Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Abc...
• November 9, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• 38...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 15, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing for 10+ years until 2014. 2 kids later back on 2017. I had shorter, lighter periods and even skipped my period every other month by keeping the ring in and swapping them out. That was nice. I had usual moodiness a week before the ring was due to be out. I have noticed unsuccessful weight loss since children but chalked it up to my age (late 30s). I started EluRing, generic to NuvaRing, this month. It has been a nightmare. During the first week on, I was spotting after exercise. It would last a day. The second week I started a period. I removed the ring after 2 1/2 weeks. I felt this ring unlike NuvaRing and also felt a burn. I have been bleeding very heavily this third week. Heavy. I am hoping this is penance for all the missed periods over the years. After having the ring out, I now notice I am nicer and feel more attracted to my spouse. I really hope my 'normal' cycle is not what I have been experiencing or I will have to find an alternative birth control."

• Jus...
• September 19, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for three weeks today. I have a history of seizures, depression, and anxiety. I haven’t had a seizure in almost 12 years. My depression and anxiety were under control when I started. The last three weeks have been some of the lowest in my life. I ended up having a seizure a week ago, and my anxiety and depression are back in full force. I literally cry over everything and anything, have had the worst mood swings and emotional outbursts, and just feel overall awful about myself. I have experienced such heavy bleeding for the last three days with horrible blood clots (worse than I normally have each month). I have also had a feeling that I can only describe as “brain fog” since starting the ring. Today was my scheduled day to take the ring out, and I did, and I am not putting a new one in. I honestly feel so much better mentally, and this thing has only been out for an hour. My experience has been awful."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Endometriosis - After a year and a half of trying different birth controls, I landed on the NuvaRing. It’s the only birth control my body would absorb / made my periods manageable. My pharmacy switched me from the NuvaRing to this generic brand and wouldn’t acknowledge there was a difference. I called and complained, they insisted there was no difference. After months of silently suffering, I finally called my GYNO and explained that as soon as I put it in, I start bleeding and cramping for months. I spent months on my period convinced my endometriosis had advanced when in actuality, my health insurance didn’t want to pay for a “name brand” birth control that helped me. Oh, and they used to cover it with a $50 co-pay, which I would HAPPILY pay instead of using this garbage. DO NOT USE THIS BIRTH CONTROL. I’m so happy to have found this page as confirmation that this is not the same as the NuvaRing."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for over 8 years. I have horrendous periods, so my OB told me to insert every four weeks and skip all but 1-2 periods a year. It worked great as far as birth control and controlled periods so I didn't have any. I couldn't feel it once I got it in right, and really didn't have a whole lot of other problems. The only reason I am switching is that the ring can cause cervical erosion, especially if you have very sensitive skin. This results in pain and bleeding during intercourse. It's a relatively easy fix, they cauterize the touchy spots, but still very awkward. I am now switching back to the pill to see if I can find something that isn't so hard on that tissue."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My insurance only covers generic now, and I am still on my cycle going on 2 weeks after applying a new ring. I wish insurance didn't make decisions for you. Generic does not work for me at all, constant heavy bleeding and cramps is all I got from it, and I never had any issues using brand."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• Law...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for 4 months. My OB/GYN switched me from the patch to NuvaRing because I was getting estrogen-withdrawal migraines when I took the patch off. I use the ring for 4 weeks, then take it out for 4 days to minimize any headaches. At first, my headaches got worse -- I was having them when the ring was in and when it was out. The ring has a lower dose of estrogen than the patch (which is quite high), and my body was going through estrogen withdrawal. I also had a fair amount of breakthrough bleeding while the ring was in longer periods initially. However, after about 3 months of erratic headaches, things seem to be settling down. My periods are lighter (or non-existent), and the ring is very easy to use."

• Sun...
• June 7, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "This ring was hell for me. Week 1: Excited to try a convenient form of birth control. For the first two weeks, I experienced mood swings but thought this would stabilize. I also had a surge of acne, which I normally do not have. Week 3-4: Acne went away, but mood swings continued. Week 5: same. Week 6, 7, and 8: horrible. I started bleeding heavily every day, heavier than a period, for three straight weeks. This was accompanied by cramping and an upset digestive system. Week 4: I passed a blot clot vaginally, which hasn’t happened since I had my daughter 3 years ago. By the end of the second month, I was physically exhausted from the blood loss and pain and an emotional mess from being unstable for 2 months straight. I took it out...and it’s like the sky became blue again, slowly I returned to my normal self. No birth control method is worth this type of hell. Done and done. Back to the pill."

• Ali...
• October 27, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started NuvaRing 3/4 months ago, and at first I loved it. It’s extremely convenient since I would always forget to take my pill. The following month, I bled for 3 weeks straight, not just spotting but constant heavy bleeding. My Dr. told me to keep the ring out for a few days and put it back in. The bleeding stopped, but I noticed I had a decrease in my appetite, my boobs are always sore, and I’ve become extremely tired and emotional. I’ve lost 10 pounds in 4 months because I can’t seem to eat, and I’m consistently nauseous. I do not recommend this birth control for everybody. Some people it seems to work for, but for me personally, it’s not worth the side effects. I wanted to add two months ago, I had chest pain and numbness in my arm and hand. I went to the ER and nothing was wrong. Occasionally I get the chest pains still. I also wake up with a sore jaw and ear pain. I noticed a few other people have these symptoms too. None of this started until after I started using NuvaRing."

