Has Anyone Used the Birth Control Patch?

I used it in college. I loved the ease of it! The only things I didn't like were that it stuck to everything around the edges (maybe they have changed it in 5 years though?) and that it left stickum behind that was hard to get off (Goo Gone worked pretty well). I switched from left to right cheek with each patch. Ultimately, I stopped using it because I wanted to go on the pill continuously so I wouldn't get my period and I couldn't do that with the patch, I would just spot and get a light period anyhow.

Good Morning:

I used the patch before. From what I remember the only real problem I had was that the sticky side left residue on my skin...I wore mine only on my stomach (rotating which side of my stomach each week). I tried the other locations, but didn't care for them there...I literally had to scrub my skin with a scrub brush to get the stickiness off my skin. I don't recall having any type of reaction to the hormone level...

Hope that helps.
Have a great day.
T.

I just went off of it after about 2yrs of being on it. I loved it! I hate taking pills & I never could take my BC at the same time anyway. So the patch was a wonderful solution for me. Like you I don't smoke & I'm under 35 so I didn't have any issues with the blood clots. But each person is different so just keep an eye out for any signs or symptoms. Good Luck with whatever choice you make

A.:

I loved the patch! My only advice is when yoy apply it (I always wore mine low and in front alternating sides every week) rub baby powder over it. It kind of seals the edges so they don't get gunky and gray like an old band aid. If you do get ick on your skin, it'll come off with rubbing alcohol. Best of luck!

I used the patch for about 7 months and had to stop back in February because I lost my insurance. I tried 4 different pills after I had my son 3 years ago and had bad reactions to them all (nausea, bad cramping, heavy spotting between periods)before I gave up on bc. Then I became allergic to latex condoms. My ob/gyn suggested the patch and, after doing some research about why it was taken off the market, I tried it. I'm 25, don't smoke and have a pretty healthy lifestyle. I absolutely loved it!! Not only was it very effective, I no longer had my pre-period acne and my period was lighter, shorter and less painful!! You do have to be careful about where you place it, because I also had a problem with my panties catching them and pulling it off. You just have to be extra careful until you start your period. I was unable to put in on my abdomen since it became highly irritated in that area. I usually put them on my upper back, shoulders, lower back and buttocks. They are a little itchy the first day, but after that you almost forget it's there. As you've probably noticed from these posts, it's not for everyone. We all react differently to drugs, but if your doc thinks you might benefit from it, I would say GO FOR IT!!

When my daughter was born in 1996, I went on the OrthoEvra patch and used it for 7 years. I loved it!! I too was a forgetful momma and literally would get sick to my stomach at the thought of taking a pill every day. I only had a patch come off twice, both times was because my panties got a good hold of a little corner and off it came. Both times I called the doctor and they called me in a replacement patch the next morning. I did go off of it though in 2002 when my OB/GYN told me it had been found to be unsafe and she would not prescribe it for me anymore. So be sure to check with your doc about the safety. GOOD LUCK!!

I loved it for the same reason you want to use it, can't remember. But I would not recommend it if you are nursing, there is a good possibility of milk reduction.
Good Luck.
Laur

Hi A.! I too would forget at times to take my pill. I went on the patch to make things a little easier. I was only on it for 2 months and then I had to take it off. It made me feel uneasy, I constantly had hot flashes and when people were cold in a room I was sweating. My heart seemed to beat faster, which I'm sure is why I felt so uneasy. I went off of it and instantly felt like myself again. I wouldn't suggest it. I should have done my research. Since then, I've found many people that have had the same experience. I'm sure it works for some people, however, I haven't found anyone that it works for. Also, the glue on the back to keep it on left burns on my skin. There were times after taking a bath the patch would come off. I would have to try to reapply it, but if it wouldn't stick then I would have to put a new one on and then I would get the surge of hormones again. I will say those first couple days of a new patch was horrible. I felt like I was someone else. I hope this helps!!

I used the patch when i was firt married and I HATED it!!!! It made me light-headed, I had heart palpatations, and my hormones were out of control!! I decided to go off of it and I got pregnant two weeks later. I have not gone back to any birth control only because I do not like how the hormones controled me and made me someone I wasn't. I would not reccomend it.

I tried it a while back. Had no problem and it worked fine! I was leary because the edges peeled slightly and for piece of mind needed to see the pill (aka drug). The idea was a little abstract for me, but like I said, the few months I used it, it worked with no problem.

I didnt like it when I tried the patch. It never stayed on. My sister-in-law got preg on it because of the same reason. Just a little fyi for you. Good luck

I loved the patch for it's convenience. I didn't have to remember anything except for once a week and, unlike the depo shot which made me an emotional train wreck who was forty pounds fatter, I didn't gain alot of weight or cry at infomercials. It never came off in the shower, either.

The only down side were that the sight where I had the patch got a little itchy and it always had that dirty bandaide look to it. I would have gummy glue stuck around it and would have to scrub it off when I changed patches.

Hope this helps.

L.

Hi A.. I used the patch for about a year in 2004-2005. It was my first birth control and I loved it. I didn't notice any problems at all. However, my husband and I decided to have a baby and then all the controversy happened so I didn't go back on the patch but switched to the pill. Since then I have been having nothing but problems and I'm getting off hormones and using the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). I just wanted to throw an alternative out there to think about and research besides hormonal birth control. To be honest - I loved the patch so much but that was pre-baby and don't know if my body would react the same way to it again. Plus, my pharmacy insurance stinks and it costs a lot more out of pocket to buy the patch.

