Thinking About Stopping Use of the NuvaRing.

Hi M., It's clear that your hormones are really out of whack, and it's time for an honest talk with your gyno. We don't realize what a victim we are to our hormones until they are unbalanced. I've never used the Nuva ring but any stream of synthetic hormones into our systems will cause symptoms, and like thyroid medication, it needs periodic testing to find the right balance. I can't imagine it's one-size-fits-all in terms of dosage, and it sounds like you need a change in dosage, or a break from the Nuva ring altogether. Your husband needs to be a partner with you through this journey to find the best balance for your body, and if that means he needs to use condoms until your body readjusts to "normal", then he needs to put YOU first, not his rejection of condoms. This is not all about HIM. Your marriage is a partnership and sometimes we need to sacrifice our wants and needs for the good of the other, and when health (and right now that includes your mental health!)is involved that's the time we need to step up without hesitation. Men are so off the hook when it comes to everything involved in having children - we do it all, and happily so, because of the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth, but BC is the one place they can share the responsibility. We are so sensitive to our changing hormones as men go along their merry way, and we are expected to carry on as if nothing is wrong, when sometimes it seriously is. Your body may just need a break from synthetics, in which case your husband should take up the slack until you're back on track with a rest and better balance from another brand of BC. You can be protected with condoms, and if you're nervous about it you can boost your protection with contraceptive foam for your fertile times. I know that can be inconvenient (I've done it), but it doesn't need to be a permanent situation. Not everything in our lives is an easy and instant fix. Your needs right now are foremost and right now it's all about YOU!! Good luck!

Hi, M. have you tried Mirena? It is a IUC and uses differant hormone that is used and it is a 1x placement and it is good for upto 5yrs. It is also more effective then the NuvaRing. But because it is a hormone contraception it will also have some side effects the only birth control method that has none will be condoms, any that use a hormone are going to cause pregnancy like symtoms.

I agree, you should stop! I was the same way on the pill after my daughter was born.I took the pill for years before children with no problem! Your body chem. changes. Anyway, I am going to try the Mirena. It is very expencive if your insurance does not cover birth control or even if it cover part. $300 was my part of the cost on my old insurance! Well worth it if it works out, but if not....that's a lot of money! So check w/your insurance! Also, your husband must notice your moods, etc...He should want you to be happy. If it's just temporary until you find what works, he really should not complaine! Also, another mentioned knowing your cycle. That's a very good idea. It takes a few months of being on nothing for you to learn. Most just prefer to be on something. The diaphram is a good option if you don't mind dealing with it every time.Definatly speak with your doctor. They will be able to help you find the best option. Good luck, and I hope your husband supports your decision.

I would recommend talking to your GYN. I was on Nortrel and I felt the same way, moody and just not myself. It could be the dosage that's causing your hormones to be out of whack. Your GYN may be able to prescribe something else that doens't make you feel "out-of-control." Hope that helps and good luck.

Hi M.,
I've never used this type of BC but you should talk with your doctor or midwife about other options. What's good for you can depend on whether and how soon you plan to have another baby
Good luck

I was using the NuvaRing for a few years until I got pregnant with my daughter and I'm now using it again. I've never had experiences like that. I actually started using the NuvaRing because it has such a low dose of hormones. I was having side effects with everything else I tried. However, you know your own body and everyone reacts differently to different things. If you want to stop the NuvaRing, talk to your doctor about other options. You could always take birth control pills, or get an IUD. I'm sure there is another option (other than just making your husband use condoms) that would work best for your life. My best advice would be to just ask your doctor about any options available and you never know what you might find. Good luck to you!

M....I would absolutely stop the NuvaRing. The hormones are wreaking havoc on your system. I use the Para Gard IUD for this very reason. I love it because there are no hormones and it is good for 10 years. My sister couldn't use the ring either. It made her crazy.
Good Luck!

I am NOT a fan of the Nuva ring. I used it when i stopped nursing and for the months I was on it, it was like being pregnant. I barely got my period if I got it at all, I would get light headed, nauseious tired, and had no labido what so ever. A girlfriend of mine went on it and had the same problem. Now... the girlfriend who recommended it had no problems the first six months, then at the 6 month mark she started having all of the issues me and my other girlfriend had. Talk to your doctor and see what she/he says

Have you thought about using an IUD like Mirena? It's another long term bc without "thinking" option. No need to remember to take a pill every day. You may want to discuss the pros/cons with your gyn.

I feel for you. I too, have the same reaction when on any kind of birth control. Im only 25 and married to my husband and we have a 5 year old daughter. I was miserable on birth control, I had zero sex drive, cried all the time over everything, everyone made me mad, I was jealous of everyone. It was horrible. I talked to my doctor and we switched birth controls several times, with no luck. I ended up just stopping the birth control and letting it get out of my system. Seriously within a week or two I was feeling like my old self. I was happy, energetic and my sex drive was coming back =0). I talked to my husband about how the birth control made me feel and he understood when I didnt want to take it anymore. He said we would just have to go back to the old fashioned way. LOL Condoms.
The most important thing is my daughter had her mommy back and my husband had the girl back he fell in love with.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just make sure you tell your family and your doctor how your feeling. Dont hold it in.

I used the ring for about a week, got an infection and ended that. I am on seasonal right now, the 91 day pill and then a period. The first few days were tough, then I am ok with it. I am still a little nausious from time to time, but I like it better then the ring and the depo shot.

I never did well with any kind of hormonal birth control. I opted for the paraguard copper IUD. No hormones. And it lasts for about 10 years. I had no trouble with mine. And was able to conceive again just a month after having it removed.

Its worth a try to get the nuvaring out and just see how you feel.

The nuva ring was terrible for me too. i\My relationship was a mess. I was an emotional wreck and i was left wondering why i needed birth control at all. i stoped using it and got an iud. The bleeding is a bit heavyer but the emotions are fine. I got the copper variety, not the one with hormones. No condoms...no children for 5 years now. so wonderful.
Good luck.

I would absolutely go with your gut- there are so many options out there that you don't have to use the Nuvaring. If you wanted to stick with the condoms, you can make things easier with your husband by you putting it on instead of him- make it part of the foreplay, and he won't feel like you are nagging him to put it on himself.
I am wary of the IUDs- that seems way too invasive to stick a foreign object in your uterus. Of course, It can be a good option if you aren't planning on more kids, you don't have to worry about that.
Also- in my search for a hormone free birth control I started using a diaphragm. I LOVE it and would never go back. It has very good protection rates as long as you are comfortable putting it in and familiar with what it feels like when it is in properly.
Finally- I would absolutely recommend learning about your cycle and when you are fertile, because this is your best protection against pregnancy. Regardless of the birth control method, you are only fertile for a very short amount of time each cycle, so if you aware of when it is, it can take a lot of stress off using birth control. When you are fertile, just refrain or be extra careful. The rest of the time, you know you don't really need birth control, and are just using it "because".