Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Okay, so I used NV when I was a late teen with no complications whatsoever. I'm 32 years old now and just recently started back on it again after my c-section. This has been the worst birth control experience of my life. I've used it for 3 weeks and ended up with horrible headaches, extreme cramping in my stomach for a week now nonstop, feeling delusional, and very irritable with no sex drive whatsoever when before taking this I've always had a very high sex drive. I've been breastfeeding, and flow isn't all that good anymore, but worst of all, I have found myself so hard on myself and so depressed, and it's been beyond my control. Felt like I needed to seek help. After reading about side effects, I have figured out where the problem was coming from. No more NV for me."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on the pill for 8 years and went off it for 2 years for a natural lifestyle - holy cow, I didn't realize while on that pill how depressed I was and had zero sex drive! Now being 25 and single, I thought I would be more responsible and try the NuvaRing to ease my mind. Being very in-tuned with my body, I knew after 1 month this was NOT for me. I’m very active and eat healthy, so within 1 month I gained 10 lbs, got extremely bloated, was always constipated, and I began feeling extremely unmotivated. My appetite was through the ROOF! The mood swings were severe too, and after just a month I knew I couldn’t put myself through this. I took the NuvaRing out last night and already feel happier 24 hours later. I would rather rely on condoms/my cycle than jeopardize my happiness and health. This forum helped me so much knowing I’m not the only one that had these symptoms. Listen to your body, ladies!"

• Jil...
• May 13, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "So I've been on the NuvaRing for 2 months now going on 3. I was on Junel Fe before this and was complaining of severe bloating, weight gain, erratic mood swings, almost complete loss of sex drive, and boy did I eat like a man! I was begging for something different and was nervous to try this, but I finally did it, and I feel like a new woman! I lost about 8 pounds almost immediately due to my back to normal appetite and my loss of water weight. My bloating has been consolidated to only my period week, which I might add I did not get a normal period cycle until trying this. I was a little emotional to start off with it, but it quickly subsided along with the very mild nausea. I didn't get any vaginal infections or irritation, but I do prefer to take it out during sex because I feel it moving around. I also like that I don't have to take a pill every day. My only complaint is that I am very sleepy all the time. I'm not sure if that's a side effect of this or just me, but I will look into it."

• TxG...
• August 10, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• 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."

• Sam...
• July 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Just like many women on here, I had been a NuvaRing user for 10+ years. My only side effect from that was my monthly headache, & I managed it. But this new ring? First, where was the communication that the rings were changing? This is our body, and no one gave us the heads up, barely a choice about this. That speaks volumes to what they think about women. Secondly, I’ve only worn this ring for 1 month. I’m awaiting my cycle now (5 days post-removal), & I know for many reasons my body is not responding the same as before. During this month, I have experienced fatigue, slight depression, major headaches, & usually when it’s time for my cycle, I usually have a higher sex drive. I haven't had any sexual desires this entire month. I’m concerned how this will affect me in the long run. I need to know who do we need to contact to make that switch back. It's too late in technology to be coming out with some BS type of birth control. This is more damaging than prevention."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 11, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the ring for a few years and love it! After I put it in, I can't feel it and forget about it. I have to write on the calendar when to take it in and out because I never think of it. My libido is very low, but I'm not sure if that's me or the ring. No other side effects for me. My insurance changed, and I can't afford it now. So bummed to go back to the pill."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing seemed like the perfect option for me. I'm a college student, so life can be crazy, and I never know where I'm going to be at what time of day. I used to like to take the pill. The first month wasn't too bad, but after that, I started noticing some serious changes. I started feeling tired almost all the time, even after 9 hours of sleep. My sex drive decreased to nothing. If I wasn't wanting to have sex, then what's the point of taking birth control and paying so much for it every month? I started having really bad effects on my emotions. I would go from being happy to sad within a second. It was nothing for me to randomly start tearing up for no reason. I never had this problem on the pill. I'm switching back."

• Van...
• May 10, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Just wanted to share my 8 months' experience with NuvaRing. First, I was really happy, it helps with my heavy and painful periods for sure! Unfortunately, my libido went to zero, and even if I took the ring out, intercourse was really painful... like sharp razor blades. I also suffered from horrible migraines almost every day. Be careful when you use combined hormones. My neurologist, whom I saw for my chronic migraines, suggested I take off the ring and see if my migraine would get better. After one week, I noticed a dramatic change! No more migraines that were ruining my life, and great-no painful intercourse. I got my libido back, lol! So in general, I was not satisfied with NuvaRing, I had more bad side effects than positive."

• Van...
• May 10, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Just wanted to share my 8 months' experience with NuvaRing. First, I was really happy, it helps with my heavy and painful periods for sure! Unfortunately, my libido went to zero, and even if I took the ring out, intercourse was really painful... like sharp razor blades. I also suffered from horrible migraines almost every day. Be careful when you use combined hormones. My neurologist, whom I saw for my chronic migraines, suggested I take off the ring and see if my migraine would get better. After one week, I noticed a dramatic change! No more migraines that were ruining my life, and great-no painful intercourse. I got my libido back, lol! So in general, I was not satisfied with NuvaRing, I had more bad side effects than positive."

• Sin...
• July 21, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I used the NuvaRing on a continuous use cycle. I loved it! Being able to skip periods was great. I experienced light cramping and my libido went down. My skin was amazingly clear and I didn't have to worry about it. My husband didn't like it because he could feel it during sex."

• Hd2...
• August 28, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have taken NuvaRing for one full month. I got one migraine headache and was very bloated for the first couple of weeks. It increased my anxiety quite a bit, especially when I was tired. PMS got much better. However, my sex drive has declined. I had a very normal period on it."

