Belly pain for a few days... is NuvaRing to blame?

[lindsay0891]

Hi. It's June 2nd and I've been using NuvaRing since March 6th. I had a period on it the first month, skipped my period the second month, and had a period last month. I put the new ring in on May 22 and I feel like I may be having some increased side effects since then. The first few weeks I was on it I had a lot of cramping that felt like menstrual cramps, but for the past couple of weeks I've had a lot of nausea. I work at a grocery store and one day I had to run to the back because I thought I was going to throw up; I didn't and I was fine the next day. I've been doing pretty well since then but then in the past few days my whole abdomen has felt very cramped and tight. This morning I woke up with bad stomach pain both in my belly and near the pelvic area where menstrual cramps would be and I've been extremely nauseous. Eating has been difficult.
I was wondering, can NuvaRing cause cramps in the stomach/digestive system in addition to the pelvis?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Stress and diet are the strong causes of aggravation of your symptoms of IBS. Alterations in diet, for eg: gradual addition of more fibre in your diet like whole grain breads, green leafy vegetables & fruits can ease your symptoms. Also avoid cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and lentils as they tend to increase the gassiness. Caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee) aerated drinks, fried and spicy foods should be avoided.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[lindsay0891]

Thank you! The cramps have continued, mainly bowel cramps and nausea. I saw a doctor and they said it was probably either IBS or side effects from the Nuvaring. I have been taking omeprazole, hopefully it will help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Nuva ring can cause pelvic cramps but other causes of such cramps and feeling of nausea should also be explored. One of the important causes is of gastritis. Hence the above mentioned treatment.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Take some OTC antacid like Mylanta.You can also take zantac(ranitidine)or prilosec(omeprazole).These will help. Also keep your fluid electrolyte balance optimum by drinking lots of fluids.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.