NuvaRing and other issues

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2004
NuvaRing and other issues
3
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 2:52pm
Does anyone else have a problem with the NuvaRing and constipation? I was on the NuvaRing for the first time last month and had awful constipation until the DAY I took it out. Could that have been the cause?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 10:13pm
I'm pretty sure nobody has studied that! ;) For the first several months that I used the ring, I had gas for about the first 3-4 days of each new ring (like gas I couldn't pinpoint to anything else). I never had trouble with constipation, though. While you're probably not likely to find a doctor to say "sure, that must be it," I don't think it's totally unreasonable. I couldn't say why it happens with the ring, though, and not with the pill--I took the pill for about six years and never had any GI issues. Perhaps it's where the dose is delivered, being so close to the intestines?

If you're continuing with the ring, you might pay extra attention to your diet, including your water intake, and your exercise. If you're not getting much fiber in your diet (most of us aren't), you might start looking for ways to sneak it in. Water is key, too. If you're not well hydrated, everything gets sluggish! It's possible that, if it is the ring causing the constipation, some dietary modifications may make things better.

Good luck!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2004
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 9:06am
OH BOY....even you even KNEW how much fiber and water I take now (4 fibercons a day and TONs of water).....ugh...I really like the Nuva Ring but I think it is upsetting my IBS. BUT usually doesn't your body just need to adjust? Or is the bloating and such something you STILL get every month it is inserted?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 7:25am
After a few months, I didn't have problems with gas anymore! And I guess if your lower GI is already irritable, it seems even less strange that stuff would be a little weird. Hopefully it will subside after your body gets used to it! Good luck!
Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control