Ethinyl estradiol / segesterone and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Add...
• November 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been using Annovera for over 5 months now, and I am sad to say it did not work for me, and I will be switching back to the pill very soon. The first few weeks were great, but then, for some reason, I have been spotting ever since. Always bleeding and spotty is horrible, and using a tampon is super uncomfortable. For the most part, my mood, anxiety, and depression have remained the same as they were when I was on the pill. Overall, I think it’s very convenient, but the excessive bleeding I have every single day is just horrible and makes sex pretty sketchy, lol. Hope this helps:)"

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2022

For Birth Control "I absolutely love Annovera and would highly recommend it. I was nervous about Annovera because I’ve had such bad side effects in the past on BC (weight gain, severe depression, anxiety, loss of sex drive, mood swings, you name it, I had it), and I also currently suffer from occasional migraines and am prone to yeast infections, so I was nervous this would make them worse. But after doing a lot of research, I still felt like this was what I wanted to try. I have had very minimal symptoms on this, if anything, it’s actually lessened my period symptoms and made me feel more mellow. The worst side effects I’ve had are breakthrough bleeding, which is annoying, but I’m only on month 3, and it seems to be getting better, if that’s the worst symptom I get, I’ll take it! I do get headaches the week I take it out, but they aren’t unbearable, just annoying. And I did have one spell of anxiety when I took it out and had to put it back in. But weirdly, anytime it’s in, I’m a happy camper!"

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Annovera for birth control for 5 months now, and I’m switching when it’s time for removal due to all these side effects that I have had. No sex drive, anxiety and depression (that I’ve never had before), heavy bleeding during the 7-day removal, bleeding in between periods. I have had it fall out several times, back pain, and fatigue."

• 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."

• 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."

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I started using Annovera in November of 2020. Prior to switching, I was on the NuvaRing for the last 5 years. I only switched because my doctor told me about a new vaginal ring that lasts a year. I figured one piece of plastic to throw out is better than 12 per year. I have experienced side effects every time I get my period. The first few days on my period, I am so fatigued I can barely walk without feeling faint. Luckily, that only lasts a few days. I also have very heavy bleeding, which I did not have on the NuvaRing. I brought this up to my doctor, and she suggested I leave it in during this cycle. I have left it in and still had the fatigue. Instead of the heavy bleeding, I have been spotting for almost 3 weeks. So far, not a fan, may be switching to a different method here soon!"

• 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."

• kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2023

For Birth Control "Used the NuvaRing for a year and a half, absolutely loved it but gained 10 lbs. I saw the pamphlet for Annovera and talked to my gyno about it. Made the switch. I’ve been using it since the middle of March 2023, it’s now the beginning of June. So far, so good. I’ve noticed that the week before I take it out, I gain water weight. Once I take it out, within a day or two, I lose 2-5 lbs. I know bloating and water weight are normal with any hormonal BC, it’s just annoying. Other than that, I haven’t gained any weight since switching. My breasts are definitely fuller but not bigger. No noticeable side effects other than bloating in the lower abdomen. Had one instance of breakthrough bleeding last month, but it lasted less than a day. I have GAD, so I’m always paranoid about my birth control effectiveness, even though I consider myself a “perfect use” user. With the NuvaRing, I had 100% trust in it, and I know with time I’ll be there with Annovera. Oh, and my libido is back!"

• 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."