Anyone tried either of these new BC products?
I'm thinking about trying one or the other, but I had such problems on the pill (years ago) that I'm not sure I want to do hormones again.

Please list pros, cons, and side effects if any.

I'm looking for a new form of birth control as well and would love to hear more about both. I use the delfen contraceptive foam now but would like to use something more "permnanent" that I don't have to mess with right before sex.

Thanks, sorry to post under your topic without an answer.

I use the patch and I love it. I have tried several pills and I had problems with all of them. I was told that you're less likely to have side effects with the patch because it's a continuous stream of medication, unlike pills. I haven't had any side effects or any problems with the patch. I highly recommend it.

Thanks gobbleduck.
Any problems with skin irritation? Is it a pain to remove?

I'm 40 so my hormones are just starting to go haywire. I'm thinking that the patch might stabilize things a bit.

They had a sample of the patch, (non-medicated) in a woman's magazine. It was the color of your skin almost and very thin.

I go to the dr tomorrow, I will ask about this for me.

I have only mild skin irritation after removing the patch - just like if I had a bandage on for a long time. It's just a little red and goes away after a couple of hours. The patch can be a pain to remove. The best thing I've found is to remove it while showering with lots of baby oil. The baby oil and hot water helps it come right off.

I used depo for about a year then i got off to try the patch. I put the first one on on Sunday and for the next two days I was throwing up non stop. I took off the patch and thought that I might have just been sick with the flu. So I waited one week and tried again same thing happened so now I am trying the pill. However my aunt is on the patch and she loves it so it might of just been how my bodie reacted.

Ok, I started out on the pill--kept forgetting to take them.
Then, I tried Depo-provera--TOTAL NIGHTMARE!
Then, I tried the Lunelle shot--that was ok but going to the doctor EVERY month to get a shot is not my idea of fun.
Finally, I tried the Ortho-Evra Patch. Although, now I love it I must admit that I went through the nausea that the other woman was talking about. I didn't throw up but I just didn't feel well for most of the day and that lasted 4 days out of a 7 day week. I found that I could combat the problem by eating right three meals a day. So now I am doing that and I have no problems.

I dont have experience myself but my sister just started the nuvaring. She loves it. you can leave it in 3wks then take it out so the last week you have your period or you can leave it in and change once a month. It comes with a little "electronic hourglass". It starts with balls at the top and 1 drops each day. when all the balls have dropped it beaps to tell you to change it. and doesnt stop beaping until you reset it. Hows that for a reminder. I am going to get this as soon as I get my period. (just stopped breastfeeding) I cant wait. hated the pill

I am currently using the OrthoEvra patch...been on it for about 4 months. The very first couple of days I tried it, I did have nausea, but that went away and it hasn't come back. I typically didn't have a lot of problems taking pills, but I started having some problems with the progesterone, and so my doctor thought it would be good to try the patch because it is absorbed directly into your bloodstream rather than being metabolized by the liver...I think he might have been right!!

You have to get used to sticking it on yourself so that it won't make huge wrinkles at the top of the patch...I usually use it on the buttock...if the top of the patch has a big wrinkle in it, water will find its way into it and through the patch and this makes it weaker. Now I've got it down to a science, though, so no big problems.

Removal is not that much of a problem. Someone here said it's like removing a band-aid...that's pretty much exactly what it's like. Although sometimes I get a little itchy there afterwards...a little lotion on the area works well.

So far so good with the patch...
good luck to you!
MLWC

I haven't had experience with hormonal birth control yet (will start my first pill ever in hopefully 2 days!) but after doing a lot of research, I do know that, from what I can remember, women 40+ who are on hormones are at a greater risk of having the side effects (both minor and major) associated with pills. You might want to check up on the medical risk aspects of it before seriously considering it. Your doctor could probably assess this best!

Hi, I am new to this site, but I saw your ?, and wanted to tell you that I absolutely love the patch!! I have endometriosis and fibroids and chronic pelvic pain, so I have tried sooo many different forms of the pills and have had bad- even severe reactions to all of them. I have been on the patch for almost 6 months with no symptoms! It's really easy to remove- oil does remove the left over residue and there is a little bit of itching but nothing major! When you apply it- it is important to press it on and apply a little presssure for a few seconds like it says, this assures better sticking. I use it continuously to avoid a period- due to my conditions, and change it every 6 days rather than 7 because of my hormone fluctuations. But it has definitely been a God-send! Good luck!

