Expert: Diane Cheryl - 6/27/2011

Question
Hi There, I was on the Nuva Ring when I first became sexually active over a year ago. I was on it for 3 months and loved it I didn't have any symptoms at all I had to quit it because I wasn't on insurance and couldn't afford it. I then went on the Depo shot for 9 months and had horrible side effects very irregular periods, extremely painful cramps, and heavy bleeding that lasted over 2 weeks. I went to a doctor and they said that I had ovarian cysts and recommended getting off the shot. Which I now have and decided to go back on the ring. I went on it 2 months ago and when I first started I was pretty nausas but I thought that was probably from getting off the shot and starting the ring. After 2 weeks the nausasness went away and I was feeling pretty good. I still have very low sex drive for being only 20 I think. And now I just removed the second ring to start my "week" and my vagina seems swollen and very itchy. There is no rash or bumps but just very tender to the skin and itchy burning. It does not hurt or burn to go pee which makes it seem like its not a yeast infection because I have had one of them before. Is this a normal symptom? Did the shot ruin me? How long should it burn for and last? Is there anything I can do to help it? Should I not take the ring now either? Thank you for helping me out. :)

Answer
Hi Paige,

I don't usually recommend any kind of hormonal birth control methods. I have counseled women for over 20 years now and I have heard a lot of stories about side effects and long-term risks from the hormones. Are you sexually active now? If not, why not go off any kind of birth control method and allow your body to get back to normal and natural. It might take a while for the depo to get out of your system. If you want to talk more or give me an update, just email me at CHERYL51@aol.com

Hope to hear from you soon.

Diane Cheryl