Hope that helps. I had no side affects whatsoever from the patch but everyone reacts differently to different medications. Good luck with your choice.

M.

I personally didn't like the patch at all. It made me feel sick and always left a red mark around the patch. But everyone is different and you should pick what is right for you :)

I personally was on it for years. I went on it because like many I could not remember to take a pill every day. When I wanted to get pregnant again I simply took it off and got pregnant again then went back on it after the baby. I am pregant again so am not on it now but I LOVED IT! I got scared when they started saying women were dying because of it but when I asked my dr. she said I had no signs of any blood clot and my heart was in great shape and I had nothing to worry about. I am 27 and a non smoker and meduim build. Everyone is different but I personally love it. My dr also recomended the neuva ring but I don't like the idea of having to "insert it" lol Well I hope this helps. Feel free to email if you have any more questions.

I took it in 2004, and the first few days you wear it each month there is a surge of hormones. I remember having "hot flashes" and feeling very emotional during the initial days. The side effects were severe enough for me to stop taking. Good luck!

I used the patch a few years ago, I loved it. Most doctors don't recommend it if your above a certain weight level. But it was to my understanding that it was taken off the market because the hormone levels was to high. Most insurances won't cover it because it's a highly risky method of BC. I'm surprised that your doctor recommended it. The nuva ring is much safer and effective.

My doctor reccommended it after my third child so I would not forget it like she thought I would with the pill. I liked it but the itchiness around it was a little aggravating. Because the hormone level is higher I experienced a rash too ( but thats normal for me due to a condition I have so) I would try it and see how it works for you. I am not sure how cheap it is now that its been out for awhile but it is worth checking out.

I used this awhile back shortly after it came out. The first month I used it I had basically morning sickness, I assume caused by the higher levels of hormones. After that I had no problems. If you don't like the stickiness around the edges, here's a tip: after applying the patch put some baby powder on it - it will sort of "fill-in" the sticky parts and keep it from attracting lint and dirt. I stopped using it and was able to get pregnant withing 3 months.

I used it about 5 years ago. Personally, I would not use it again (or any birth control w/ synthetic hormones for that matter). In addition to all the lawsuits for deaths and injury againt Johnson & Johnson, the glue from the patch is impossible to remove and it, or whatever other chemicals are in it, left burns on my skin. By the end of the week it starts falling off. Just not worth it in my opinion.

I used it for about a year and loved it! Just make sure you move it around your body each week because my skin broke out if I kept the same place covered two weeks in a row.

Hope it works for you!

Hi A.,

I have never used the patch myself, but my friend did. She did get pregnant with it, but we believe it is because she is a heavier girl. Her doctor never told her, but after doing research and talking with another OBGYN we found out that it is not recommended for heavier women, i believe over 200lbs. This may not be your situation at all, but I just wanted to share this just in case. Good Luck!

B.

I hated the patch. I got pregnant while on it, I think it was because the thing never really stayed put. It was itchy and left the gluey ring everyone is talking about. I have gone on the Mirena IUD and love it, nothing to worry about for up to 5 years.

A friend of mine was on the patch - after a while the insurance company made her switch to generics and the adhesive on the patch didn't stay on at all... so if you do go this route and go generic, I recommend buying gauze tape to make sure it stays on.

the patch was my favorite form of bc! love everything about it, but when i wanted it after having my first baby the ob wanted me to sign a waiver for it, i am young and dont smoke, so i opted for another form of bc. (this was a couple years ago though) if you dr is willing to give it to you go for it!

I got pregnant on it. I think it's because it never stayed on like it was supposed to. I personally don't recommend it

I was allergic to the adhesive. I had to stop it.

I would be careful with the patch. I had migraines when I was on it for a couple of years and when I tried to get off of it, I had my period for three months straight (I don't smoke and am under 35 as well). I really had a bad experience with the patch. Just thought I would give you a head's up. On the plus side, it did work really well, as I didn't get pregnant until I was off of it!

A.

I used it several years ago. I didn't have any real problems with it. I hated the sticky goo around the edges after a week and the itchy feeling for the first couple of days. But these aren't *real* issues. Plus, my insurance didn't cover it well. It was $50/month at that time, whereas insurance covered Depo for my co-pay every 3 months. I didn't have the weight gain or any other issues from Depo.

I tried the patch for a few months about 5 years ago and the hormones were too much for me. I broke out terribly on my back from the hormones. One of my friends tried the patch and didn't have any problems.

Birth Control patches are dangerous. My sister who is 24 had a heart attack while on the patch (Ortho Evra) because it is way too strong specially for a smaller woman. And also it causes your blood to clot together. Her legs swelled up and she was rushed to the Hospital. I say stick with the other types of birth Control.

I personally loved the patch. I will admit that I felt nauseated the first day. I could deal with that better than I could deal with me forgetting my pill! I was on it from around 2004-2006. This was before all the warning commercials and lawsuits. I wanted to use it again after the birth of my son but my doctor didn't advise it. She suggested I use the Nuva Ring instead. I only have to change it once a month and now I love this.