I was on NuvaRing for 8 months and loved it!!! It was so easy, and you only had to worry about it once a month. I think the patch has to be changed every week. It actually has less hormones in it than low dose pills. I had no side effects, and my husband couldn't feel it at all. I would recommend it to anyone!!

I'm VERY tempted to try nuvaring, but I've been having such luck with my BCpills, and the hormones have been making my period an absolute DREAM

does nuvaring do the happy things to your period that the pill does?

I never had any period problems, but I did notice they were shorter on Nuva Ring. Other than that I didn't notice any changes switching from Pill to ring. Try it!!!

Basically, I've been on the patch for just under a week now, and I have noticed something. The patch seems to be sliding, only slightly though. You know that ring of crud that forms around the outside of the patch from the adhesive?...well....some of that crud is slightly under the side of the patch now. Does anyone know if that is going to hinder the patch's effectiveness? I'm really worried about it.....Thanks!!!

I'm on the patch-it's new to me. My period is late-only by 3 days-but I'm freaking-I have a 6 month old! Any suggestions-is it usual to have a delay??? Thanks!

Never mind-just a bit late-wheeeew!

I was on the patch for 2 months and I broke out horribly. Once I went off and back onto OTC, I cleared up again. So that was the only downfall for me. Other than that, it was the perfect birth control.

I have been on the nuvaring since January. I absolutly love it. I change it every 4 weeks (this way I do not get my period). I also, have no side effect. No weight gain. I do feel though that if you are with someone new, you should tell him because a man can feel it in there.

I was wondering about oral sex on the ring? Can it be done...should it?Will my b/f grow boobs? Do I now have a yuck taste and odor?
Any info girls?
Thanks

I am on the nuvaring. My husband never commented on tasting the nuvaring. He can feel it with his finger and his penis. I will have to ask him if he notices a change in taste since I have been using it. I also noticed that my breasts are fuller. I am assuming it is from the nuvaring. No other side effects. Fuller breast are a plus in my book.

I am in the patched in prog that goes with Ortho Evra-they talked about side effects common for use at 3-4 months-and then didn't tell me them. Anyone know?

I've been on the Nuvaring just a month and I love it. I couldn't tolerate any bcpill this long, because I am just very sensitive to the hormones. I had a little belly ache the first couple weeks, but I'm ok now. Too soon to tell about weight gain or trouble with contact lenses (side effects I had on the pill) but it seems promising thus far. What turned me onto it, is that I believe it's a very very low dose of hormones because it is right at the source. The patch is low, but now this low. Also I've heard that if you don't like it during sex you can take it out for 3 hours?

I just came off the nuva ring. It never regulated my period. I had way too much break through bleeding. I did get fuller breasts while on it. I had no other side effects.

I tried the Nuvaring for about 4 months. The first couple of months was ok. Then my periods became horrible! I bled for 7 days with lots of clots and also had terrible depression and anxiety. I guess it was just not the right mix of hormones for me. I wish they would make differenent strenghts of it because otherwise I loved it.

I was on the patch for 1 1/2 years but stopped using it this past July. The last 6 months I was on it, I was throwing up when I started a new patch. Wasn't worth the hassle.

Hi I have been using Nuva Ring for 2 months. It is great so far. You leave it in for 3 weeks then take it out for the week you get your period. My husband hasn't felt it during sex either. I haven't had any side effects yet, but there is one downside. If you don't get it in there good it can slip down the third week you have it in there. I think it gets so lubricated after a few weeks it starts to slip. Other than that I love it. You can also have it out for up to 3 hours and you are still protected from pregnancy.

I have been using the patch for about 9 months now and I love it! I haven't been on any other birth control prior to this but it just seemed better and easier than the other options. I wear it on my abdomen and yes it does create a black ring around it because of water but just check and make sure it doesn't become loose. I didn't experience any side effects and highly recommend it, if it is right for you. Everyone's different.

I have been using the Nuva Ring and I LOVE IT! I used pills for years but I always messed them up. You never have to worry about the ring. Once every 3 weeks you take one out and a week later you put one in. My periods went from 7-8 days to 3 days! I always knew when I was going to start my period and everything was VERY regular. Never had a better BC!

