What Causes Constant Bleeding After Switching From Apri Pill To NuvaRing?

Posted on Mon, 3 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Sep 2018 Answered on

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 23 year old healthy female. I recently switched birth control methods from Apri pill (Which I was on for 5-6 years) to NuvaRing. The first month went well until it was time for my period. I had my period then it didn’t stop when I put my new one in. 40 days and two changes in NuvaRings later, I have now been bleeding pretty much constantly. It was getting heavier then lighter. When I thought I might be off it would turn around and get really heavy again. Specifically this past week it was heavier than it’s ever been with blood clots in it. Is this something I should be concerned about? I realize your body takes time to adjust to different hormones but this is getting ridiculous. I informed my My OBGYN office but they are short staffed and don’t really have time to answer my questions.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

NuvaRing (etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) contains a combination of female hormones in a flexible contraceptive vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy. Common side effects of Nuvaring include vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, changes in weight or appetite, changes in your menstrual periods, and decreased sex drive.

So increase in bleeding during periods are less common side effect of Nuvaring, it may be due to infection , so consult your gynecologist for proper check up and remove it and opt another birth control option.

I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Rakhi Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy