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

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I like/dislike the NuvaRing because before I would always forget to take the pill, and with this, I'm not pregnant. But the only downside is that I have absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. And to find out the reason why, and that I'm not the only one that this happens to, is so relieving. So, I will be switching soon."

• Rin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing was very effective and easy to use, especially during college. My clinician helped me choose it after disliking the Depo because it took away my period. My favorite thing about it was that I knew when my period was coming and I could skip my period if I needed to. The only real side effect I thought I saw was a major decrease in my sex drive, but that also could have been because of the stress of college, so I'm not really too keen on saying it was really a side effect."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started using this product when I became serious with my boyfriend. I'm very scatterbrained, so using it has been amazing in regards to never worrying about missing a pill. I can just leave it in and not worry. After being on it for only 3 months, I noticed an extreme weight gain, loss of sex drive, virtually no vaginal fluid, breast tenderness, anxiety, and severe mood swings. But I stayed on it, hoping it would pass. It hasn't. 2 years later, I'm only on it for convenience. I'm switching this week."

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I switched from an IUD to the ring, and I really wish I hadn't. I've been on this ring since April of 2021, and it's now July. I can safely say this birth control is the worst birth control for me. I asked for Nuvaring because I remember really liking it when I tried it about 6 years ago. They gave me this generic, and I've never disliked a BC as intensely as I do this one. My breasts are always sore. Constantly so. I have one mood now, and it's always bad. I'm either depressed and not talking and kind of in a weird zombie state, or I'm just in a general low mood. I have no sex drive anymore. I actually get mad if my boyfriend suggests it, and that's not like me. I've also developed vision issues, terrible back pain, and dark spots on my face that only started after I began taking this medication. I wish I had never touched this, and I'm looking forward to getting another IUD. Last time I'll put synthetic hormones in my body."

• Eri...
• September 1, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I am 33 and have been on NuvaRing for 3-4 years. There are some positives and negatives which I will list: Positives: - Clear skin: I have always struggled with acne, and my skin became very clear. - Light periods and no cramping. - Convenience, and you don't have to remember to take a pill every day. - Easy to use. - Effective in prevention of pregnancy. Negatives: - Highly increased appetite: I have gained 30 lbs in 3 years (start weight was 140, now 170). - No sex drive: Sex became miserable to endure because I had no interest in it. - Increase in mood swings, aggravation, depression, anxiety, and laziness. - Headaches: Occur very frequently and sometimes lasted for 2-4 days. - Sharp random pains in cervix. - Increase in discharge. I have been off the NuvaRing now for a little over a month, and I feel like my personality is back to normal. I feel like myself again. I have lost weight (6 lbs in one month, and I notice I’m not as hungry and don’t have severe cravings anymore)."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2022

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was in tears last week reading all of these comments. I used Nuvaring for 7 years with no issues. In July 2020, I was switched to EluRyng. Never had issues with my period while using it, so didn't connect the issues I've had for over 2 years now to the generic version being different. I shared with a friend last week that I think I'm already in perimenopause at 35 because there's no explanation for all the symptoms I have and all my tests come back normal. I've gained 25 pounds in the last couple of years, and no matter how hard I work out or cut calories, nothing works. I've had the worst extreme fatigue, migraines for days, crazy anxiety, heart palpitations, ZERO libido, leg cramps at night, insomnia, horrible mood swings, depression, dark self-harm thoughts, fogginess, and my vision has changed significantly 3 times in the last year and a half. I took my ring out 8 days ago and already have so much more energy. Getting the hubby snipped and done with this poison!!"

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

For Birth Control "NOT HAPPY, to put it lightly. I have been using Nuvaring since 2011, with only minor, very manageable side effects (the biggest one being decreased libido). I switched to the generic this month (June) and have only had the ring in for 9 days so far. I'm not sure what hurts worse: my boobs or my back. My lower back seriously hurts so badly that it is almost impossible for me to lay down or walk around. Sitting slumped over is the only way it is ***BARELY*** manageable. Have had a number of headaches this week, which is unusual for me. I have also been experiencing severe insomnia. I blindly trusted that the generic would be a fine substitute because I've always felt like generics are the same. I am so frustrated and scared about what I have just done to my body. I'm also wondering if I am now stuck finishing out the 3-month box, despite barely being able to move around. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE GENERIC."