I'm on Nuvaring now and I LOOOOOOOVE it. I cant take any bcpills because they make me nauseated and a bunch of other side effects too. no nausea on the ring.. the first couple of days i started it 4 months ago i felt a little bit of dizziness and had a low backache, but everything disappeared after that. i dont feel it, and i sometimes forget that its in there! i get surprised when my alarm beeps that its time to remove it. totally convenient, discreet. very low dose of hormones so it has way less side effects. plus, u can take it out and put it back in yourself so it only requires the initial dr.s visit for teaching *for some doctors.. others just let u read the pamphlet* anyway, i cant say enough good things about this bc. love it love it love it.

I use the patch and I love it. I have tried several pills and I had problems with all of them. I was told that you're less likely to have side effects with the patch because it's a continuous stream of medication, unlike pills. I haven't had any side effects or any problems with the patch. I highly recommend it.
I just received my patches today and am hesitating to use after reading that it can cause emotional instability :eek: and hair loss. Have you had any experience with these type symptoms?

I'm on the nuvaring and think it's the best..and I've been on many others in the past..ended up with two kids and two miscarriages..3 while i was on birth control so whats that tell ya ? ANyway..not pregnant now..the first month of nuvaring i had cramps the week before my period but since then..no problems.my periods have actually been lighter and shorter.:) it has never came out on its own not during sex or anything.. and husband says he cannot even feel it. you put it in for three weeks and take it out at the end of the 3 weeks for one week..after taking it out you will get your period 2-3 days later and my periods(used to be heavy and longer) have been over by the time i had to put another ring in at the end of that week. this last period was normal flow the first day which was wednesday morning after taking the ring out on sunday and then it was over by saturday morning..thurs, fri and sat all being very very lgiht flow..and i put a new ring in on sunday..its really easy..no side effects or complications.

hey, I was on both the patch and nuvaring. Let me tell you about my exciting experiences.
I was on the patch for 3 months and hated every second of it. I was bloated the entire time i was on it and it made me tired, cranky and really moody (it is exhausting to carry around all that extra waterweight and it makes you feel very fat and gross). I totally lost my sex drive too, so it was basically worthless. Plus, as an avid runner, the idea of having a sticker on your butt for an extended period of time is no good. I don't care what they say about the patch, it did not stay on me and it had a nasty ring of dirty grime around it. It left big red rashes wherever i had it on my skin. I stopped and was very happy shortly after that.

My gyno recommended the ring, and me and 2 of my friends started it. I LOVE THE RING!!! i am on my second month, and couldn't be happier. getting it in and out is a little weird, but otherwise you don't feel it or have to worry about it at all. The only side-effect i experienced was that my boobs went up an entire cupsize which is absolutely fine with me (and my boyfriend). same thing for my friends. i admit, it's a little weird for the first 2 days or so because you keep thinking it's going to fall out, but it doesn't! plus you can download a little timer thing for you computer which alerts you when to take out and put it in. It didn't affect my appetite or my weight or my mood, and it was such a relief after the horrors of the patch. i feel like nuvaring should pay me for this, but the ring is totally great.

hi there,
i am thinking of starting with Nuvaring and i worry that it may cause loss of sex drive or weight gain (i am a dancer so cannot have that), or skin problems. i've tried a pill a few years back and hated it.
thanks a lot

I am on the patch and I have had severe naseua...but only on patch change days...1st of the month. 5X vommiting though...pretty bad.

I also use the patch & have for over a year and a half and i absolutely love it! Sometimes the skin around it might get a little irritated and itch, but other than that, it's awesome! i tried bc pills & had a hard time remembering to take a pill everyday! so changing the patch just once a week is something easy to keep up with! good luck! :)

the patch=>

pros: It's on there for a week, no chance of forgetting to take a pill.
Apparently it's a lot easier on your liver.
Not *too* many side effects
I haven't had *any* spotting, or problems in that area.

cons: It's certainly not perfected, the sticky stuff is horrible to get off, yet if your patch has any wrinkles in it, it'll start to loosen.
Nausea, and lots of it on the first day of every new patch (atleast for me.)
Weight: If you're over 200 pounds, it won't work as well for you, but I suspect that if you're even over 150, it's efficacity decreases.
Taking off the patch can sometimes be painful, depending on where you put it, and it's possible that you'll have a red mark there for weeks to come.
Pain! Depending on where you put it, it could give you breast pains and sores or stomachaches or horrible horrible migraines.
Sexual side effects: vaginal dryness, and loss of a good 50% of my libido..

On a sidenote, I have to mention that this patch has made my boobs HUGE. For me, this isn't well appreciated, but for smaller chested girls, it could be a godsend ;)

So, for a lot of people, the patch has been a great thing, for me, it's a bit of a nuisance, and I'll be trying a new pill soon.. but would consider the pill again, if I couldn't find a pill like Alesse, which I had a great experience with in the past.

mm! and lastly, if you're big on swimming, or take lots of baths, you might have a problem.

I love the nuvaring. I've been using it for about 6 months now. No weight gain or anything bad like that. Neither me nor my bf can feel it during sex. A big positive is, when I take my ring out on a Sunday night, I don't start my period until Thursday evening, and the ring goes back in on Sunday so by Sunday night I'm completely done bleeding.

someone on here said they only change their ring every 4 weeks instead of 3, so that they don't get their period (like skipping placebos on the pill). Is there enough hormones in the ring to protect you from getting pregnant for that 4th week?

Maybe it would be safer to take it out after 3 and put a new one right back in?

the patch is a little difficult because it leaves behind some sticky stuff on the outline of the patch, and sometimes lint and fuzzies get stuck to the sides, like bandaids usually do when you wear them, and there is a little irritation at first. This is my first week, so there is some confusion, but I think it is less hassle b/c you only have to remember to change it once a week.

I've been using the ring for about 4 months now. I love it! No weight gain, skin breakouts, headaches, or any other side effects I used to get w/bcp's.

To the poster who asked if it was okay to take it out after 3 weeks and just put a new one in-I don't know what would happen. Honestly, I'm too scared to find out. I just take it out after 3 weeks, have my period (it lasts 3 days tops!! YEAH!!) and then put it that Sunday. This is the best bc I have ever used!!! I can't feel and neither can my boyfriend.

My insurance didn't cover the Evra Patch or the Nuvaring, just something to think about. :)

You can get both of these at planned parenthood for free if you are low income.. I have been on the ring for 2 months and it is so much better than the pill.. just pop it in and forget about it... you can also take it out for 3 hours at a time if you do feel it while beeing intimate... the good thing about it is that it has about half the hormones in it than the pill or the patch and thats good if the hormones affect you like they do me. (low labido, weight gain....) in another month or so we will see if it helps with those problems to because it takes three months for it to take full affect in your body.

Nuva Ring sounds awesome - has anyone had weight gain on it?

Nope, no weight gain here that I know. If I did gain some, it was so little that I haven't noticed. And you know how we (women) are-we KNOW when we've gained a even a few pounds! LOL LOL

I have been on the nuva ring for almost 2 years . I love it. Its simple to use and there is a computer program you can download to keep track of when to take it out and put a new on in. You cant feel it once its in and neither can a lover unless he is trying to with his fingers. And it has never falling out.

Nuvaring gave me bad smelling yellow discharge and yeast infections. Discharge still hasn't gone away. It's a good idea in theory, but my doctor says that it just isn't as great as one might think. She's had people with UTI's because the ring pushes on the urethra, and cervicitis because it pushes up on the cervix (by accident of course). I had to go on the patch instead.

I've been on Nuvaring for about 2 months now. I've tried many different birth control pills with no luck b/c I have a high sensitivity to them, and thought the Ring was finally working for me. I've been fine until this past week, where I've noticed a weight gain (which I attribute to the ring b/c I haven't changed a thing with my diet/workouts), depression, edginess, just an overall uncomfortable feeling I always feel while I'm on birth control.

Convenience wise, I love the ring. And my boobs are definitely noticeably larger. But my boyfriend and I have noticed a considerable vaginal dryness that I never experienced before, along with vaginal irritation.

If anyone else has experienced any negative symptoms like these, I'd love to hear!

Pastry the same happened to me. As soon as I got off the ring sex is much better since I am lubricated again plus no more vaginal irritation. I used to burn down there after sex while using the ring and it sucked!

