Question for NuvaRing users

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2004
Question for NuvaRing users
7
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 12:07am

First of all, let me say thank goodness this board exists! I've gotten some really good advice from here in the past, and now I'm back with some more questions of my own.

I just switched this month to the NuvaRing and instantly loved it. No need to remember to take the pills, and its barely noticable. However I have been having some problems with it.

I just wanted to ask NuvaRing users if you have ever experienced vaginal irritation during sex while wearing the ring?

Twice already I have experienced light bleeding during sex. At first I attributed it to spotting (since I just switched) and just really bad timing. But now, its happened again (and fyi, the sex wasn't really that rough! :) ) and I'm a little concerned.
Could it be that during sex, the ring is irritating the interior of my vagina causing it to bleed a little? I'm thinking about talking to the nurse about it, but I want your opinion about it first. I really don't want to switch back to the pill because I like the freedom of the ring.

any advice would help. thanks, and keep up the good job, cls.

- Jennifer

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 11:11am
Jennifer,
I never had that happen, but anything is possible. Do you know that the ring can be out for up to three hours without affecting its contraceptive effectiveness? You could try taking it out and seeing if the same thing happens.
Mine actually came out a couple of times during sex, and I just left it out and rinsed and reinserted it afterward.
Glad it is working out other than that.
HTH.
Holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2004
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 4:58pm

Thanks for your reply, Holly. I read about the fact that you can take out the ring for max three hours, but I never thought of actually trying to so yet, since I'm new to the ring. It wouldn't be so bad, though I fear I may forget putting it back in (should I happen to fall asleep).

I'm still wondering if anyone has experienced the same side efffect as I have of lite bleeding during sex, however...?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2007
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 8:08pm
Don't know if this helps but I just finished my first ring and I had bleeding for the entire 3 weeks, during sex, after sex, with no sex, you get the picture. Maybe you've been having breakthrough bleeding all along and the sex just hastened its appearance, so to speak? Anyway hoping month 2 is better because, like you, I really like the concept! And btw, I do take it out for sex - haven't even tried it with it in for fear of pain. Good luck.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 04-03-2007 - 8:08pm

I have not had any bleeding, however, I have had discomfort.


I asked my gyno about it, thinking I had vaginal dryness. He said that I must have a reverse side effect because most claim to have more moisture. He also said I had a lot of yeast. I seem to be suffering from recurrent yeast infections. I wonder if having the ring in doesn't help fully cure it.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 04-04-2007 - 11:01pm

Any kind of hormonal birth control can make the cells on the surface of your cervix more fragile. I've had it happen with a couple of different pills, but not with Nuvaring. If the cells are more fragile, you can have light bleeding after sex. It's not a big deal so long as you know that you're not at risk for sexually transmitted diseases--there are some for which bleeding can be a symptom.

On rare occasions, I'll actually feel the ring during sex, but changing positions or using more lube will usually take care of it.

I hope that helps--I wouldn't consider light bleeding after sex reason enough for me to stop using the ring, but you'll need to decide what you're comfortable with. Good luck!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2004
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 5:38pm

Thanks for all your messages. I've tried since without wearing the ring, and there was no discomfort. I'll make a point of talking about my symptoms to my gyno at my next visit.

Have a great easter,

Jennifer

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2003
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 6:19pm

Hi there, just stopped by this board however I have had that happen alot lately. The only difference is I have been on it for almost a year and this just started. It hurts to even finish sex, and actually has came out during sex. It hurts. Also, my last pap my Dr told me to come back in six months, instead of a year as I had some irritated cells. I'm going to call and go back soon.

Heather

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