abaya

Hello all,

I've been on the patch (Ortho-Evra) for about 9 months and have never used any other form of hormonal birth control.

The first 4-5 months I would often feel VERY nauseous on the Mondays when I'd first put the patch back on (after the week off to have my period). This stopped for several months, but all of a sudden I felt the same symptoms last Monday and thought I'd had food poisoning until I realized it was That Monday again. Has anyone else experienced this? How long do these symptoms last, anyway?

Also, since I wear the patch on my butt, I have noticed that I have two patch-sized square outlines on either side of my butt. I alternate every week as they suggest, but I still seem to have these semi-permanent "scars" from the patch's adhesive. Does anyone have suggestions for this? Do these go away?

My breasts finally stopped aching (that took about 5 months), but I'm also wondering if that's normal, since the product information told me it would only be a month or two.

Lastly, does anyone use condoms or other barrier methods in addition to the patch? My bf and I have been doing that and it makes me feel a lot better about the risks, but I'm wondering if we're in the paranoid minority for doing this!

minyn

The squares are from an alergic reaction to the adhesive. theyll go away, but it'll take awhile. Put lotion on where you arent using the patch, the adhesive also dries skin.

as for boobs hurting, that is typical for many birth controls. a lot of people have that prob on any bc. last, as for nesuea, ask your doc. it may be to strong a dose, or you just may be one of the unlucky people who birth control will bother your body. just ask, its the best way to go.

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superredhead

abaya ,
hope you feel better!

I've been thinking about trying different forms of birth control (currently on the pill). In regards to Ortho-Evra, I have heard that it also severely decreases the libido. Is this a common side effect?

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abaya

superredhead, a lot of people talk about bc dropping libido, but I haven't noticed much change... and I tend to have a lot of sex when my boyfriend is around! Then again, I only had sex without the patch (using a condom) for about a month at the beginning, so I guess I wouldn't know if there was a huge difference. I really like the patch, except for the side effects noted above. It's easier to remember than the pill and you don't have to think about it most of the time.

However the other problem I have is that the patch tends to stick to my underwear or jeans if I put it a little high or low sometimes, and I've had it peel off a little then, which freaks me out (hence the back-up condoms all the time). I guess that's also why I'm wondering about the Nuva Ring and pill...

SparklingDot

Sounds like your dosage may be too high. I was on one formulation of the pill and was feeling sick all the time. I talked to my doctor and she put me on a lower dosage. I've never tried the patch, but the pill really isn't that bad. Good luck and I hope you feel better!

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Lucky Girl

I have used the patch for over a year. I have found, that when I wear the patch on my butt that it does tend to pull with the underwear, I wear my patch on my lower belly. Usually no problems with it coming off in that position. We still use back up, mainly for double the protection.

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Lucky Girl

abaya

Sparklingdot: The only problem is that the patch doesn't seem to have adjustable doses. It's all or nothing. And I would try the pill, but I am horrible with remembering stuff like that every day... so for now, I still prefer the convenience of the patch.

Lucky Girl: Hmm, I hadn't thought of trying it on my belly-hip area... been using it on the butt since I started, as I think of that place as being less obvious when wearing a swimsuit. Maybe I'll give it a go.

And I'm glad to know that someone else uses backup!! We miss the feeling of not using a condom (tried it long enough to like it), but in the long run, we very much want to avoid having children when they are not planned. So a little backup is okay for now...

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Lucky Girl

I have also tried putting it on my back, by my shoulder (under my bra strap) and on my arm. I can't really explain the places. Look at the package it will show you different spots to place it. I find that when I place it on my arm, it makes my arm itch, but never comes off...which is a plus!! Hope that helps you! I was horrible about remembering the pill every day also, then tried the shot (gain 30 pounds, No thanks) and switched to the patch and have been happy ever since!!!

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ironmaiden7o7

It's normal to feel this way while on the patch. I remember feeling really nasty for the first 3 months when I first started. It's been 2 years now and every now and then, I still feel like barfing, and just like you, I often forgot that it could be the patch that is causing me to feel this way, and I did speak to my doctor recently and she told me that it's normal to feel this way, so don't worry. I also heard that drinking lots of water can help. Good luck with this.

lindseylatch

I bet that nausea means you guys are gonna have morning sickness!
Although my mom said that's not always the case.
I remember my pill by connecting it with something i do everyday at about the same time...going to bed. I rarely forget, unless I'm totally exhausted.

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abaya

Lucky Girl, I tried it on my back last week and it worked so much better than on my butt. Thanks for the reminder that I can switch places!

And ironmaiden, I'm glad to know that I'm not too weird in still feeling sick after a year on the patch... I really thought something was wrong. I'll try to drink more water (bad habit of mine).

Lindsey, good idea... but I'd still forget, knowing me.

I'm still interested in trying the Nuva Ring instead of the patch, just for ease of use (changing once a month), but we'll see what the dr. says. Thanks again all!

__________________
And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran

ironmaiden7o7

I don't know much about the Nuva Ring but I spoke to a friend that was recently on it and stopped that it was really a bad experience. But then again, ever woman is different, we're all affected by things differently. I'm comfortable with the patch, I don't mind taking it. :-)