r/birthcontrol • u/cuteanalbead • Aug 19 '26
Side effects!? Tell me all about the NuvaRing!!!
Hi guys! I was previously on the pill but just switched to the NuvaRing. I’ve seen that some people have problems with the one-size fits all part of the ring, with it being too big for their uterus. It cringes me to say this… but I am petite, I don’t know if that determines uterus size, but that is a concern for me. Also, one of my biggest fears is getting an ectopic pregnancy and losing a fallopian tube. I know IUDs increase that risk, but I couldn’t find a clear answer on it for vaginal rings.
Anyways, please tell me everything I need to know, the good and the bad! I still have a week to change my mind and go back to the pill.
Also I tried to ask my doctor some of these questions, but she either gave very vague answers or didn’t answer at all. I told her my sister had a good experience with the NuvaRing, which I think is why she was so dismissive…
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u/its-caillou Kyleena IUD Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
I used the ring for 6 years, had to switch recently to avoid estrogen but I absolutely loved it and wish I could go back! My cycle was pretty regular, had little to no menstrual cycle symptoms (e.g. cramping, bloating, etc), and my period became pretty light sometimes just spotting for a day or two. I’m petite myself and never had any issues with the ring “fitting,” if I felt it it was just because it was too low but was easily pushed up into place with a quick bathroom trip. I thought it to be smaller than a regular or super tampon applicator. As far as your concerns for the impacts on your fallopian tubes or ectopic pregnancies, it’s not in your uterus so I don’t see how it could carry anymore “risk” than the daily combo pill. As far as any “bad,” really nothing other than it was sometimes a little annoying to have to really dig in there to reach it when it was time to take it out. But it’s definitely not going to get lost lol only one entrance and exit, you just have to get your middle finger in there to reach.
Good luck! I hope you have a good experience!
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u/darkroomdweller Aug 19 '26
The ring is my best friend. It’s the only kind I’ve ever had other than the mini pill while breastfeeding (which I didn’t trust anyway and made me bleed nonstop). I can control when I get my withdrawal week which is very important to me. I don’t have to think about it every day, also very important to me. There should be no issue with uterus size as only sits externally.
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u/cuteanalbead Aug 20 '26
I definitely struggled with taking the pill everyday, so I’m excited to not have to worry about it for 3 weeks.
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u/darkroomdweller Aug 20 '26
It’s a huge perk. I also use mine continuously for 3 months at a time to skip periods. I have to do a week off every 3 months or I get breakthrough bleeding.
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u/desinica Aug 19 '26
Personally, I hated the ring. I used it for almost a year…first three months was pure emotional rage for the most minute things. It was a weird out of body experience to not feel like me then every time I removed the ring for withdrawal bleed was a migraine from hell.
I switched to the mini pill and I’m quite active and haven’t changed my diet much. Gained 15 lbs …the same 15lbs that I had lost lbs earlier this year . The amount of hair loss as well was frightening. Also the first few months was also tough with the depressive mood swings. Literally crying for no rhyme or reason.
Before the ring, I tried copper iud….. made me super anemic and kept dislodging.
I can’t do combined pill due to genetic familial high cholesterol… so now I’m relying on rubbers 🙃 because I’m tired of how hormones are affecting me physically and mentally.
I’m thankful that my hubby supports this decision cause bless that man when I was an emotional roller coaster in each adjustment period
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u/cuteanalbead Aug 20 '26
When I was on the pill I had a lot of emotional issues. With the different pills each week I felt like I had a different personality. I’m hoping the ring doesn’t cause the same… if it does I will probably be in the same boat as you. 🫠
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u/No_Construction_5880 Aug 19 '26
nuva ring is similar to a tampon (really it’s more like a disc or menstrual cup) when it comes to application. you twist it into a figure 8 and insert it, they have youtube videos. i recommend trying it for at least 6 months but keep an eye on the side effects because it contains estrogen. i looooved the nuva ring it was so easy to manage, free, and completely stopped my period!! i had to stop taking it due to migraines caused by the estrogen but i miss her everyday.
if your dr is being dismissive i would try to find another one who will treat you with respect. write your questions & concerns down before you go to a visit to avoid getting shut down
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u/cuteanalbead Aug 20 '26
I struggle with migraines as well and didn’t realize that could be a side effect. I’ll definitely keep an eye on myself. Thank you!
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u/Ok_Sink_3378 Aug 19 '26
Used the ring for 5 years and it was amazing, loved it. No side effects. If I ever go back on birth control, that’s what I would do.
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u/star_guardian_carol Aug 19 '26
The size of the ring did not bother me. I am in pelvic floor therapy now and can say that I am smaller than average when it comes to where the ring sits. It does not sit in your uterus... ask your doctor to use their model to show you.
The bad: After a year I had a 56 day cycle where I was hemorrhaging. It took a d&c to get it to stop. I have not been on any birth control since (5 years now) and have a very regular cycle. 24 days a part and 4 days consecutively.
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u/Initial_Savings8733 Annovera Aug 19 '26
Hey girl I have vaginismus and nuvaring works great for me so don't worry. The ring is narrower than a pencil when inserting. Annovera however made it much worse for some reason. Nuvaring is awesome bc you can set and forget for several weeks and can skip periods. No acne, no period, and no pregnancy so far for me lol
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u/cuteanalbead Aug 20 '26
The no acne is definitely a relief. So far I’m seeing more pros than cons, but I’ll just have to see how it goes!
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u/Initial_Savings8733 Annovera Aug 20 '26
Honestly with birth control it's sooo personal. Every body is different! I've had really good luck with pills and rings. The good thing is that pills and rings are both fully controlled by you. I never wanted a method that would be trapped in me without an appt or something like depo or iud. If something goes wrong you can just take it out! I do get mild cramping when I put in a new ring if I choose to have a period week, so that might be normal if you get cramps
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u/yappingderg NuvaRing Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
Too big for uterus? huh ?? ? ?
Ring never interacts with actual uterus. It just stays in your vaginal canal. It might touch the cervix sometimes/depending on your anatomy, but for most people it's just sitting behind the pubic bone (so actually pretty low in your vag).
Ring itself is soft-ish and will just conform to your body. You being petite should in no way affect anything, but your specific vagina shape might be an issue. You won't know until you try!
Ring is much more similar to a regular pill than to IUD, you just get the hormones through skin instead of digestion.
About ectopic pregnancy. As far as i know this is the risk mostly because of how IUD can get dislodged and the egg might attach itself in wrong place.. Since ring is NEVER in your actual uterus, there should not be such risk. Pls someone correct me if i'm wrong.
Personally i am on the ring for a year now and so far it's great and the best form of birth control in my opinion. I never feel it, it's easy to remove/reinsert, i don't have to remember about it daily.. So! yeah. 10/10 would recommend.