• Yor...
• March 22, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was afraid of trying NuvaRing after reading the reviews, but it’s worked really well for me. It’s been 6 months now, and I’m less depressed/anxious, and my hormones are more stable. I’m using it for endometriosis. The oral pills I tried gave me horrible acid reflux. I had a bad reaction (hair loss) to LoLoestrin, horrible mood swings on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, got seriously depressed on Apri. I don’t have headaches or circulation problems with NuvaRing, but prior to taking BC, I had trouble with my blood not clotting fast enough. My only complaints with NuvaRing are: 1. Issues with it fitting/staying in place the first week, I guess it’s too rigid and too long (awkward), and 2. I’ve experienced breakthrough bleeding for weeks at a time when I try to skip my period (doctor’s instructions for dealing with my endo). Overall, the steady dose of hormones has made mood swings much less of a problem. And there’s no alarm on my phone anymore to remind me to take my BC pill."

• San...
• September 25, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started NuvaRing about 4 months ago as an alternative to Mirena (I have not had a child). I don't mind the insertion or taking it out during sex. Switching from generic Yaz to NuvaRing has been a great experience! I used to spot on the pill mid-cycle pretty much every month. I haven't had any issues with NuvaRing! I decided to skip my ring-free week for vacation one of the months and did not have any breakthrough bleeding."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had previously used NuvaRing with little side effects, had a child, and decided to use the NuvaRing again... big mistake. I had breakthrough bleeding all 3 weeks, headaches, anxiety, insane mood swings - felt like crying or got super angry at the drop of a hat, not sure if this is attributed to the NuvaRing but I lost about 12 lbs in a month. It also caused UTIs after having sex, something that my body previously got used to and wasn't a problem. Ultimately, it is easy to use, but it made me totally psycho, I felt relief within hours of removing the ring. No one in my family has ever seen me like that, and the mood swings, anxiety, and paranoia were so bad that it affected my 4-year-old."

• Mis...
• July 9, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "What a low-hassle birth control method! I love that I can easily insert it and forget about it for 3 weeks. It's flexible, you can use it continuously or on a cycle so that you get a period week-which I appreciate. I experienced a bit of breakthrough bleeding the first month, but other than that, I experienced no negative side effects. The only thing I don't like is having to refrigerate it before use since I share the refrigerator with many other people."

• Sta...
• August 8, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for two months now for my adenomyosis and the awful PMS I get a week before my period (tired, cramps, leg pain, mood swings). It was awful. Well, being on this thing isn't better, it's worse. I can't stop bleeding, and I'm too afraid to take it out because I don't want to bleed more. I've never had cramps this bad. I feel like I can't walk. I spent all day Tuesday in bed crying. I'm a teacher, and I don't know how I'm going to get up in front of the kids and talk to them when I feel like such a mess. The pain is unbearable. My doctor could care less and was like, “It's normal, give it more time.” I hate the ring, I hate that I'm having so much pain and bleeding with no signs of it ending. I look like I've gained 20 lbs from bloating. I think I'd rather live in my personal hell prior to the ring than this."

• Dea...
• August 13, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I only lasted 6 weeks on the NuvaRing. I experienced several side effects: vaginal discomfort, headaches, aches, depression, fatigue, mild nausea, complete loss of sex drive, and a weird sense of feeling unbalanced, but not quite dizzy. I also experienced an uncommon side effect where my cervix became so swollen I thought my uterus was prolapsing. After 3 weeks, I started spotting. I switched it out at 4 weeks for a new ring and had breakthrough bleeding. I finally decided to just take it out because my swollen cervix was really freaking me out, and I'm now on day 20 of a messed-up period. I passed a large amount of tissue a couple of days ago and had a ruptured cyst this morning. Neither of those have ever happened to me before."

• Dan...
• July 21, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "The NuvaRing at first was odd for me because I was scared it was going to fall out, but if it is pushed inside, it should stay in place and still work. I'm very active, and I've had no problems with this. At first, I did have some light bleeding, and more recently I've had light brown discharge, but I've read that this is completely normal and that the NuvaRing is still working. I have experienced some bloating and headaches easily, but it's usually around a certain time of the month. My sex drive seems fine, it might have gone away for a few weeks, but that could have also been due to stress. (FYI, my doctor told me to keep it in for 4 weeks because I am using it for birth control and not to regulate my periods.)"

• Fem...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I can relate to all the experiences about switching from NuvaRing to a generic — mood swings, irritability, crying, hormone fluctuations, irregular bleeding. I couldn’t understand why until I read these. I had my doctor fax a prescription to the pharmacist saying I couldn’t tolerate the generic and that the doctor required a brand name, and that finally got insurance to cover it. It was code DAW1 (dispense as written) from my doctor on the prescription for the pharmacist, sharing in case it’s helpful for others to go back on the brand NuvaRing."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I found NuvaRing mostly unproblematic, convenient, and easy to use. (I did have mood swings that might be attributable to it, but it's hard to say, since there were other factors involved.) The main problem, however, was that I had frequent breakthrough bleeding: after 7 months of use, it was like I was having a very small period 20 days out of the month! Very annoying, to say the least. The doctor told me that meant the hormone dosage was too low for me and has proscribed Kariva for me instead, so we'll see how that goes."

• ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for a few months and loved it. The first month I had some breakthrough bleeding, but by the second month I had no side effects. I stopped only because I wanted a baby. Now my son is 6 months, and I'm looking to start on it again. Would highly recommend."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2020

"I used the NuvaRing from May 2015 to December 2019. In January 2020, I was given the generic ring made by the pharmaceutical Prasco. I have had nothing but bad experiences: random bleeding, random cases of BV, cramping, really bad indigestion, insomnia, mood swings like crazy, and weight gain. On the NuvaRing by Merck, I only experienced insomnia but got it under control. My insurance refuses to cover the NuvaRing, regardless of my OBGYN contacting them and providing proof of the issues. I wish I could fork out $200 a month for the name brand."