Hmmn. I've been on the ring for 3 months...I am undecided. I love,love,love not having to remember daily pills, but I'm confused about possible side effects. My BF does not feel it much and I did not gain weight or increase breast side... but, just before I started my second ring I had wonderful libido for about 2 weeks and that has gone away :o( I was on BCP such as allesse, marvelon and brevicon for 3 years before this, brevicon was the worst... anyways, I also get headaches when I take the ring out, usually 2 or 3 days after. I don't know if the ring is causing vaginal dryness or not? but I want my libido back! :o(

The patch was the wonderdrug for me. I lost over 10lbs when I got on it 2 years ago and I had absolutly no other side effects. Although my weight has stabilzed now, I noticed that I don't gain weight anymore no matter what I eat (i don't exercise at all). My breasts are one cup size larger as well. I now just switched to the ring. I don't know if i will gain that weight back or not.

the patch made me break out like crazy, and by the end of the week it would be all gunky around the edges. after a few months of being on it the spots where i put it all became kinda chafed and chapped. i will never use that again, ever!

my sister liked it, but apparently not enough to use it correctly as she got pregnant after a month. i decided to go with the pill, and dr gave me yasmin, which has been fine. i've never tried the nuva ring.

I have tried the patch and didn't like it. It wasn't all that user-friendly for me. The patch left rings on me and it always came off.

I am using the ring right now. I like it. I don't know it is there and I don't have to fool with it too much. One problem, I get sore during sex. That's it.

The patch and NuvaRing are both hormonal bc. Are you taking it for actual bc or just b/c your hormones are going crazy? :) I was on the patch for roughly 7-8 months...those were the most horrible 7-8 months ever. I had 10 day periods on it, it hurt to remove (tried ever trick for removing it). It left a sticky ring around it. It would always come off. No matter what I did, it'd come off. It used to start peeling, then I'd go to take off my pants and it'd RIP off! *ouch!*
Now another thing with the patch...it sometimes doesn't work with your body chemistry. Certain things like the amount of fat on the place you put it, can cause it to be less effective.
Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!

I noticed the vaginal dryness during sex when I first started the ring but I believe that was more because I was thinking the ring and whether he would feel it and would it hurt, blah blah blah... Now after a month with the ring, I don't worry about it anymore and sex is back to normal.

I use the ring for 4 weeks and then use a new one. I don't recommend doing it for more than 3 months at a time.

As for the vaginal infections, some women are more prone to those things than others which I am one. My doctor told me to every once in awhile or after sex to just take the ring out while in the shower and just rinse it off and put it back in. The ring acts as a catchall and will sometimes hold things in. That's what I do and I haven't had any problems.

Based on my doctor's whole-hearted encouragement, I tried the NuvaRing. I put it in on Sunday. Within a short time, I had a headache and within a day my groin (guess maybe my ovaries?) were aching badly. I took it out that day.

Since then (it's been a week) my pelvis area has continued to ache, as has my lower back.

Seems odd to me that within one day of it being in that I would develop such strong side effects.

I had luck with Allesse (BC pills) but liked the idea of the hormones not going through my liver.

I'm thinking these symptoms will subside eventually....again, odd that I still have the symptons now 5 days after it was taken out. Anyone had any similar effects?

I am on the Patch. This is the first bc i have ever tried. The first two or three days i felt like crap! Nausea and dizzy...but it has gone away. This is my third week on it.next week will be my week off it. I have noticed my appitite has dwindled and i am thirsty all the time. My Boobs are a cup size larger...who'da thought in just three weeks..lol...altho they are a little tender. I also have the problem of the sticky gunk around it but i clean it up every morning..when removing it i just take a hot shower and it comes right off...

I Have had One patch fall off tho..not sure why..The only thing i did different was i cleaned the area with rubbing alcohol first...maybe it reacted or something?..other then that i love it. I am in a good mood all the time(before i was cranky all the time...depressed and anxiety..ALL THE TIME) i havent had one freak out since ive been on it!!!! I have had no weight gain either!! super PLUS++++

i'm on the patch right now...but it seems like i'm having shortness of breath..at first i didn't notice it..until one day i went hiking with my friend and my heart started beating really really fast as if it was gonna jump out of my chest...i'm 5' and i weigh 104 lbs..i'm pretty healthy, coz i go to the gym 3-4 days a week, i also watch what i eat, so i was confused as to why i'm having that... {removed} so she asked me if i was taking anything..i said i just have a my patch and thats it..then she told me about what she heard about the patch in the medical field..she said that it makes the risk of having stroke, heart problems and blood clot higher even if you don't smoke...what do you guys think?its just one opinion..it'll be helpful if somebody can tell me more about the adverse side effects...

