I've been using nuvaring for more than a year now. In the beginning every thing was fine. But after a few months I started having vaginal dryness. We bought some lube, and didn't really have other problems. But over the months this dryness is getting worse and worse. I will still be wet on the outside, but every time my boyfriend wants to "enter" it hurts a lot, because deep inside it very dry (or it feels like that). Even with lube it still hurts, to the point that sex is no longer very fun. It's a pity, because otherwise I love Nuvaring, but it's not good for my sex life and my relationship with my boyfriend. Sex drive has also been very low, but I'm not sure if Nuvaring is the cause.

Do you guys have any ideas how to solve this problem? I've been thinking of stopping birth control alltogether, because aside from Nuvaring there really isn't any other hormonal birth control I want to take. I've thought about going bak to condoms. And for extra security using spermicide. What are possible side effects of spermicide? Can it cause yeast infections or irritation?

I think I read that the ring can cause yeast.It may be mild but enough to be uncomfortable right now. Call your dr and ask.

Actually, I was just on a website telling all about the nuvaring and it said it might actually help against yeast infection. Here's a piece from the mckinley website:

"The most common side effect is an increased amount of normal vaginal discharge. Occasionally women report an increased number of vaginal infections and irritation. Clinical studies show women using the ring experience an increased amount of lactobacillus in the vagina. Lactobacillus is a normal bacteria present in the vagina that actually helps decrease the incidence of yeast infections."

The nuvaring makes the fluids thicker so that it's harder for the sperm to swim through. That might be why it's rubbing more during intercourse.

Hm, for me it just feels like there's totally NO fluids there.

I actually have less vaginal discharge now, compared to before I was using Nuvaring. And my boyfriend has never smelled anything different. So I don't think a yeast infection is the problem.

Anyway, it's very annoying and I'd love to hear a solution :(