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Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Cramps: What Users Say

Brand names: NuvaRing, EluRyng, Haloette, EnilloRing, VeraRing

Cramps: mentioned by 198 users (14.1%)

Based on user experiences from 1,401 Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

mood swings 21.8%
sexual dysfunction 19.4%
depression 17.8%
weight gain 16.6%
cramps 14.1%
anxiety 13.4%
nausea 12.9%
headaches 12.3%
acne 11.9%
bleeding 8.5%

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • December 3, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "For those of you experiencing negative side effects... I was on NuvaRing for 4 years. During that time, I became depressed, and cramps and back pain were unbearable. I have discontinued use of NuvaRing and feel better. All side effects are gone! When I discussed this with my doctor, she stated that some women naturally produce a normal level of hormones. When these women are on birth control, it can cause all of these side effects due to having an elevated level of hormones. The opposite effect happens to women that don't naturally produce a normal level of hormones, leading them to actually feel better and not have all of these side effects. This is why some women do well and feel great on birth control and others don't."

3 / 10
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221 Report
  • Per...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 4, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Personally, I have had extremely heavy and bad cramps on my period. I’ve been on birth control since I was 14. I started with the pill but forgot to take it all the time, then I went to the IUD but had extreme weight gain and headaches. My anxiety also worsened with the IUD. I switched to the NuvaRing around 5 months ago, and it has been the best decision I’ve made for my reproductive health. My periods are a light spotting, my cramps are tolerable, and I haven’t gained any weight. Plus, my boyfriend can’t feel it during sex. Don’t be afraid of the negative reviews, everyone’s body is different, and you just need to find what works for you!"

8 / 10
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46 Report
  • Kan...
  • January 1, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for 12 years. NuvaRing has completely helped my endo, and I have had no problems for years. Since I have been on EluRyng (How can we even trust this if they can't spell RING right?), I have had nonstop breakthrough bleeding, cramps, headaches, leg pain and numbness, and of course symptoms like tender boobs, bloating, even horrible stomach issues. I also noticed the coloration on the ring itself is not like NuvaRing. NuvaRing goes in clear and stays clear mostly for about 2 weeks, 3 weeks, then starts to turn an off-yellow color when the hormones fade and it's time for your period. This EluRyng will only stay clear for about a week and lose its hormones QUICKER, which is WHY I think we are having all this breakthrough bleeding or off-time periods! This is not okay!"

1 / 10
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36 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • ADD...
  • October 6, 2008

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have used several pill-form birth controls, and the NuvaRing is my first non-pill method. I really like the fact that it is hassle-free. I always had a hard time remembering to take the pill. Also, unlike the patch, it is not visible. I am the type who likes to have a period each month as an additional reassurance that I am not pregnant, so it is a better option for me than the shot or other period-free methods. The side effects that I have experienced were mostly common-some water weight gain, shorter and lighter menstrual cycles, and some cramping during my cycle. Some new side effects that I do not enjoy are a regular (heavy) vaginal discharge, which is stated as common for the ring. Also, I have random abdominal cramping."

8 / 10
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68 Report
  • ADD...
  • October 6, 2008

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have used several pill-form birth controls, and the NuvaRing is my first non-pill method. I really like the fact that it is hassle-free. I always had a hard time remembering to take the pill. Also, unlike the patch, it is not visible. I am the type who likes to have a period each month as an additional reassurance that I am not pregnant, so it is a better option for me than the shot or other period-free methods. The side effects that I have experienced were mostly common-some water weight gain, shorter and lighter menstrual cycles, and some cramping during my cycle. Some new side effects that I do not enjoy are a regular (heavy) vaginal discharge, which is stated as common for the ring. Also, I have random abdominal cramping."

8 / 10
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  • Aub...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 18, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I mean, I didn’t get pregnant, so that’s cool and all, but I gained thirty pounds, was suddenly covered in stretch marks, couldn’t bear the idea of sex anymore, and when I did try to have sex, it was immensely painful. Mood swings like crazy; crying one second, laughing the next. Really bad fatigue and paranoia. Migraines 2-3 times a week, body pains, horrible cramps, and it put me on my period for over 6 months! I mean, but I didn’t get pregnant."

3 / 10
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24 Report
  • Krr...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 25, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Love NuvaRing!! Had some side effects such as spotting, cramps, chills the first month, but it all went away on the second ring, and I love not having to think about it. Also, no PMS, no mood swings, and no worries."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Fut...
  • December 8, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing since 2005, and I love it. No pregnancies, my period shortened from about 7 days to 4 days. I also used to have bad cramps, but this helped a lot. I've tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen (hated it, gained a lot of weight that took many years to take off), Tri-Norinyl (liked this but still had to take a pill every day), Paraguard IUD (hurt for the 1st week then was fine, expelled it after 3 months though). My sex drive did not decrease on NuvaRing. My only complaint is my skin is a little worse, and every once in a while, I have to take it out during sex. Thumbs up from my boyfriend and myself."