I have been using the patch for two months now, and I really like it for the most part. I do not have any skin irritation when i wear it on my abdomen, but i tend to get a bit itchy if i put it on my back. I think the skin irritation thing is different for everyone based on their sensitivity. A couple of irritating things about though are the following:
The glue is immensly sticky, and some tends to seep out along the edges. Therefore, if you wear black pants or anything dark, the fibers from the clothing tend to stick to it, leaving a dirty looking ring around the patch, that will not go away until you remove the patch the following week. It annoys me a bit.
Also, because it is only comfortable for me to wear the patch on my abdomen, its kind of hard because my stomach is not super completely flat...and the patch kind of creases up when i sit down, which makes me nervous...but the dr said its okay.

However, it has releived my cramps that are due to endometriosis...to the point that i do not have to use any form of pain medcation (i took prescription pain killers for years) during my period. So I like that alot.

Overall, I would recommend it though.

good luck!
janine

I was on several bcp over about five years, and then tried the nuva ring for two months. I have been researching on the internet more about it's side effects and if you are interested in taking know that if you have depression tendencies they will be greatly elevated with the ring. I have always had a feeling of slight depression with bcp but it was excessive with the ring. It was nice not to have to worry about taking a pill everyday but I still had to take it out with sex, we could feel it and was uncomfortable. Everyone who is thinking of trying the ring should know about the depression because my doctor never mentioned it. I am now off all bcp and feel like a different person ladies! I am emotionally stable!!! Sex is better!!! Who knew???

I have been on the Nuva ring for 4 years and I can't say enough good things about it. You don't know its even there..I change mine every 28 days so I don't have a period. When your done you just take it out and flush it. I have noticed no side effects, but lately on the Tv I have heard of a lot of lawsuits being filed against the makers of the birth control patch. Im not really sure what that is all about but if it were me I would go with the Nuvaring. Hope that helps

Hmmn. I've been on the ring for 3 months...I am undecided. I love,love,love not having to remember daily pills, but I'm confused about possible side effects. My BF does not feel it much and I did not gain weight or increase breast side... but, just before I started my second ring I had wonderful libido for about 2 weeks and that has gone away :o( I was on BCP such as allesse, marvelon and brevicon for 3 years before this, brevicon was the worst... anyways, I also get headaches when I take the ring out, usually 2 or 3 days after. I don't know if the ring is causing vaginal dryness or not? but I want my libido back! :o(

The above post is obviously old. But I was wondering if 'jennyferr' was still around and if you could tell me about your experience with brevicon. I just started this pill 2 weeks ago. Any info. would be appreciated.

I just recently began using the Nuvaring and am completely frustrated. I thought it would be wonderful, but it's already fallen out twice during intercouse. The last time I wasn't even aware that it slipped out, and I'm just assuming it has because I can't find it in my body. Has this happended to anyone else?

I just recently began using the Nuvaring and am completely frustrated. I thought it would be wonderful, but it's already fallen out twice during intercouse. The last time I wasn't even aware that it slipped out, and I'm just assuming it has because I can't find it in my body. Has this happended to anyone else?

Hi mindlessy9, sorry I am just wondering do you put the ring in and out yourself or does the dr do it? and is it 3 weeks too? I am on the patch at the moment and although its much better than an bc pills iv tried, its definitely making me tired, bloated and my sleep is not good. The nuva ring sounds better possibly...Thanks:)

Hi mindlessy9, sorry I am just wondering do you put the ring in and out yourself or does the dr do it? and is it 3 weeks too? I am on the patch at the moment and although its much better than an bc pills iv tried, its definitely making me tired, bloated and my sleep is not good. The nuva ring sounds better possibly...Thanks:)

I used the Nuvaring for about a year and a half and never had it fall out. You put it in yourself, leave it in for three weeks, then take it out for a week and put a new one in. I loved it especially after using the patch that I had so many problems keeping on not to mention weight gain.