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 3 months. I chose NuvaRing because I knew I couldn't be trusted with taking a pill every day but wanted birth control to help regulate my periods, ease mood swings, and clear skin. On NuvaRing, I still have mood swings, more headaches now, at times feel very tired, still have bad breakouts, and also an almost non-existent sex drive. I assumed all this was because I was home with 3 little kids until I noticed a pattern while on the NuvaRing. Three days after I take the ring out, I have a surge of sexual desire (also this is when my period starts, figures). I'm going to stick with it for another 2 months to see how it goes, meanwhile, I'm going to talk with my doctor again about better options."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "So I had tried the pill in college, which left me 30 lbs heavier. Fast forward 4 years, and I find myself trying to pick out a birth control that wouldn't cause such a dramatic weight gain. I tried Nuva per my OBGYN's suggestion. I really like how easy it is to use. I never had a problem inserting or removing, along with no problems during intercourse. My periods were also lighter. Nuva really worked with my schedule. The downfall is that my face broke out with cystic acne (which is extremely painful). My breasts hurt 24/7. I have no sex drive. I constantly feel like I have a UTI or something. My appetite is up and down, sometimes I feel sick for no reason. Also, I get 1-2 headaches a day since starting Nuva."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 27, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for almost a year now. I have had no negative side effects except for lowered sex drive and moderate dryness during intercourse. This has not changed at all, which makes me want to change to something else that is a low-dose contraceptive. Prior to getting on the ring, I had moderate acne, and after a month of being on this, it cleared the acne up completely. I have had no weight gain, spotting, skin discolorations, nausea, or any other common side effects while I have been on this. So far, it has been very effective in preventing pregnancy."

• bcJ...
• May 2, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for 3 months, and I loved what it did for my mental clarity, but physical side effects were terrible. Exhaustion... needing multiple cups of coffee a day. Last straw, my boyfriend had to stop having sex with me because I was so dry! The pain during sex... nope, not ok. I have been on Nexplanon (dryness), Chateal for 2 years (amazing sex drive but I was crazy, cramps and so fatigued I could faint during the day), Aubra for 1.5 years and had constant yeast infections. Then Junel, which made me absolutely crazy. Finding what to pair with Ethylin Estradiol has been so hard, but I did! My last attempt has been on Cryselle with norgestrel as the progestational, and I feel great, have energy, and good sex drive. Also, with NuvaRing, I constantly felt like I was going to have a heart attack (twitchy legs, spasms, heart flutter). All this has stopped with the pill Cryselle. Don’t give up on your journey! Find what works."

• Al ...
• August 28, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I LOVE THE RING!!! Ladies, I seriously recommend the ring to anyone and everyone. The ring has given so much freedom in college, and it's amazing. I've been on it for a year and have had zero side effects. ZERO weight gain, no acne (in fact, my skin is clearer than it was before being on the NuvaRing), no mood swings, no decrease in sex drive, etc. Five of my friends have tried the ring as well, and they love it too!! You can't feel it once inserted, and it stays in place during sex and won't move until you take it out. It's super easy to put in as well! It has helped make my period super manageable, and I have no PMS. I used to suffer from painful periods, and now I don't have to worry about any of that. It's great! Give it a try!"

• CLB...
• June 27, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing (NR) for about 6 months. Although it is extremely convenient, I have had the worst mood swings EVER. The mood swings overpower the convenience of the NR for me. I have also gained about 10-15 pounds, which is not normal for me at all (20 years old), low to really no sex drive, headaches, nausea. I know side effects are different for everyone, but I wanted to let someone else know my problems before they have to deal with them."

• Alm...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 23, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing since I was 15, now I am 24, and I've only been on NuvaRing. I've enjoyed this product, BUT I can say it has changed my mood, and I have no sex drive. I've been with my boyfriend for 8 years, and I just get angry at him for no reason. For years, I thought I was mentally ill, but I have finally realized it's my NuvaRing. Most people who post on here have recently started using it, after almost 10 years of using this, I can say it's a love/hate relationship. Pros: It does its job! Cons: Mood swings, headaches, and no sex drive. I am looking into Nexplanon, but I'm scared to turn into a crazed fiend and put more strain on my relationship. I've been irregular all my life, so I don't know with a new BC."

• RWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I got EluRyng as a substitute for my usual NuvaRing because my pharmacy didn’t have any name-brand. Honestly, so much worse than NuvaRing. I thought they would be somewhat comparable, but EluRyng gave me acne, I was always feeling nauseous, got really bad mood swings, and always had to take it out during sex. Instead of being flexible like NuvaRing, this ring is hard and hurts a lot during sex! I do not recommend unless this is your last resort. Other than the side effects, though, it seems to be as effective as the NuvaRing."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• ab7...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I thought since I had such a horrible experience, I would write a review. So I did give it a 2 out of 10 just because I didn't get pregnant an entire year on this medicine, so it is technically effective and also convenient. But the side effects were just not worth it. I literally turned into a crazy person. No libido. I was so unbelievably depressed for months, and it came on slowly, so I didn't really notice how bad it was until I hit rock bottom. I would cry for hours about nothing. I almost broke up with my boyfriend of 6 years because I was so depressed, and I didn't understand why I was so unhappy. Bad experience for me. Not worth it, in my opinion, but everyone is different!"

