Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I loved NuvaRing. I was put on NuvaRing as a last-minute decision after the birth control pill I was originally on caused a lot of abnormal bleeding. I never really experienced any side effects, occasionally, I would have a lower sex drive than normal, and I also gained about 10-15 lbs, but you couldn’t really tell. NuvaRing also helped clear my acne a lot, which was great because I suffered from cystic acne for years. Unfortunately, a generic form of NuvaRing has been recently released, so my insurance will no longer allow me to continue NuvaRing. So my doctor decided it was best to put me back on the pill (a different brand than before), which is devastating because NuvaRing was really great, and I highly recommend it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2022

For Birth Control "Worst birth control EVER!! I was on the NuvaRing for years and have had no problems, I loved it! This thing is crap. I’m constantly spotting. My periods were super regular and always lasted 4 days. Now I will be on my period for weeks, then I spot randomly when I’m not. It’s sometimes painful to have sex. I have legit had such bad anxiety and depression! One night I broke down and told my husband I was suicidal!! Horrible headaches, feeling nauseous and tired all the time. I have thought multiple times I’m prego because of the side effects I was having. HORRIBLE birth control, I would rather use condoms than deal with this rubbish. Do NOT use this. It honestly should be recalled."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I personally liked the NuvaRing. I am very forgetful, and I had been on the pill before, so I am happy I switched to this. I was on it for about a year and just now switched to Nexplanon because of my insurance. NuvaRing worked very well for me for the most part. The first 3 months when I put the ring in after the ring-free break, I would be very nauseous because my body didn't have the hormones for a week, that was a downside. Another thing is, about 6 months into it, I felt like I had no sex drive. That lasted for about 2 months or so, but I am not sure if I can blame the ring for that. Other than that, I would recommend it!"

• Mrs...
• July 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I choose NuvaRing because if I went on the pill I would never take it because I am very forgetful, plus I've heard horror stories about other birth control. Anyway, I've been on the NuvaRing for about 4 months now, and I do the 4-week cycle, so I don't get periods. I noticed I have a little spotting around the 3rd week of having it in. I'm very moody with this birth control, and my libido is ALL THE WAY DOWN. I also get headaches here and there, those have to be my only side effect with it. My husband isn't a fan of it because he says he can feel it during intercourse. It has taken a toll on our marriage due to my low sex drive. Not sure if it's related to the product, but after reading a few reviews, I'm guessing it is. Considering changing."

• Gen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I previously did a review on NuvaRing about a year ago, and I have to say my opinion hasn't changed much. It's very easy to use, my skin is clear, my periods are much more tolerable. I have gained about 15-20 pounds within the last year, but I was only 105 lbs, so I look healthier, and my breasts are a lot larger. A couple of things I've noticed are that my breasts are extremely tender and my sex drive is unfortunately very low. Still a very good, effortless birth control."

• 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
• 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in January 2016. At first, I thought of it as a worry-free BC where I don't have to worry about taking a pill at a specific time each day. However, as the months of me using it piled up, so did my mood changes, killer cramps from hell, and increased anxiety. I'm depressed all the time, anxious all the time, and I get mad at my boyfriend for no reason at all. He's asked me to see a counselor. That's how bad it's been. I also have a decrease in sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort when having intercourse. I spoke to my gyno about my situation, and she suggested leaving the ring in for 4 weeks rather than 3. After reading all these reviews, I decided to take out my ring today, and I'm going back to my gyno tomorrow."

• BOS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I was using NuvaRing for about 3 months, and at first it was fine, but then I lost any and all sex drive. It was to the point where I was getting mad at my boyfriend because I wanted nothing to do with him in that way. My moods were all over the place, and I gained a few pounds, but nothing extreme. It is convenient to leave it in for three weeks, but it's a hassle taking it out before sex and remembering to put it back in within the time frame. Just wasn't a match for me. Your doctor won't tell you about sex drive loss because it is not that common, but definitely know it's possible! Hope it works for you."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing about 5-6 months ago. It started out great because I LOVED not having to remember it every single day. I didn't notice the subtle changes, which makes me disappointed. Side note: my medicine is delivered and NuvaRing had to be refrigerated. The postal carrier kept refusing to deliver it if no one was home and would never try to redeliver. The last time my postal carrier refused to deliver, I came off of it completely - and I'm SO glad I did. I thought that I'd been moody due to recent life changes and all. I had no sex drive, I was angry all the time, I was constantly depressed, and my anxiety was through the roof. After the initial 'ring-free week', everything started getting clearer and clearer every day. It was INSANE. The part that sucked was not being told by anyone that I was becoming more irritable every month. Definitely not birth control for me..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "The NuvaRing is a great contraceptive if you don't like being yourself. My mood swings were unpredictable and nasty. It was very effective due to the fact that the ring started causing abrasions in my vagina, making it nearly impossible to have sex; it hurt so bad I was reduced to tears several times. I lost my sex drive almost completely, and seven months later, I am still struggling to get my sex drive back. In addition, my hair began falling out in a patch by my forehead. I would not recommend this to anyone. To me, it's not worth the risk of the side effects you could face."

