NuvaRing
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NuvaRing
June 2007
I discussed BC with my doctor after not having used anything
for the last 10 years and we decided the nuvaring was a good
idea. I began using the Nuvaring on the first day of my period
and that was on 5/27. It is now 6/11 and my period has NOT
STOPPED. has anyone had this side effect? The only answer I
have received from 3 KP Dr.'s is ''oh, just let it go a few
months and let your body get used to it''. Yikes!! they were
all male OB's by the way. I don't know if they can imagine how
frustrating and annoying this is :-) Anyway, I can't find
anyone with this similar experience and it is not listed as a
side effect with the drug company.
FRUSTRATED
Hi Frustrated,
I'm a women's health NP and also worked on the clinical trial to
help the ring get approved and also used it myself for two years
pre-kids, so I have a LOT of experience with its side effects. I
don't want to dismiss your concern; however, it is really common
and normal to have some spotting and bleeding during the first
cycle or two when starting any hormonal birth control method. It
can be more common with the ring because the estrogen dose is
very low and it takes a little while for the lining of the uterus
to stop shedding. It's really a wonderful method, so I hope your
bleeding stops and you get to enjoy it :)
Debbie
I had a similar experience with Nuvaring and my OB care-- all
women-- said that the strange bleeding and unusual periods
weren't listed as side effects. But, of course, every woman is
different. Unfortunately, after using Nuvaring for 6 months,
having awful cramps and lengthy periods (when I had nice 3 day
ones before!) I stopped using Nuvaring & started using condoms to
sort of reset my body and see if I was having a particular
reaction to it. My periods never went back to the way they were
before. It's worth mentioning that I had been on the pill for
several years, so my body wasn't making a big jump between the
proportions of hormones I used and the Nuvaring-- that was
something I really tried to make a smooth transition with. But
for some reason, Nuvaring reacted negatively with my body.
BTW--WORSE side effects for me were repeated UTI-s leading to a
very severe kidney infection despite taking cranberry caplets,
drinking lots of water, peeing after sex and the fact that my
husband could feel it (and it was uncomfortable for him) during
sex. My advice, dump the Nuvaring, avoid the hormones all
together and get an IUD.
--No To Nuva
Yes!! The same thing happened to me. I had been having all sorts
of problems with spotting, breakthrough bleeding BEFORE Nuvaring.
My period was coming what seemed like every 2+ weeks. I wasn't
on any birth control. So I went on Nuvaring hoping it would
finally even things out. I ended up bleeding for about 10 days
and thought I'd never have another normal period. My ob gyn (all
female office, very progressive) said the same thing - 'don't
worry. just wait' Well I did and its been fine since. My
periods are now about 3-4 days from the previous 10 days+ and its
been easy. By the way, it only took one cycle for me to adjust.
It got better for me and I hope it does for you too.
AOk now
I didn't use a Nuvaring, but pills after my child was born. I started with
mini pills
(progesterine only) b/c I was nursing and I didn't stop bleeding for 5 or 6
months.
My Gyn. seemed unsurprised by this. She (It was a female MD) said it was
because
the pills weren't ''strong enough'' to supress my period. A similar thing
could be
happening to you. I also ended up changing prescriptions 3-4 times to see if
one
would work (the MD said different brands have different formulas/doses)
because I
also had terrible terrible anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia
from the
hormones. I tell you this because my Gyn. said that those weren't typical
side
effects and that I was suffering from post-partum depression. I ended up
switching
doctors and my new doctor was shocked that the old doctor 1. didn't realize
those
were common side effects and 2. let it continue for so long. I stopped
taking the
pills and the symptoms went away in less than 48 hours. I learned to not let
any
doctor tell you that something is OK when you feel in your body it's not. In
the end I
decided hormonal BC wasn't right for me and after consulting BPN archives I
got a
copper IUD and it is great for me. Doctors are not perfect, you may have to
shop
around to find one you like and that can help you find a form of BC that is
right for
you.
chris
I've been using the Nuvaring for almost a year, as have many
friends, and I've never heard of side effects like that. I think
birth control can have a lot more personal reactions than other
medications. It may seem normal to the doctors, but you know
your body best. If this period is not something you've
experienced before starting the Nuvaring, it's probably not the
right ''fit.''
[Sorry, I couldn't resist the bad pun]
Jessica
I used Nuvaring for a year, and while I found it extremely
hassle-free, it's the only birth control I've ever used (in over
ten years on a couple of different pills) that caused me to
develop melasma (dark pigmentation on my face). I went off it a
year ago, and it's finally fading. I'm now using an IUD (Mirena),
which is going well.
Teresa
Jan 2006
Anyone using Nuva Ring? Wondering about effectiveness, comfort,
ease of use. Also any side effects you know of that are not
being publicized. Hubby unwilling to have vasectomy. I'm
unwilling to undergo tubal ligation. Neither of us wants more
than the two kids we have. Condom, pill, cap and diaphragm are a
nuisance. Patch is spotty. I won't consider IUD or shots. Not
my cup of tea. But I am open to other suggestions for
semi-permanent or monthly birth control options. Thanks.
Only game for the kids I have, but I like sex too, what's a girl to do?
The Nuva-ring is great. Easier to put in than a diaphragm, can't feel it, no spotting, effective as the Pill they say. I've been using it for 2 years- prior to this I didn't like any methods of birth control- it's so carefree now, I have to remind myself to remove it every month. I am mid-40's and as well, my periods were very heavy due to pre-menopause and I broke through if I was late on my pill even a half day- Nuva-ring cured that too, very light periods. Try it, you'll like it.
Still ''active''
The ring was the best method I've ever used. I used it for over
a year. I'd use it again, except my husband is getting snipped
as soon as I give birth in April! It was convenient, easy,
effective. My partner was occasionally aware of it but not
enough for it to be bothersome (you can take it out for up to 3
hours if it bothers you during intercourse, though). The only
side effects were positive ones--very light periods and more
vaginal lubrication. It's also pretty risk-free--if you don't
like it, just take it out.
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