After a constant battle with the emotional ups and downs as a side effect of the pill, my doctor recommended I try the Nuvaring. I was generally surprised at comfortable I was with this type of birth control. You don't feel it AT ALL once it's inside and just to play it safe so that I don't forget I have it in, I keep a little reminder on my calendar on the day that I should take it out. A helpful tip on inserting the Nuvaring that my doctor gave me, is to remove a tampon from it's plastic applicator and place the nuvaring inside the applicator. You would then insert the Nuvaring just like a tampon and then discard the applicator. I find this tip from my doctor very helpful and easy to do. I would definitely recommend the Nuvaring.

hey Dana (or anyone else on Nuvaring)...what about when you're having sex? do you feel it at all or has it slipped out during that time?

also, when you're on your period, is it lighter and shorter like it is when you're on the Pill? thanks! i'm really getting sick of taking the Pill and i've been looking at alternatives and this seems like a really good one!

I'm on it too and I have to say that so far I love it. I hated having to keep up with the pills and the patch was just disgusting to me.

My OBGYN told me that occasionally a partner can feel it during sex. My husband can't during sex, but he can if he fingers me (Sorry if TMI!).

It's almost slipped out once, but I could feel it happening and quickly reinserted it. No big deal at all. I've been on it since September and I really like it.

My periods have been lighter and shorter - usually about 3, maybe 4 days and rarely heavy. But I can also say that I've never had a problem with irregular period on birth control and I've skipped a month on Nuvaring for whatever reason - stress or who knows? I also had a problem where I would get my entire period in one day at one time - the entire lining shed - and that's happened twice. But all of that was during the first few months and since my body has settled into using it, it's been great!

I loved Nuvaring when I started on it but then I came out pregnant. When I went to my doctors appt, the receptionist told me that three other girls also came out pregnant. There are things you cant eat or drink (grapefruit juice) while on Nuvaring.

I've found that it reduced my sex drive A LOT and it also dries you out.

I wonder why eating or drinking something would make a difference. Do you know any other specifics about it, Houston?

I will say that in my personal experience, it hasn't dried me out at all and I'm not sure if it's made any difference in my sex drive, but I've heard that from others as well.

Wow! Thought I was the only one. I used it for about a year to a year and a half and it KILLED my sex drive!

because of the hormones, I am also wondering if it caused other issues like acne, weight gain, or depression?

you can feel the nuvaring but my spouse says it doesnt bother him at all since it is soft and its waaay up top. as far as the sex drive, i can buy that because mine is really low now too but it was always kinda low (im 25) also it does kinda dry you out but its nothing a little lube cant handle.
otherwise, I love it...no complaints

I'm really uncomfortable with the idea of sticking something up there and leaving it for three weeks, but I think if it works for other people, that's awesome. I did have two friends that went on it, and they both said that they turned into raving b*tches after awhile and vowed to never use it again. I think things affect everyone differently, though, so it great to offer the option!

On the NuvaRing package insert, it says that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may reduce the effectiveness of the ring.

That headline is incredibly irresponsible. Condoms are the only contraceptives that reduce STI transmission. You also fail to note that IF you are in a mutually monogamous relationship and want to get condoms, you should both get the battery of tests before switching to Nuvaring (or pill or IUD) alone. Nuvaring is comparable to the pill, NOT to condoms.

I hated the Nuvaring - it dried me out, felt slightly irritating, and came out during sex. My partner picked it up and asked me how come I still wore jelly bracelets popularized in the 80s. Not a fan at all.

fluffyduc lol at your boyfriend's comment! Sounds like you have a funny guy

good point re: the headline ethiopian_princess. This definitely sounds like a pill replacement, not a condom replacement.

First of all, we're talking two different things here. The headline should be "Hate the pill?" not condoms. Because the NuvaRing does NOT protect you from std's, as condoms do.

Anyway, I was very bad at taking pills and a friend recommended the ring to me. I tried it for 3 months and it was amazing! My bf never felt it during sex and it was easy to replace and it was great.

Then I started dating someone else who was, lets say, a bit more sizeable. This was when the ring became troublesome. He said he could feel it a lot during sex. One time it even came out on his penis!

The worse was when it FELL OUT during sex, BUT I DIDN'T REALIZE IT, and found it on my floor two days later. SCARY!

After that (i seriously thought i was pregnant - i was terrified) i ditched the ring entirely and i will NEVER go back to it. I am now on the Levora pill which keeps my hormones in check, I take it every day, and have not had any other birth control problems since.

popgoesthe world and ethepian_princess - DearSugar DID say that condoms are the only thing that protect against STIs and that if you are going to use the Nuvaring, "this form of birth control is best if you are in a monogomous relationship with someone who is STI-free."

STI-free means you and your partner have been tested.