• 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."

• ani...
• April 25, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "No one is the same, and NuvaRing obviously works for some, but it did not for me. I'm on my third month and just took it out for good. It put me in a permanent funk... and by that, I mean constantly paranoid or sad, and I would also be upset with my boyfriend over nothing. I hadn't been on BC at all for about two years before. Without birth control, I do get PMS the week before my period, which was toned down by the ring, but it feels like it just spread it out to a more mild PMS the whole time (terrible!). My sex drive was noticeably diminished to the point where I didn't even want to have sex sometimes (and that NEVER happens, lol). Overall, good for acne and regulating the period, but not worth the emotional instability and sex drive effects."

• WyT...
• December 27, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been using NuvaRing for 4 months... so far, so good! I have not experienced any side effects other than I've lost almost 10 lbs. I noticed my weight loss, which is a great thing... but I'm not sure if it's directly from using the NuvaRing. Either way, I'm very pleased. NuvaRing is convenient, nice not having to take a pill daily. My sex drive might be down a little bit, but nothing major. My biggest issue is remembering that I even have the NuvaRing in and remembering when to take it out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 24, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for almost 3 full years. I would agree with many other reviewers-zero sex drive. When I do have sex, I have to use tons of lubrication, which my body lacks terribly. I am wondering if the ring is what is causing the dryness during sex. I also feel like it causes irritation periodically. I also found that it will sit low and need to be adjusted sometimes. I am really considering consulting with my doctor and getting off permanently. On the flip side-never gained weight, was super easy to insert and forget about, maintained periods, didn't feel like it caused moodiness or was mentally hazardous."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 24, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for almost 3 full years. I would agree with many other reviewers-zero sex drive. When I do have sex, I have to use tons of lubrication, which my body lacks terribly. I am wondering if the ring is what is causing the dryness during sex. I also feel like it causes irritation periodically. I also found that it will sit low and need to be adjusted sometimes. I am really considering consulting with my doctor and getting off permanently. On the flip side-never gained weight, was super easy to insert and forget about, maintained periods, didn't feel like it caused moodiness or was mentally hazardous."

• 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
• May 15, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "To make this review easy, I'll share a list of the pros and cons that I have experienced on the NuvaRing while being on it for 5 years. Pros: very light periods with minimal cramping (although I am lucky enough that my periods beforehand were already pretty light, but my cramps were horrible), super easy to use, can skip your period if you want to, insurance covered it, you barely know it's in there, can take it out for up to 3 hours while having sex. Cons: ZERO sex drive, moodiness, constant bloating, constant tiredness, cravings, weight gain, my vagina has actually become swollen after sex, sometimes painful sex. Everyone is different, but the cons are outweighing the pros for me at this point, so I am looking for a different option immediately."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "To make this review easy, I'll share a list of the pros and cons that I have experienced on the NuvaRing while being on it for 5 years. Pros: very light periods with minimal cramping (although I am lucky enough that my periods beforehand were already pretty light, but my cramps were horrible), super easy to use, can skip your period if you want to, insurance covered it, you barely know it's in there, can take it out for up to 3 hours while having sex. Cons: ZERO sex drive, moodiness, constant bloating, constant tiredness, cravings, weight gain, my vagina has actually become swollen after sex, sometimes painful sex. Everyone is different, but the cons are outweighing the pros for me at this point, so I am looking for a different option immediately."

• Bub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "The first couple of months weren’t bad at all. However, a few months in, I started getting extreme moodiness and couldn’t control my emotions at all. Slowly it started getting worse to where I felt like a zombie some days. Like I just didn’t feel like myself at all. My temper was getting way worse. Then to top it off, I started getting extreme pain during sex, which I’ve never had! Like extreme sharp pain during intercourse. I became violently angry and felt bipolar. One minute happy and everything is okay, next minute in the blink of an eye I’m moody and it’s the end of the world. Definitely been feeling paranoid too. Then, of course, breast tenderness, occasional nausea, and more frequent chest pain. My anxiety is through the roof, and sometimes it’s almost like you feel something is wrong with you, like you get a sense that you feel like you’re dying."

• 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."

• cas...
• April 22, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for about six months. For the first month or two, I had terrible headaches at the end of the days I had class, but everything else was fine. Fast forward to 3-5 months, I was moody, I was even a little depressed, and I had no sex drive. I wanted to eat everything in sight. From the second month to the sixth month, I gained about twenty pounds with no significant lifestyle changes or dietary changes besides the NuvaRing. If you are tolerant of high hormone levels and don't gain weight, this might be a good option for you. It stays in for three weeks and comes out the fourth week for your period (which mine came very regularly while on it). If it wasn't for the significant weight gain, I would have stayed on it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I really enjoy the NuvaRing. I cannot take birth control pills because they contain lactose, and I am allergic to dairy. The NuvaRing is super convenient and easy to use. If you put it in correctly, you'll never know it is there. I used to faint during my period without the NuvaRing - which I don't now. Also, I barely have any cramps with NuvaRing and have a shorter period. The side effects that I endured were nausea and breast tenderness for the first month. Also, I have had some weight gain and loss of sex drive - but both are minor. The most prominent side effect was breast enlargement - I went from a 32C to a 32DDD."

• Am4...
• January 11, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was prepared for some side effects, but so far there's only more wetness (not bothersome) and a reduction in sex drive (haven't decided if it's bothersome or not yet). I keep waiting for the scary side effects you read about, but so far, so good. I am prone to anxiety and headaches, but all that has been just business as usual for me, no increase. No slip-out. No pain."