9 / 10
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55 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 7, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "It's been one week, and I feel EXTREMELY tired and depressed. I really want this to work, so I'll give it a little more time. It's easy to put in, and I don't feel it at all. But I'm sleeping like 12 hours a day and feel like I'm swimming through mud. Also, I've been having random cramps or sharp pains in my abdomen."

6 / 10
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54 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 27, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on Nuvaring for 8+ years and never had a problem, then was forced to switch to the generic because of my insurance. Within the first couple of days of having it in, I started having intense back pain and was so nauseous I could barely go for a walk outside. I finally took it out and got better, but now I'm off birth control and having problems with my moods and cramping. Really sucks that the FDA approved this generic that clearly is dangerous, and now I can't afford something that was working great for me."

1 / 10
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18 Report
  • ups...
  • January 23, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing is effective in pregnancy prevention. However, the side effects were bad. The first month was fine, with only one bad side effect (diarrhea), and I wasn't too sure if it was even from my birth control that month. It was never listed as a side effect. When I got my period, it was light and lasted only about 2 1/2 days. After 2-3 months, side effects started to kick in: more abdominal cramps, normal discharge, extreme bloating very often, nausea, and headaches. Along with these, I became extremely irritable/very grumpy, had a major loss in appetite, and when I did eat, the diarrhea would hit (severely). Eventually, I had horrible back pain and became very depressed, which negatively impacted my life."

2 / 10
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52 Report
  • Lin...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 2, 2020

For Birth Control "The switch to this generic version has been a nightmare. I’m moody, lay in bed with the worst cramps, break out worse now than when I was a teenager (I’m 43). It’s terrible that insurance can dictate this because it’s been absolutely miserable in addition to this COVID quarantine. I got changed to generic in March, and that’s when all the issues began. I’ve been on the NuvaRing for over 10 years, and I can honestly say this has been a terrible transition, and I’m so disappointed that insurance companies can dictate a medication without notice."

1 / 10
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18 Report
  • Dai...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 13, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "My insurance provider now covers this versus the NuvaRing that I have used for 11 years. NEVER a problem with the original, but this generic is worse than a menstrual cycle. I have had cramping, bloating, painful breasts, discharge, headaches, migraine, body aches, and nausea since I started this. So disappointing, it has caused issues I didn’t even have with a cycle. I am 46 and now trying to figure out how I can budget $75 a month for the brand. This is awful."

2 / 10
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18 Report
  • Sav...
  • August 19, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I love NuvaRing! I was put on Microgestin FE 1/20 but stopped after the first month due to awful cramping in my arms/legs (which I still get during PMS). A year later, I started NuvaRing, and so far it has been no hassle at all. My breasts have grown at least half a cup size, and while my acne isn't gone, it's lightened considerably. My periods are light, 4 days long, and I have little to no cramping when before I would be unable to move for hours due to menstrual cramps/ovulation, and my flow was heavy for at least 5 days. I hope this method keeps working for me, and I recommend it to anyone looking for an easy method of birth control."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 2, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel "I'm so glad I found this thread. I thought I was imagining things. I was on the NuvaRing for about a year and loved it and had no side effects whatsoever and was so happy to be able to skip my periods. Then I randomly got handed this different brand at the pharmacy but didn't think much of it. I've had many issues with cramping and painful and swollen breasts, also random spotting, which I'd never had before. I've been diagnosed with anxiety, but I had been managing it pretty well until I started this new brand, and now it's spun out of control again. I'm not sure what to do since my insurance now won't cover NuvaRing anymore, but I cannot stand this brand."

2 / 10
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16 Report
  • Cho...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 21, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had great experiences with the Nuvaring, and then all of a sudden, my insurance company stopped giving it and gave me the EluRyng instead. Since I have been on this, I thought I was going crazy that I have spotted even before the three weeks are up, causing major issues with my interactions with my husband, headaches, breast sensitivity and swelling, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, fatigue. It's been crazy, and I thought it was just me. I wish my insurance would take Nuvaring again."

4 / 10
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16 Report
  • Cho...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 21, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had great experiences with the Nuvaring, and then all of a sudden, my insurance company stopped giving it and gave me the EluRyng instead. Since I have been on this, I thought I was going crazy that I have spotted even before the three weeks are up, causing major issues with my interactions with my husband, headaches, breast sensitivity and swelling, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, fatigue. It's been crazy, and I thought it was just me. I wish my insurance would take Nuvaring again."