Oh I forgot.... I bought 3 at a planned parenthood and left one in my car glove compartment. I was going to use it when I decided to call them and make sure it was okay i left it in my car. They said "well the ring is heat activated. so it probably already released the medicine and will not work now. we suggest you put them in the fridge"

they did NOT tell me that at all when I first got on them. Nor did I see that in any of the literature they provided me. I can see how someone could get pregnant if they happened to use one that had already released the hormones within the package. It's impossible to tell the difference between a used one or not.

Plus the condom reference had to do with the video which was HILARIOUS by the way!

Condoms are also a form of birth control like the Nuvaring, so why can't you compare them?! Geez.

It comes out during sex... and I got pregnant on it. No bueno.

I really enjoyed the CONCEPT of the nuvaring. I also have a hard time remembering to take the pill and the shot had way to high of an amount of hormones and made me super depressed!
My boyfriend said he could kind of feel it during sex, but it wasn't disruptive.
However, I'm super sensitive to anything with hormones and even with its low dose, i still got overly-emotional. It also killed what I had left of my sex drive(the shot took most of it away) and left me very dry.
also...EVERYONE ALWAYS READ THE WARINING/SIDE EFFECTS LABEL AND PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT YOUR BODY MAY BE DOING THATS DIFFERENT. I started to get migraines, blurred vision, dizziness, etc... and my dr. took me off the nuvaring immediately. Turns out too much estrogen can give you a stroke.

I have to say that it completely killed my sex drive as well... which is something my GYN said is a very common side effect. I love how I don't have to worry about it, but I'm not sure it's worth the lack of intimacy.

I don't know about this. Seems scary to me. Plus, I don't want to have to stick something in me every month. That's still a pain in the rear. I've had my latest IUD (first one was an older model that gave me really bad cramps) for 5 years next week...time for it to come out (tomorrow in fact). I was looking into other options as I will likely be trying to have a kid in the next year or two and another 5 year IUD isn't worth it. With all the bad reviews here I think I'm better off with condoms. I hate the pill!

I really don't think I could use the ring...too akward imo. Plus, I don't have to worry about it. I'm married!

Sounds awkward to me and also like a lot of sugars had bad experiences with it. My bf and I are very good about condoms and I think we'll stick to it.

P.S. I love that video... sooo funny.

I'm on it, and it's not bad. It took some getting used to, and it's only fallen out during sex once. However, I've found that my body starts to "reject" it about the end of the 2nd week, and I have to adjust it daily to keep it in place. Overall not bad. No weight gain (I actually lost) and my mild acne has gotten better.

The main reason I'm on Birth Control other than the obvious of not getting pregnant is because of severe menstrual cramps. I get no cramps at all on the ring, and it greatly reduces the length and flow of my period (used to be 5-7 days heavy, now it's 2-3 light).

I have been on the ring for about a year now and I love it. The side effects for me are way less now with the ring than when I was on the pill. It has never came out while I was having sex and hasn't effected my sex drive in either direction. I think like everything, it affects everyone differently and it works well for me!

I really love reading everyone's opinion. I am on the NuvaRing - I just started it last month. It came with this nice little booklet which I made sure to read thoroughly before 'going on' it, and it even came with stickers to put in my daily planner so I will remember when to put it in and take it out. I have never been on birth control before, but for the reasons that I am in a monogamous relationship, both my partner and I have been STD cleared, and condoms had become annoying, I decided to go on birth control. My physician told me that the ring has less side effects than the pill, because of it continually releases the hormones. I have not yet broached the topic of whether or not my boyfriend can feel the ring, because I take it out before penetration.. I am liking the ring, although it does concern me that a few have mentioned becoming pregnant. That is really what I am trying to avoid!

It's helped me a lot. I'm not having crazy mood swings anymore like I was on the pill. My doctor warned me that it could fall out during sex, so be always sure to check the sheets. However, I find it much easier to take it out to have sex. It bothers my boyfriend, so I remove it. You can leave it out for three hours and you can wash it too. I was worried about weight gain on it, but I haven't gained any.

when i was on it, i was taking it out for sex too - but then that became even more of a nuisance than the pill. remembering to put it back in... having to stop to take it out (kinda annoying like condoms y'know).

also, for those liking the ring for hormones, i am on the Levora pill which is a mono-hormone thing where the level of hormones NEVERCHANGES through out the month.

that keeps me balanced.

i haven't experienced any weight gain on any pill, unless you count getting boobs and a butt to be weight gain; i dont.

haha lintacious.. that's funny! I haven't gained/lost..

JustMe21 - I don't get what being married has to do with it. I'm married, but I'm still on birth control. Not ready to have a baby just yet!

I find it interesting the amount of women who don't want to "stick something in there" - it's really not that different than a tampon when it comes down to it. It takes maybe a minute and then it's done with for the three weeks, at least for me.

I have to agree with SaraLynne as well - my cramps on it have been pretty much non-existent and I've always had bad cramps.

I am a little nervous about people talking about getting pregnant on it, but so far so good!

