Annovera and Cramps: What Users Say

• Old...
• January 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m a 35-year-old woman who has Hashimoto's thyroiditis, EDS, and PCOS. I do terrible on most hormonal birth controls, and IUDs make my anemia and pain worse. I put Annovera in on day 2 of my period, the period stopped. Had a headache for a day. I started spotting around day 20, with some cramps, heavy breakthrough around day 21. On day 17, I was irritable, but fine after. I can’t skip my period with any of the low estrogen BCs like this. I did have some cramping when spotting, took Ibu, period/cramps a little heavier. I used NuvaRing in the past: depression, no sex drive, and weight gain, none on this. My hormonal acne stopped. Partner can kinda feel it, but not enough to bother him, I can’t feel it. I really like it, hopefully, I will stop spotting after this period because it would be nice to find a birth control that doesn’t make my PCOS worse."

• Old...
• January 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m a 35-year-old woman who has Hashimoto's thyroiditis, EDS, and PCOS. I do terrible on most hormonal birth controls, and IUDs make my anemia and pain worse. I put Annovera in on day 2 of my period, the period stopped. Had a headache for a day. I started spotting around day 20, with some cramps, heavy breakthrough around day 21. On day 17, I was irritable, but fine after. I can’t skip my period with any of the low estrogen BCs like this. I did have some cramping when spotting, took Ibu, period/cramps a little heavier. I used NuvaRing in the past: depression, no sex drive, and weight gain, none on this. My hormonal acne stopped. Partner can kinda feel it, but not enough to bother him, I can’t feel it. I really like it, hopefully, I will stop spotting after this period because it would be nice to find a birth control that doesn’t make my PCOS worse."

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Annovera for a little over a month. Initially, it worked extremely well. I started it on day 2 of my period, and it completely stopped my flow and my cramps. I did have a few mild headaches and nausea in the first week or so of using it, but nothing bad. The period week was a nightmare of heavy bleeding and excruciatingly painful cramping. It was much worse than my normal period. Since re-inserting the ring for the second cycle, I’ve been having mild to moderate cramping every day, and I’m so nauseated that I’ve completely lost my appetite. That said, I’m planning to stick with it because it has been extremely effective for my endometriosis and has already reduced the size of my endometrioma. I would still recommend this birth control to anybody because you never know how your body is going to react to it. It’s so convenient that you don’t have to take a pill, and I haven’t experienced any change in libido like I have with other birth control."

• Bec...
• January 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I inserted ANNOVERA for the first time at the beginning of Dec 2020, and so far it’s been good up until a week ago. Personally, I haven’t really had any nausea, but I have had a lack of appetite. I’m not losing weight or anything, but food is not something I constantly crave anymore. The real red flag is recently I’ve begun having random cramps pop up, and it’s so painful that I’ve had to remove my ring (you’re given a 2-hour window to reinsert every month). I wait about 5 minutes and then reinsert, and I’m fine. I’ve also really developed breast tenderness that has not gone away. I’m still going to try it out for a few more months because the pros outweigh the cons. By the way, for some reason this has actually enhanced my sex life versus my BCP. I don’t know if it’s the feeling of the ring inside or the hormone change, but it’s really helped out that aspect quite a bit. Now, if I can get the cramps and breast pain to subside."

• Kei...
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been using this vaginal ring for 6 months, and everything was fine at first. My gynecologist switched me to this one from Nuvaring, which I loved but got rid of my sex drive. At first, I had no side effects besides slight nausea the first two days after I inserted it. After 4 months of use, the nausea persisted sometimes with a headache accompanying it, and the most excruciating cramps of my life! Prior to using birth control, my periods have always been awesome. Light flow that lasted 3-4 days and minor to no cramping at all. Now, after being on Annovera, I always get my period 2 days after removal (a necessary plus so I can predict and prepare for it), but the cramps are so bad. Like I just want to lay in the fetal position and can't do anything. I can’t walk, I can’t even take a deep breath in. It’s the worst. I plan on discontinuing use because of the cramps. It works, though. No pregnancy scares, sex drive remained the same, no depression. I’ve actually never felt calmer, but the cramps are bad."

