{"id":631763,"date":"2025-04-08T09:30:31","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T13:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631763"},"modified":"2026-05-01T10:48:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:48:59","slug":"nuvaring-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nuvaring-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does NuvaRing make you gain weight?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for an effective contraceptive method without the hassle of taking medicine daily, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative method of birth control like <\/span>NuvaRing<\/span><\/a> (etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol). The hormonal contraceptive is a flexible ring that is inserted in the vagina once every four weeks to prevent pregnancy. It stays in the vagina for 21 days; then, it is removed for seven days for your menstrual cycle before being replaced with a new ring. Alternatively, the NuvaRing can be inserted, stays in the vagina for 28 days, and then is replaced with another NuvaRing. This method helps women skip periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NuvaRing<\/span><\/a> releases a combination of estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken mucus so that sperm has a harder time passing through the cervix. While many women appreciate NuvaRing’s convenience, many hormonal birth control methods have potential side effects, including weight gain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re worried about gaining weight while using NuvaRing, there’s good news\u2014while some women may experience weight fluctuations on this medication, it won’t cause significant weight loss or gain. Keep reading to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tNuvaRing 1 ring (5 Ring)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"CVS\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$37.52\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$48.37\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee NuvaRing prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Does NuvaRing cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Weight gain is a <\/span>possible side effect<\/span><\/a> of NuvaRing. But it’s a <\/span>misconception that the weight gain will be significant,<\/span> according to <\/span>G. Thomas Ruiz, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified OB-GYN and Lead OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “T<\/span>here are no well-documented studies that show a significant weight gain when using any oral contraceptive, including Nuvaring,” Dr. Ruiz says.<\/span><\/p>\n

NuvaRing alters the hormonal balance in your body by introducing synthetic estrogen and progestin. <\/span>Progestin<\/span><\/a> can cause bloating and weight gain, <\/span>estrogen<\/span><\/a> can lead to increased fat storage, and the <\/span>combination of estrogen and progestin<\/span><\/a> is known to cause appetite and weight changes. However, the research on NuvaRing’s effects on weight is <\/span>mixed<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In an <\/span>observational study<\/span><\/a> of 1,145 subjects during their first three months of NuvaRing use, they experienced an average body weight increase of 0.95 pounds over 13 cycles. A <\/span>one-year randomized trial<\/span><\/a> of 1,030 subjects found that fewer NuvaRing users (8.4%) gained over 7% of their baseline body weight compared to pill users (9.8%), but overall weight differences were minimal at the study\u2019s end.<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span> study<\/span><\/a> comparing the effects of NuvaRing and a specific birth control pill showed negligible weight changes over a year. NuvaRing users gained .82 lb, and pill users lost 0.06 lb, indicating weight neutrality. Another<\/span> study<\/span><\/a> found that women using Nuvaring gained an average of 2.8 pounds after three months, with weight changes similar between NuvaRing and pill users, reflecting a small, clinically insignificant weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

While these studies indicate slight body weight changes with NuvaRing, changes are generally small and not significant, says <\/span>Brintha Vasagar<\/span><\/a>, MD, MPH, a board-certified family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer at Progressive Community Health Centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She adds that every person may have different reactions to hormones, so you should discuss your options with a healthcare provider to find the right choice for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most common side effects of NuvaRing include:<\/span><\/p>\n