Hi! Fairly new here, so I don't know if this has been previously discussed. I am currently on the pill but I have been on it for several years and darn it I am just plain tired of taking it every freakin' day! I was wondering if anybody has tried the patch, since this is what I am interested in trying. Positive comments? Negative? Please share! Thanks :wave:

i've heard good things. mostly about the convenience of only messing with it once a week, and that it really does stay on.

I am the opposite, just switched from patch to pill...I thought I loved the patch because once a week...no forgetting but after I went on the pill I realized how much more I thought about that patch...after a few months it was constanly coming up or off. I went through maybe in a year, 2 boxes (6 patches) of extras.

In addition, my Dr. insisted I stop the patch because of severe breast tenderness, nausea on first patch of month.

I love the pill now, just having to think about it once a day, ironically.

I am on the patch now I love it. I went from using Depo to the patch and will never switch again. I have not had any problems with it at all. Depo I had all kinds of trouble. :eek:

I've been on the patch for almost 2 years and honestly it is the best form of BC for me. Before you put the patch on though, you should probably rub the spot with rubbing alcohol and let that dry and then stick the patch on because that will clean the area and allow for better "stickage". mine always stays put, just don't put lotion near the area or oils because that may cause it to come loose. The patch has been very effective for me and I have not had any bad side effects.

Hey,

I just stopped the patch after 2 years as I began to experience some break through bleeding. I miss it! I had taken Ortho Tri Cyclen for a few years before that so persumably the transition was easy because the manufacturer was the same? In any case - it is certainly worth a try, I think you will love it.

I have been on the patch for a little more then a year and I love it also. I have no more heavy cramping that I did with the pill. I also have no porblems with getting it to stay put, yes the alchol could help and yes make sure no lotion or oils.

I'm on the patch. I really like only having to think about it once a week. I did pills (I couldn't remember to take them and had tons of breakthrough bleeding) and I did the once a month shot, Lunelle. (Costly!) I don't have any problems with it staying on... the only issue I've had is some mild skin irritation. I just moved it over or to my other hip in those cases, and did fine.

Thanks you guys for all your help! I appreciate the feedback!

STICK WITH THE PILL!!!!

I was on the patch for a little over a year, and I would not recommend it to anyone!
It caused me to get a blood clot in my lung (the size of a fist!!!) and because of this I have permanent lung and heart damaged and ultimately could have died (Then, I was only 22 years old). Ortho McNeil says that its effects are the same as that of the pill, but new studies have shown that this is NOT TRUE. Reportedly, the risk of blood clot, stroke, and heart attack is 3 TIMES GREATER. {removed} There have been 17 women reported dead due to the patch and 22-27 cases of women who suffered from life-threatening effects last year alone. SCARY STUFF!!!!

I agree jjalum...I just read in the paper this weekend about young women (early to mid 20's) dying from the patch of stroke and heartattack...I will stick with the pill now!!

I loved the patch for its convenience but after a year and a half on it, I'd throw up at the beginning of each new cycle. Wasn't worth the aggravation.

I read the article the others are talking about too. I read it today, and to me....it doesn't sound worth it. Too many women have died. Coincidence or not, I wouldn't want to find out!

I used the patch. And stopped using it too... The patches kept coming loose, I was constantly checking the patch, pressing it... At one moment I was having what I thought was breakthrough bleeding. As if! I was simply having my period, because the edges of the patch wouldn't stick... Now I'm using Nuvaring, and I'm very happy with it.

Hmm, today is my first day with the patch. Is this why I am feeling nauceous? That could be good - I've been eating a lot again lately. I hope, hope, hope that I don't have blood clot problems. I just didn't want to take any more pills. I already take enough for allergies, asthma, and anxiety. I didn't read this thread until I already put the patch on. I'll see if it stays on.