• dde...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for about 3 months. It is by far my favorite form of birth control. I was on some form of the pill for the 5 years prior to this year, and I had all sorts of problems with them. I love the convenience of NuvaRing and only having to remember it once a month. I was concerned about how NuvaRing would affect my tendency to acne and am pleasantly surprised that it is working the same as most pills, and I have not had a problem with acne. There are a couple downsides to it, though: no sex drive and tendency to gain weight. I am able to deal with the weight gain and adjust my lifestyle to where it is not a problem. However, the decrease in sex drive is quite irritating for both my husband and myself."

• 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."

• 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."

• Kid...
• December 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I used NuvaRing successfully for almost 3 years, no side effects. It was perfect for what I needed. An easy-to-use, no-worry birth control method. Over the last two years, I've had a dramatic increase in side effects, zero, and I mean ZERO sex drive. Fortunately, my fiancé."

• M13...
• May 9, 2017

For Birth Control "So far, so good. It has been about three weeks. The only real symptoms have been a decreased libido and weight loss (I've been eating the same amounts/foods and haven't increased exercise but have lost 2-3 pounds)."

• ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2022

For Birth Control "The first couple of months, I noticed the changes I was feeling, such as being very anxious or upset, but I didn't think anything of it and basically got used to the feeling. This was in 2018. Now, 2022, after having a serious talk with him, I have decided to stop the NuvaRing. For about 3-4 months now, I have noticed a dramatic change in who I am and how I view things. I was sleeping about 80% of my day, I always felt super sick with terrible migraines, constantly so depressed, or crying, or so ticked off over the slightest things. I noticed I wasn't loving myself the way one should. My breasts were always hurting and no sexual desire. A week off, and I feel so much relief and so much happier, positive! I will say NuvaRing did cut my periods down to 3 days and did help with cramps, but my overall well-being is more important than anything."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Pros: pop it in, wait three weeks, pop it out. Replace right away to skip a period (this never really worked for me, but I could stretch it out some if there was a date I wanted to skip. I could never convince my body to skip a whole month. My periods were much lighter and shorter on NR, which was nice. 3-4 days usually, medium to light flow. Cons: no libido, which I guess is what really makes this work. I did not want sex from my husband. I could do the deed, but there was no passion like before. Sex became completely irrelevant for me. I basically formed an indifferent opinion of my husband. I took a break for a month or two to see if I felt more like myself, and I did, but I also ended up pregnant with baby number 3, whoops."

• 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."

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

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."

• Nic...
• February 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I've used the NuvaRing for 2 years before my husband and I decided to have a child. I have been on it now for a month. I absolutely love this form of birth control! Pros: no need to remember to take it every day. Easy to use. Just insert it and go. Have never gotten pregnant on it. I haven't had any issues with it coming out at all. Periods are less painful. Cons: low...very low sex drive, which is starting to become a slight issue. Headaches. I've been more tired lately than usual. There are more pros than cons, so I'm planning on sticking with it. So far, this is my favorite method, and I will not use any other kind!!! (Besides condoms)"

• 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."

• Bba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to love NuvaRing because I have irregular periods, and normal strength estrogen pills did not help to regulate them like the NuvaRing. Been on it for about two years now. I’m only deciding to stop it now because I’ve noticed my moods have been super crazy, and I’m normally not a very emotional person. My anxiety levels are up, and even though my life is pretty great right now, I still feel depressed. Possibly because this birth control lowers your sex drive like no other! I used to have such a high libido, and now it’s like it disappeared. I’m only 20! I’ve been with my SO for 3 years now and can definitely tell the difference from when we first started dating till now. I even did an experiment just taking it out for a week and then putting it back in for a few weeks and now taking it out again. My moods have calmed down, and my sex drive is back! Never getting this medication again unless I’m single, haha. A real relationship roller coaster with this."

• 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."

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

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."