4 / 10
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16 Report
  • Sin...
  • March 15, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "My partner and I finally decided to try some alternate methods of birth control. NuvaRing was my first choice because I'm too forgetful to try pills, and I must say I've had a mixed experience. I love the fact that I can insert it and forget about it. I don't feel it during sex, and it doesn't slip out. It got rid of my recurring yeast infections, I even grew a cup size. However, I can't help but notice that I've gained weight, especially around my waistline, which almost never happens, and my sex drive has decreased. I exercise regularly, so I know it had to be the hormones. I experience extreme mood swings, I'm a lot more angry, I find myself depressed, have random urges to cry, and my periods are just as painful as before. I just may switch soon."

4 / 10
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30 Report
  • kel...
  • October 30, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "So I just felt the need to come on here and put in a good word. It has only been 4 days for me, but I haven't had any crazy side effects. The bad so far is: a little nausea and definitely some dizziness, which is improving. I had some fatigue day 1-2 also, and some cramping and headache day 3. My sex drive has been insanely high. I feel like I am more sane than normal and kinder, lol. I don't feel the ring when it's in really, and I do have this compulsion to keep checking to make sure it's still in there. I have had sex and no change (so far?) in ability to orgasm or vaginal lubrication. Previously, I was on Loestrin and was experiencing more side effects than this from the get-go. So overall, I am happy. I will update after a few weeks and see how it's going."

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • Mzz...
  • July 27, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "The NuvaRing has worked for me. I have never tried any other form of birth control, and I started using it 6 years ago to help with a very irregular, long, and heavy period. It also helped clear up my skin then, and when I went off birth control, my periods did get heavier, and sometimes I had debilitating cramps. Plus, I suffered from bad adult acne that nothing would fix. Within 3 months of going back on the NuvaRing, my acne cleared right up, and immediately my periods got shorter, lighter, and were less painful. I didn't note any significant mood changes or changes in sex drive (but mine has never been especially high). I have experienced significant vaginal discharge, but it is normal aside from increased quantity. It is very convenient."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Eri...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 4, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had a mostly positive experience with the NuvaRing, but ultimately discontinued use. Pros: I have a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis, and the ring made symptoms like cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, and vomiting less frequent and more bearable. My skin was beautiful. My cystic acne disappeared, and I only got 1-2 small, almost undetectable pimples a month. I also loved how convenient the ring is. It’s so much easier to remember to change your ring every 3-4 weeks than to take a pill at the same exact time every single day. Cons: The first few months I had some mood swings and got frustrated and angry at little things. This did taper off. Noticeably lowered sex drive (but this might be more connected to endometriosis pain). Near constant spotting. I would spot 8 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off. Spotting was the only reason I discontinued use. I wish my body reacted better to these hormones because it really is a fantastic BC option. I would recommend it to a friend."

6 / 10
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12 Report
  • The...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis, and my gynecologist initially recommended the Mirena to help manage it. The inserting process was impossible and so dismissed. Next up was the patch... worst decision of my life. Nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue... that lasted me three days. Next up was the NuvaRing. I'm going into my third week, and so far it's doing better than anything else I've tried. My side effects are awful headaches and cramps here and there. Other than that, I feel perfectly fine. If the headache gets bad, I simply use a painkiller, and voila! I'll definitely recommend it to anyone that can't use a high-dose contraceptive like me. I think the low dose in the ring could make a huge difference. Can't knock it till you try it!"

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • Col...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 5, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Terrible. I was on Nuvaring for about ten years on and off, and it was perfect: light periods, barely there, and zero side effects. Because of my insurance, I was switched to EluRyng, and it went downhill from there: heavy periods, never consistent, super irregular, always spotting. Haven’t stopped bleeding in over a month. I've been on it for about four months now. I’ve been nauseous, with cramps and lots of headaches! Not impressed and figuring out ways to afford Nuvaring again!"

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Jac...
  • April 24, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "My experience has been good so far. I've been on NuvaRing for three weeks now, and I'm about to have my first period. I have not gained weight, it has helped clear my acne, and I am not pregnant, so it works. The only downsides have been lots of breast tenderness, which has finally passed, and bad cramps, randomly. I've never had bad cramps, so that part does suck. I plan to continue using this form of birth control."

8 / 10
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19 Report
  • Mom...
  • June 7, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "So I’ve been using NuvaRing for about 2 months now after having my little girl in March. This birth control has given me so many symptoms, I’m going crazy! Nausea, increased appetite, cramps, headaches, and mood swings! I have to apologize to my husband when he gets home from work tonight because I’ve been so mean to him, and I know he’s wondering what the hell is going on! This is my first time being on birth control in 5 years, and I absolutely hate it. Even growing up, my body hated birth control, and I always advocated against it. I let my doctor talk me into not getting my tubes tied because I have 2 kids, and I’m only 27. But I know we don’t want more kids, I’m content with my 2, and we plan to adopt a child when they’re older. I’m scheduled for a consultation in 2 weeks for tubal ligation, and I’m going through with it. This experience with NuvaRing has been the worst! I’m not compromising my well-being for birth control when I know I’m physically done having babies."

1 / 10
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11 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.