HEY is it only me or what?? I HATE THE AD!!! It is soooooooo petty and screaming irritating kids shouldnt be a reason why people should use condoms!!!!! What kind of an ad is that????

I am single, and I am not really into having kids, but any person can see how offensive the condom ad is. Gosh.

Well ALSW, I ment to say I'm on the pill and it's worked well for me so the Nuva ring isn't an option for me.

That makes much more sense! I just figured maybe you were trying for a baby and schewing birth control right now or something!

I think psychologically I wouldn't think it would work... there's somethin about swallowing bc that makes it feel more effective... No matter how irrational that is... tht's how i feel

how exactly do u take the nuvaring out??

I have been using the Nuvaring forr awhileeeee now!!! It is the best birth control ever invented!!! I have trouble remembering to take pills so this is great for me!!!! You can't even feel it!!!! Def. consider using this...its great and it doesnt make you gain weight!!

esthersim, you just hook your finger inside and pull it out.. really simple.

has anyone else had problems getting it out? if so, how did you manage?

I absolutely love the Nuvaring. I've been on it for 4 years and really have not had any problems. I have found that it has really regulated my cycle and I love the convenience of not having to think about birth control everyday.

Before you try the Nuvaring make sure to read all of the instructions/precautions. It does talk about keeping it refrigerated and the side effects are exactly like those of the Pill. If you do try it, stay on for at least 3 months to give your body time to adjust to the constant flow of hormones.

Also, I've never had a problem with taking it out. And in 4 years, it has only fallen out once and after some very physical activity. However, that did not worry me because you can have it out for up to 3 hours without disrupting the hormone flow.

i've been using the NR since Sept.06(almost a year now) i've had no complications whatsoever(only sometimes when removing it, it can be a tiny bit difficult). it has come out about twice but i immediately go to the bathroom, rince it under lukewarm water, and pop it right back in. my partner isnt bothered by it all, feels it all the time, but he doesnt complain. when n if i'm worried that it might've slipped out during intercourse, i probe n check, to make sure its always in its spot no biggie. in conclusion, i like it, it suits me n it does the job. i recommend it to any female.

Thanks to everyone for posting comments and opinions. I am interested in trying this out and reading about it is helping a lot.

At first, I had a problem getting it in, it was sitting vertically inside me rather than horizontally and kept slipping out. It takes some adjusting to get it to sit right.

I wish though the packaging would put emphasis on keeping it in the fridge, and that you can't eat grapefruit while on it!

I gave this a shot after using the patch for 4 years and having horrible migranes.. I'm not a huge fan. Maybe i'm going crazy but I could swear the ring made my hair fall out by the handful and it made me so sick to my stomach I was miserable.. I guess it just depends on how your body handles it. I would definitely do a trial run and see how my body reacts. It could work out great for some people.

I love it, I have been on it since 2004. My biggest complain is that it is expensive compared the pill from my insurance. Yeah, it lowers my sex drive but it actually has more discharge than makes me dry. It did come out once after sex which totally freaked me out but never again since. Actually sex usually helps to push it in sometimes.It also helps to control my hormones, I went off it last year just to cut back on the almost $50 expense a month. NOT WORTH IT, my hormones were completely wacked out and I was a mess. I have been on birth control for almost 10 years now and for someone that hates taking pills, Nuvaring rocks!

I have been using the ring for 2 years, and I love it. Its not like a tampon where you can feel it, you forget it is there sometimes! The only person who can feel it is your guy, and it makes for perfect conversation .. and I quote:

"what is that...?"

"Birth Control."

"Awesome"

I've never had a problem with it ever falling out, and there is barely - to no side effects.

It costs me, with insurance, about $25 for three months of it.

IMO - the best BC I've been on in 6 years.

I have been on the ring for nearly 4 years. I have tried many different types of pills to ease some cramping and mood swings and I've found the NUVA Ring does both! My periods are shorter and less heavy so I save on all those feminine products too!
I would say it might lower sex drive- as for me I have noticed some decline. The ease and convenience of the ring far outweighs any cons in my mind. It slips right in and is so easy to get out. My boyfriend loves it too. He even picks it up for me every 3 months from the pharmacy.
As far as pregnancy goes- I have been on it, like I said, for years, and have been regularly active in that time and no complaints here... not with child!
I recommend this to all my friends and every one who has switched over has thanked me. But like everyone else has noted- every woman is different!

Im excited to try it. I don't think any one method is for everyone. I also do not think that the size of it is the right fit for everyone. But it wont stop me from trying it out. I expect some side effects. Ive had all those same side effects with different pills at one time or another anyways. Seeing in how most hormonal contraceptives will effect just that, your hormones. Now as for getting pregnant, I shouldn't expect to stay 100% baby free, seeing in how its merely 99 percent effective.

I will keep you posted once I try it out. Untill then....good luck in finding something that works for you!