• Nat...
• April 29, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Annovera on March 28, 2021, to eliminate having two periods a month. My doctor instructed me to insert it the first day of my period. Bleeding completely stopped on day two. On day four, I started having cramps, spotting, breast tenderness, and extreme bloating. I’ve never experienced cramps on any other form of birth control. Since March 31, 2021, I have been experiencing spotting, some days heavier than others, but it has been continuous for a month now. It is horrible! Having to wear a pad or a liner every day and just not feeling clean makes me so upset. A few days ago, the spotting turned into actual bleeding. My doctor told me I could keep this birth control in for a full year and not have any more periods, but this has not been true yet. I almost miss just having the two periods each month because there was no breakthrough bleeding or continuous need for feminine products. I want to see if this thing changes up, but right now I’m leaning towards discontinuing use because it is so frustrating."

• CMi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I used NuvaRing for 15 years without side effects and changed to Annovera because of its annual prescription, no refrigeration, or monthly hormonal waste (more environmentally friendly). I like the concept and have used it for 9 months but confirmed my suspicion on symptoms on this platform; for the past 3-4 months I’ve had on-and-off breast tenderness (on NuvaRing only prior to menstruation), near-daily cramping, more painful periods/PMS, and recently, hormonal acne which hasn’t happened since college and spotted for the first time ever. My immune system is weakened/compromised as soon as I've taken the ring out and find I must take it easy or catch colds. I've been exercising more/dieting but have been unable to lose any weight whatsoever. If I stray, I actually gain weight. The cherry on the cake has been my emotional sensitivity as I cry more easily – I will be changing back to NuvaRing next cycle and am curious to see how long before symptoms dissipate."

• CMi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I used NuvaRing for 15 years without side effects and changed to Annovera because of its annual prescription, no refrigeration, or monthly hormonal waste (more environmentally friendly). I like the concept and have used it for 9 months but confirmed my suspicion on symptoms on this platform; for the past 3-4 months I’ve had on-and-off breast tenderness (on NuvaRing only prior to menstruation), near-daily cramping, more painful periods/PMS, and recently, hormonal acne which hasn’t happened since college and spotted for the first time ever. My immune system is weakened/compromised as soon as I've taken the ring out and find I must take it easy or catch colds. I've been exercising more/dieting but have been unable to lose any weight whatsoever. If I stray, I actually gain weight. The cherry on the cake has been my emotional sensitivity as I cry more easily – I will be changing back to NuvaRing next cycle and am curious to see how long before symptoms dissipate."

• hor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 26, 2021

For Birth Control "Have been on the Annovera ring for about 8 months. Prior to having my first child almost 2 years ago, I had used the Nuvaring for 10 years. I really liked the Nuvaring; just hated having to go get my prescription refilled every month. At first, I really liked the Annovera ring; it's more bendable and softer than the Nuvaring. The last few months, I have noticed multiple side effects I never had with the Nuvaring: intense abdominal pain, hot flashes during period, weight gain, and intense cramping. I am going back to using the Nuvaring."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Annovera for about six months now, and I have a mixed opinion. It is really easy to use, and it’s convenient for use, but I’ve been experiencing a lot of side effects: I get random cramps in between that feel a lot like period cramps, headaches from time to time (never really had them before), nausea, and the main thing is that it’s affected my mood a lot. I already had anxiety before, but it’s so intense now, I feel incredibly moody and sad a lot, and my sex drive has never been this low. Probably going to see it out for the rest of my year, but probably won’t take it for another year."

• Kyl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2021

For Birth Control "0/10. I’m 18, and I was on Annovera for two months until this weekend when I got my period unexpectedly. Not just a normal period, but an EXTREMELY painful one. I was screaming, crying on the bathroom floor shortly before I passed a decidual cast… look it up. Worst four days of my entire life. With further research, I realized I’m not the only one who has had this same experience with Annovera."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I have very heavy, short periods, and I was looking for something to lessen the flow or stop periods altogether. I'm very sensitive to the hormonal effects of systemic BC, so I was hopeful not to have that with the Annovera ring. The doctor told me to leave it in continuously to avoid periods. I didn't have mood effects that I could tell. I did have some bloating and slight weight gain. I was very happy the first 4-5 weeks with it-no period, no problems. But then I started bleeding through it. It didn't stop and was getting heavier, so after 3 days, I removed the ring, and dear God, I never thought I'd stop bleeding. Extremely heavy like before but lasted like 10 days. Massive clots coming out. And the cramps. I don't usually have cramps, but these were so painful. So I'm not going to use that again. Experiment over."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2022