• Nur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 15, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I used NuvaRing for 3+ years before my pharmacy switched me to the EluRyng for some reason. I assumed it would be the same, but I was so wrong. Enter low libido, painful sex, increased anxiety, among other things (none of them pleasant). NuvaRing got rid of my period cramps before BC, but they are present with EluRyng. I was considering switching to the patch or injection until discovering my experience mimicked many others'. I will be switching back to the NuvaRing as soon as possible. If you are considering switching, please know they are NOT the same drug and the NuvaRing is far superior. I wish I had known earlier. I spent around 9 months on EluRyng. I didn't get pregnant, so I guess it accomplished its main job, but if I knew these side effects would happen, I would have never used this med. So disappointed."

• Nur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 15, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I used NuvaRing for 3+ years before my pharmacy switched me to the EluRyng for some reason. I assumed it would be the same, but I was so wrong. Enter low libido, painful sex, increased anxiety, among other things (none of them pleasant). NuvaRing got rid of my period cramps before BC, but they are present with EluRyng. I was considering switching to the patch or injection until discovering my experience mimicked many others'. I will be switching back to the NuvaRing as soon as possible. If you are considering switching, please know they are NOT the same drug and the NuvaRing is far superior. I wish I had known earlier. I spent around 9 months on EluRyng. I didn't get pregnant, so I guess it accomplished its main job, but if I knew these side effects would happen, I would have never used this med. So disappointed."

• Coo...
• May 11, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for almost 10 years, and I had very few problems with it. Yes, it feels like putting a jelly bracelet in your hooha once a month. However, I had great skin, short periods (3 days, my back would kill for the first day) and never got a decreased sex drive. I have had issues with certain well-endowed partners playing ring toss, though, which can be awkward. That is the only reason why I am switching to an IUD. Overall, a great experience for me."

• Jax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "After reading these comments, I feel justified. I’ve been feeling the absolute worst for the last 2 months without any obvious cause. I’ve spoken to my doctor about this mystery illness, gotten bloodwork done, all to no avail. After my insurance switched me to EluRyng from NuvaRing 2 months ago without telling me, I have literally wondered why I feel so bad. I have had a constant-and I do mean constant-headache every single day. I’ve had bouts of nausea and vomiting. I’ve lost 5 lbs this month. I’ve never been so fatigued in my life. My anxiety, which has been under control, has been off the charts, and I’m snapping at people for no reason. I’ve had absolutely no sex drive, which is unusual. And we hate to say it-but we shouldn’t-suicidal thoughts. This is the worst “medication” out there. And I really hope you read this BEFORE you also experience these symptoms and find yourself on Google because you think you’re wondering how to keep living."

• avo...
• October 1, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Been on it since April 2019 for birth control, and I do have PCOS. Had spotting the first month, but that was expected. No real side effects aside from decreased sex drive. My period comes during the week that you keep it out, although I have noticed that it's started coming towards the end rather than the start of the off week. I've lost weight since I started, even though I was concerned about gaining some."

• Ano...
• November 4, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I love that I only have to think about my birth control twice a month. It's easy to use. That being said, after about six months of use, I realized that I was noticeably more anxious, depressed, and emotional. Where I've had problems with anxiety before, I more frequently have panic attacks, a rapid heartbeat, and a tight chest. I find it hard to fall asleep at night and hard to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe the worst part is that I have a very low libido. There will be times when I do have a desire to have sex with my SO, but my body doesn't respond or tenses up quickly. Otherwise, I don't think about intercourse nearly as much as I used to."

• fja...
• July 24, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "After being on the pill for 7 years, I switched to NuvaRing in January. I did not have any issues with headaches, feeling nauseous, or differences in my appetite. However, after the first month or so, my sex drive was completely gone. Every time my boyfriend and I would try to have sex, it would be very painful, or I would get no pleasure from it. I just switched back to the pill but really wish that NuvaRing would have worked out for me because otherwise I totally love how easy it was to use every month."

• Eri...
• November 19, 2008

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I used this birth control a couple of years ago and had no trouble, but I used it again from February to September of this year and ran into bad side effects. My sex drive went way down along with lubrication. I saw the doctor who ended up removing the ring for 3 months, and everything returned to normal. I lost weight afterwards as well."