Ways around Nuvaring side effects?

November 11, 2006 11:17 AM

Problems with the NuvaRing. What can I do?

I started the NuvaRing two weeks ago. I had sex for the first time (on the ring) last night and I immediately felt an intense burning in my vagina that didn't go away for 45 minutes. I did some investigation and it seems that other people have complained about this in various forums but the only solution seems to be to take out the ring during sex. Are there any other ways around this? Also, when looking at the side effects, I saw sinusitis listed. I've had a cold that I can't shake for a week. Related?

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

See your OB/Gyn.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:22 AM on November 11, 2006

Yeah, see your doc. I've used the Nuva Ring for 2 years and never had anything even close to that.
posted by MsMolly at 12:01 PM on November 11, 2006

My SO doesn't have this problem, never has, and we've been having sex very regularly while she's been on the ring for over a year. See your OB/Gyn.

Burning in vagina is bad, mmkay?
posted by SpecialK at 12:11 PM on November 11, 2006

This sounds like a deal breaker to me. I have sensitive skin and was told if my skin was sensitive my mucus membranes would be more so, so I can't use it. You may be sensitive to the hormones or actual material that makes up the ring, that coupled with the friction and general physical mechanics of intercourse may aggrevate the tissues. Keep trying till you find a method that works! Good Luck.
posted by stormygrey at 12:24 PM on November 11, 2006

Definitely go see your ob/gyn anonymous, but I would suggest that this just means the NuvaRing is not for you. I tried it for a couple of months, and although I did not have the burning sensation you describe (might be an allergic reaction), it made me extremely moody and irritable. Everyone is different, and you just need to find the method that suits you. Taking it out during sex is not recommended IIRC from the instructions.
posted by Joh at 1:58 PM on November 11, 2006

I've been on the ring for a few years now, and the only time I've had that particular burning sensation was when I had a low-key yeast infection I hadn't noticed until then. But still, I, too, say go see your doc.
posted by rosethorn at 6:43 PM on November 11, 2006

I use the NuvaRing, and while it is actually ok to take it out during sex (as long as it's not out for more than three hours, it should still protect against pregnancy), the burning sounds like a cause for concern. Do see your doctor.

And, for what it's worth, my partner has a creative use for the NuvaRing during sex: given that it's a ring, you might have your partner give this use a try. Still...er...in (sometimes), but YOU won't feel it.
posted by bloggerwench at 7:34 AM on November 13, 2006