Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• MIc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the ring for 3-4 years now, and I know everyone's body responds differently, but I have had zero complaints about the NuvaRing! I absolutely love it. It does not come out during sex, no dryness down there, high sex drive! It's great, the only downside is it doesn't help with acne, so I might just have to change. But I am really considering it very hard because I honestly love this form of contraception."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• Nta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I am getting ready to end my 3rd month on the NuvaRing... I used to be on BeYaz but couldn't stand the mood alteration, and it was making my anxiety levels very high. When I went off of it, my acne (which was nonexistent before) popped up like crazy! My gyno recommended the NuvaRing because, unlike the pill where you get one high dose of hormones, the ring gives you a continuous dose of hormones. Here is a list of my pros/cons for the ring. Pros: no mood alteration at all, no weight gain that I can tell, not pregnant. Cons: discharge, you can feel it, I got a UTI within the first month of using it, your partner can feel it during sex, it's difficult to get wet, and it doesn't help with acne at all."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "First, let me just say, NuvaRing was a horrible experience for me. I've only been on this BC for two weeks, first day spotting, which is normal from what the doctor said, 4 days in blood clots, tiny blood clots, acne, depression, and anger issues. I literally bled for two weeks straight. Took it out today because I had the worst backache ever. I couldn't even breathe. I was waking up every day at 4:30 am, not sleepy at all, made me so hungry. I was working out every day. All of a sudden I started using this and I went from working out hardly ever, fighting with my boyfriend, had vivid dreams, just horrible dreams. One day I had a sharp cramp in my stomach that literally went to my heart, and I felt that. This was horrible, and I have decided to not use birth control, just condoms. But this was horrible."

• Aur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on and off birth control for over twenty years. I went back on two years ago to help with very heavy periods and tendonitis caused by low estrogen. I was still having breakthrough bleeding and periods every 19 days on strong pills, so I asked to be switched to the ring. I've been on the NuvaRing for two months now. I have not had any breakthrough bleeding. My period started two days after removing the ring and was very light. Unfortunately, the side effects are not great. Bad backache, abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, breakouts along my jaw, upper back, and hairline, vaginal irritation, headaches, occasional low-grade fever, abdominal pain after sex, lack of energy, lack of concentration, and I'm extremely cranky."

• KH2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 6 months. I previously had the arm implant, but the hormones caused cystic acne and irregular bleeding. No problems with the NuvaRing aside from slight weight gain (a couple of pounds), which I can live with. My periods have been very regular, no spotting, no mood swings, no change in sex drive. I experienced minimal cramping the first month and continued bloating during my periods. This is a good option for those who have a hard time remembering to take the pill every day. Once a month is phenomenal!"

• Cha...
• May 29, 2020

For Birth Control "Please do not use the generic version of NuvaRing. I used NuvaRing and never had problems. I always had my period and never got acne or any mood swings. When I switched to the Prasco version, I did not get a period. I have the MOST regular and predictable period on the planet. I’ve never missed a period EVER. I took a pregnancy test and wasn’t pregnant. So I used it for one more month. It got WORSE. I lost my sex drive and got acne. I did not use the Prasco version again. Two months of this was enough. I’m now waiting to get my next period to go back to the NuvaRing. However, it’s been over a month and I still have not gotten a period. I’m very worried. Thankfully, my insurance covers NuvaRing. The CVS man messed up my order and gave me Prasco again today. I was not impressed! I’m deadly serious. DO NOT USE PRASCO RING. Hopefully, I get my period soon. I’m so very worried. I would not be surprised if Prasco got sued because there are way too many side effects."

• Chr...
• March 3, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• CC9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I'm going on my third month of NuvaRing. I have had about a four-pound weight gain (I attribute it to my eating habits), increased moodiness, and my acne has progressively worsened. However, this is the best and most convenient birth control method I have had. My sex drive has not decreased, no vaginal irritation but excessive lubrication, my period lasts 2-3 days, and no spotting while the ring is inserted. My breasts are tender around the second to third week, but nothing severe. Additionally, during my second month, I did have a case of nausea and vomiting for about two days; I'm not sure where this stemmed from, though. Overall, I give NuvaRing a thumbs up for me."

• wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started NuvaRing 2 months ago. It is easy to remember once a month. I can't feel it at all, and it increased my breast size. But my period cramps are awful! I usually can get through the days by taking Midol and Tums, but this was incredible. No amount of medicine could make me feel normal. Walking, sitting, pooping, eating, breathing - it all hurt. My periods usually are heavy and last 7 days, and the NuvaRing didn't change much. Maybe a lighter flow. Also, I have been really moody and am feeling more and more depressed. I love the ease of this product, but there are some big negatives. I also have a few zits on my back that weren't there before I started NuvaRing... I'll wait a few months to see if anything changes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Great birth control that was easy and convenient. All I did was just put it in for three weeks, forget about it, and then take it out after the three weeks were up. Sometimes I would have to take it out during sex, although other than that I did not experience any discomfort or it slipping out. This birth control did not make me gain any weight except for my boobs. I did experience vaginal dryness and extreme decrease in my sex drive, which really made sex unpleasurable at times. This birth control made me extremely tired all the time. I would just sleep for hours on end and had little to no energy. I am currently off this BC due to that side effect. It caused me to have cystic acne after five months."

• Mag...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 16, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for 7 years before I decided to stop taking it so I could have a baby. It worked well as a contraceptive. In those 7 years, not once did I get pregnant. It took away all my face, neck, and back acne. I did gain 10 pounds even though I exercised weekly and ate less. My libido was not great, but manageable. No other side effects but those. After I stopped taking it, it took 2 months for me to get pregnant. Now I have a 2-year-old boy."

• Swe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing years ago, and while my husband (then boyfriend) didn't say anything, he later told me it made me 'crazy.' I didn’t remember that. All I recalled was that my adult acne cleared up and I didn’t get the brown upper lip I got from other BC. I went back on it recently for 3 months, and the only pros were: no pregnancy and I skipped my honeymoon period. I was a newlywed, and I was supposed to be happy as ever, instead, I was clinically depressed. I had mood swings. I craved sweets constantly with no self-control. I’m usually a health nut and a gym junkie. I was weak and tired. I got home and would climb in bed when I used to hit the gym. I hadn't worked out since I started the BC due to utter exhaustion. Since I quit, I’ve got energy and I’ve regained control of my appetite. I think everybody reacts differently to meds. Give it a try, but be advised of possible side effects. Don’t just live dragging through life when there are other BC options."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing was the first birth control I was ever on, and I've never had any terrible issues with it in the 4 years I've had it so far (18-21). My periods are so regular I can nearly tell down to the hour when it will start! My acne cleared up, but I did gain a little weight, but nothing crazy. The only issue is breast tenderness a week before my period that can get annoying, but otherwise this birth control has been great and super easy to remember. Also, I was able to change my schedule for a vacation, so I got my period a week before traveling, which was amazing, it didn't screw up my body... just read the pamphlet on how to properly do this (and don't do it all the time!)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "The only thing good about this product is that you don't have to remember to take it. You only have to remember the day you put it in. Lol, which I forgot the first two months. I've been on the ring for 4 months, and I hate it. I have never had acne in my life, and I now have severe acne along my jawline, hairline, and chest. It gets pushed out of my vagina daily, I don't think I'm able to push it up far enough. I've never had sex with it in, I always take it out, and it burns really bad during intercourse. I've hardly had sex since I've been on it because I have no sex drive. I'm disgusted by the thought of sex, and my vagina is painfully sensitive to the touch. I'm also really moody. This birth control is terrible."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for two months and a half, and I have experienced many of the side effects listed (nausea, migraine, acne (during the first week only), bloating, and low sex drive). I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is going through sadder than usual times or anyone who has had depression, as I can say it has definitely affected me and thousands of other women. I have never been diagnosed with depression, and yet it happened to me progressively since I started to use NuvaRing. The decrease in testosterone levels has impacted me the most since I now struggle with low motivation, irritability, and depressive thoughts. I have rated this with a 5/10 because of the number of side effects, but I have to say it is one of the most convenient contraceptive methods. It is very sad how the pharmaceutical industry doesn't do better for women."

