvaRing and my anxiety decreased."

• 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."

• Mor...
• April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for almost 4 years with very few issues. I've never had a pregnancy scare, but have had a few issues with bleeding/spotting in between periods, especially if I leave the ring in for 4 weeks and try to skip my period. Now I follow the 28-day cycle (leave it in for 3 weeks, take it out for 1 week, then put a new one in) and have no issues. I have never had issues with mood swings, weight gain, etc. If you pay attention and use the ring in the way that's best for your body (leaving it in and skipping your period or taking it out and having your period), you shouldn't have any issues."