For Birth Control "I am two weeks into using this birth control. The only downside is that I will have random chin hairs growing as my body adjusts to the hormone. I will have occasional cramps, but my period kind is severe, so this type of cramping is a minor annoyance. My mood was actually affected. I suffer from anxiety and depression. Using this birth control has taken it away. I was on Prozac and all the antidepressants, and none of them worked. This is a great new birth control. I have energy. My sleep is amazing compared to without it, where I used to have choppy sleep. I used to have random uterus pain and a high sex drive (it’s not that great when you’re religious and single and constantly having to distract yourself), and now the pains have stopped and my sex drive is low (sounds horrible, but it’s a blessing for my lifestyle). I haven’t had any yeast infections. I had one headache. I haven’t had any spotting or any terrible side effect. This helps with my severe PMDD periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I previously used the NuvaRing. I liked the idea of it, and after a year, I was switched to Annovera. I loved the idea of having a full year with no worries. It's comfortable, and after I finally get it in, I can't feel it. However, I had trouble with bleeding while on NuvaRing, but I was told it was a rogue period every time. So when it started on this one, I ignored it. Well, I've been bleeding full on for two months, and I finally took it out. None of my OB/GYNs cared to find out if anything is wrong in the past, and I am just so tired. My sex drive was at 0, and I regularly felt my cramps."

• Unh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2022

For Birth Control "I was excited about trying Annovera since the IUD was awful and I had a lot of breakthrough bleeding with the pill. After 2 months, I’m taking it out for good. Pros: it stopped my breakthrough bleeding, and you don’t have to think about it. Cons: horrible, horrible cramps all the time, thick, constant mucus discharge, I’m crying at the drop of a hat, but the worst thing is that I’ve been having heart palpitations. Overall, it’s not worth it."

• Cro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I've had the Annovera for several months. Pros: easy to use and remove independently, unlike Nexplanon and Mirena IUD. Weight loss. Unlike other long-term birth control, I did not lose libido. Cons: the most intense abdominal pains constantly. I can hardly eat, it's so bad. Then once I take it out to start my periods, it's horrible cramps and abdominal pains. It's really increased my anxiety, and I have been having short-term memory issues since starting it. Driving me crazy!!!! I refuse to put it back in. I'm just glad I could take this one out myself."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Annovera for almost 4 months. I have mixed feelings about this birth control. I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about birth control for a year. I know the instructions say to take it out after 21 days, but my doctor told me to just leave it in, and it’s been fine. I haven’t had a period in the 3 months that I’ve used it, and I don’t have any spotting. Sometimes I do get very mild cramping every now and then, but nothing bothersome. What I don’t like is that I did get a yeast infection the 1st week of insertion, and my sex drive is completely gone. I have absolutely no desire for sex, and I’ve never had this problem before. Sex is actually kind of painful due to extreme vaginal dryness, which I’ve never experienced before. I had to stop using the IUD due to the unpleasant side effects, so I’m still searching for the right one. I kind of want to stop using this now due to the lack of sex drive. I do also get the mood swings, but not that often."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I was so excited to have a birth control option that didn’t cause weight gain. I had the worst cramps with Annovera, and I’ve been on Paragard before, which made that experience seem like a walk in the park. My cramps were so crippling, I couldn’t move. I thought I needed to be admitted to the ER. I discontinued it, and now I am completely lost in terms of finding the right contraceptive for me."

• Rio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Annovera for 3 months, and it’s the best BC I’ve used. I had a Mirena IUD, which gave me severe breakthrough bleeding for a year, then I switched to the pill, where I had breakthrough bleeding for a few months, but it eventually stopped. I switched to Annovera because of the negative effect the pill had on my mood and the annoyance of taking it every day. I’ve seen a huge improvement and would say I’m back to myself, and NO breakthrough bleeding either! (Tip: When changing BC, it’s been helpful to have a full period, then start the new birth control the last day of your period/day after.) The cons I’ve noticed are reduced sex drive and also slight vaginal dryness (this can be fixed with lube, though). My partner and I don’t feel the ring at all during sex, although sometimes I do choose to take it out, as removing it does help the natural lubrication to flow (sorry TMI). During the first 1-2 months, I sometimes felt cramping/discomfort, but this did go away."

• So ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2021

For Birth Control "This is day one on this birth control. I had been on Depo-Provera, but I didn’t go for my last injection. I have mild spotting, but it can be from the Depo, not this birth control. I had cramping last night into the AM, but it seems to have stopped. No nausea at all so far. I will give an update once I have been on it a bit longer."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2021

For Birth Control "DON'T. DO. IT. I have been placed on many different birth controls, and this Annovera is by far the worst. Migraines, vaginal discomfort during sex, no sex drive, painful periods, and to top it all off, I ended up with an infection that placed me in the hospital. I’m currently doubled over with some of the most painful cramps I have ever experienced. Please take it from someone who has tried everything. Explore other options."