• Emi...
• June 13, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Although the NuvaRing has kept me protected from getting pregnant, my acne from this is unreal. It’s taken almost a year to recover from, and I’m still breaking out. The entire lower half of my face was covered in cystic acne for the first 6 months of taking this. I didn’t want to change because I didn’t experience any other side effects. No weight gain, no mood swings, nothing. I had to couple it with another medication and two prescription gels to clear my skin. I’m most likely going to be going off this in the next month and try something else due to my skin still struggling."

• Emi...
• June 13, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Although the NuvaRing has kept me protected from getting pregnant, my acne from this is unreal. It’s taken almost a year to recover from, and I’m still breaking out. The entire lower half of my face was covered in cystic acne for the first 6 months of taking this. I didn’t want to change because I didn’t experience any other side effects. No weight gain, no mood swings, nothing. I had to couple it with another medication and two prescription gels to clear my skin. I’m most likely going to be going off this in the next month and try something else due to my skin still struggling."

• 25 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I began this early February after a year without the NuvaRing. I used NuvaRing for 5 years before and loved it with my whole heart, used the pill before, and the ring made it so much easier for me with no issues or side effects. The EluRyng has broken me out pretty horribly and decreased my sex drive massively, but worse than that, it’s made my anxiety 10 times worse to the point where I stopped my newer dosage of antidepressants for a week (that had been working very well!) to see if that was the cause, and it was not. This has sent me into a deep depression period. Really wish I’d have read more on this first but thought I would be getting the NuvaRing. It took about 2 months for me to determine this was definitely the EluRyng and I took it out. If you have any issues with mental health, I would not even take a chance on this, and I hope I can get back on the NuvaRing."

• Jen...
• May 27, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I really like NuvaRing. It's my first experience with birth control, and I've found it pleasant. For the first month, I got a pimple or two (which was likely unrelated). I also would suffer from a sense of anxiety before I fell asleep. However, my skin became PERFECT, and anxiety went away after a month. The NuvaRing makes me a lot oilier than usual, but I actually prefer it; I usually have very dry skin/hair, and now it's more normal. Further, I've been able to lose like TEN POUNDS! I deducted two points out of ten: one for the ring sometimes slipping and causing irritation, and another for the overall awkward experience of your partner finding a plastic ring inside."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing is great for me! I had no side effects, my partner doesn't feel it during sex, it never fell out, and I feel much safer with it. You put it in and forget about it for 3 weeks! I was on oral pills before, and they were very strong on me. I had less sex drive, but absolutely no acne. Now, with a lower hormone dose from NuvaRing, I have more acne, but also more sex drive, and I feel more comfortable."

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had high hopes for this birth control. Heard a lot of great things... And then I tried it myself. 17 days is all I have lasted. Today is Day 17. I'm 37. I already have issues with depression and acne and have heard good things from others who had normally suffered from these things and that the ring changed their life. Well, Day 17 and I can't stop crying. I've been beyond depressed in weird stages. I've had a headache that has lasted over a week. And I have a handful of new cystic acne in weird places beyond my face. Placement was fine and I rarely felt it. Can't wear tampons with it. Not weird during sex either, except I haven't had an orgasm for two weeks! And this is my experience... Good luck, I know everyone is different...."

• Sar...
• March 26, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "When I first started using the ring, I had absolutely horrible anxiety for about 2 weeks. It faded with time. I didn't have any other major side effects other than it made my face explode with hormonal acne. I had very mild acne, and it got worse every month that I used the ring. I had to stop taking it for that reason. I switched to Beyaz, and I have zero side effects, and my acne is 80% better after a week."

• Sar...
• March 26, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "When I first started using the ring, I had absolutely horrible anxiety for about 2 weeks. It faded with time. I didn't have any other major side effects other than it made my face explode with hormonal acne. I had very mild acne, and it got worse every month that I used the ring. I had to stop taking it for that reason. I switched to Beyaz, and I have zero side effects, and my acne is 80% better after a week."