Has anyone used the BC Patch?

JessG3445 · May 2011

I have been doing research on what birth control method I think is best for me, and I really like the patch, but I have read a few horror stories about the side effects... more than the usual amount that I found on other forms of birth control. I don't want anything really long term like the IUD or the implant (which I am currently on), I tried the shot once and hated it, and I feel like I would forget to take a pill every day, so this one seems the best for me. Does anyone have any experience with the patch?

DaringMiss · May 2011

I loved the patch!! It was easy to remember to replace it once a week, didn't have a problem with it staying on and I didn't have any identifiable side effects.

Unfortunately after using it for a couple of years I developed an allergy to the adhesive. It would itch like crazy and I just couldn't stand it.

If I hadn't developed the allergy, I would still be on it.

belovedbride07 · May 2011

I used it for three months a few years back, and had terrible nausea (and vomiting) when I put on the first patch of each cycle. (I had really hoped it would go away, and my doctor was horrified that I had tried to stick with it so long. Oops...)

That was really my only problem. It stuck fine, and after the couple days of nausea, I didn't have any symptoms all month.

Something to consider, though: isn't there a higher risk of blood clots with the patch (as compared to with the pill)? My bad experience aside, that would dissuade me from using it again, but my family history has lots of strokes and other cardiovascular problems, so I'm extra cautious now.

JessG3445 · May 2011

Yeah, I read about the chance of blood clots, which is why I am hesitant about it. I don't have a history of heart problems or blood clotting in my family, but I am not sure if I am willing to take the extra risk anyway!

justaname · May 2011

Have you looked into Nuvaring? I know there are horror stories out there about it, but I have been on it for years now and love it!

RRME83 · May 2011

I used the patch for about a year. I didn't really have any side effects, but after a while I started developing a rash from the adhesive on the patch and had to stop using it.

babyblessing10 · May 2011

I had used the patch for awhile too but discontinued it when all the warnings came out about the unusualy high risks associated with it. I actually thought they took it off the market. I haven't used it in years and switched over to the Nuvaring! I love that for of BC b/c I was never good a remembering to take the pill every single day. The nuvaring is ideal...put it in for 3 wks and forget about it, take it out for a wk and start over again after your cycle. Talk to your doctor to find out whats the best fit for you. GL.

carcrashheart · May 2011

I used the Patch for YEARS and loveloveloved it! I only quit because I opted to stop using BC. Otherwise, if I ever go back on BC, I'll head right for the Patch. I might have felt "off" for a few days, but I felt the same way when I started a few other BCP's, so it was all the same to me. I never had any issues while on the Patch.

liancart · May 2011

I used the patch for a couple of months a few years ago and had some pretty uncomfortable side effects, horrible breast tenderness. After having problems with several pills I tried the Nuvaring and LOVED it.

AgHeather06 · May 2011

I used the patch for years and LOVED it! I never had problems with side effects, and as long as you rotate your patch placement you shouldn't have any rash problems. I switched to the Nuva-ring and gained almost 10 pounds in 3 months. Now I am just off BC all together, but if I go back I am going with the patch.

CarrotsMakeMeFat · May 2011

JessG3445:
Yeah, I read about the chance of blood clots, which is why I am hesitant about it. I don't have a history of heart problems or blood clotting in my family, but I am not sure if I am willing to take the extra risk anyway!

All hormonal birth control has a risk of blood clots. Hell I was on Yaz and I had that checked recently because I was loosing feeling in my leg. I was good to go, but if you won't accept any risks, then don't do anything hormonal.

Otherwise, I've had no experiences with the patch...I wasn't comfortable with the idea of it and I have sensitive skin.

PixieChinchilla · May 2011

I never used it because I'm allergic to most adhesives and also because it says in the pamphlet that it is something like 30% stronger than a pill, which makes side effects more likely, and I am already very prone to medication side effects (I'm sorry, I don't remember what it said exactly, but it was 30% more something that made me not feel comfortable with using it). Have you considered the NuvaRing? It works very similarly. It worked well for me, except for those pesky side effects. Everyone else I know who uses it loves it, though. I'm just really sensitive.

srgw · May 2011

I was on the patch for 5 months. My period came every month for two straight weeks. The patch had to go.

Mrs.Rad888 · May 2011

I was on the patch for a couple of years with no side effects. I loved it, I only stopped when I decided to get my tubes tied.

astroMom · May 2011

I was only on it less than a year. I don't remember all the reasons why, but I know I broke out where it was stuck to me. They liked it for me, since I weigh over 160 lbs (@5'10"). However, I wasn't sexually active anyway, so at that time I went back to the pill. I'm on Mirena now, and I like it so far. I probably won't leave it in for the 5 years, though.

sgraham14 · May 2011

It was the first BC I was on. I have super sensitive skin, so I not only broke out in a rash around the patch, but over my whole body. I wasn't on it long at all - not even a whole cycle. But like pp have said, there are risks with every type of BC, so just do some research and ask your dr. Good luck!

Trissie18 · May 2011

I absolutely loved the patch and had no side effects whatsoever. When I became pregnant with DS#1 I had to change drs (moved to NY) and unfortunately they refuse to put their patients on the patch because of the higher risk of blood clots. DH had a vasectomy after DS#2 was born so BC wasn't an issue until I started having problems. Like you I am horrible about remembering to take pills. I am currently on the pill and I keep it on the bathroom sink so that I remember to take it every night but I have still forgotten 3 or 4 times.

deliciouz19@yahoo.com · May 2011

I used the patch for the last 6 years. I never had any problems with it. It never caused any pain, nausea or anything. I loved it it is great. I am off of it now though because I am currently ttc!!

haze1122 · May 2011

I have tried the patch and the nuvaring and they both made me sick. I had terrible cramps and nausea from both.

alaskabride2be · May 2011

I used the patch for 7ish years and loved it. I never had issues with side effects, so it was the best option for me at the time. I stopped using it because we wanted to get PG, and then couldn't go back to it because of nursing. I would suggest talking to your OB and see if he/she thinks it's a good option for you as they know your medial history and can tell you if you are at risk for the blood clots.

jennocide · May 2011

RRME83:
I used the patch for about a year. I didn't really have any side effects, but after a while I started developing a rash from the adhesive on the patch and had to stop using it.

This was pretty much my experience. Oh, and I wound up in the ER with an AWFUL asthma attack while on it, which was never really explained, but I caught the doctors and nurses murmuring to each other about blood clots.

I went off of it mostly because I found it annoying. Didn't stick well, slid around, my clothes would stick to its edges and rip it off, and it itched like a mother (and I tried it in all recommended areas). I opted for the Mirena IUD and I LOVE it.

frenchkiss829 · May 2011

I was on the patch for 4 years and I loved it, but I was nervous about the high hormone levels and talked to my doctor about it. She said that if I wasn't having any trouble with it, she wasn't concerned, but she did say that if I was a patient wanting to be put on the patch, she wouldn't let me. She thinks it will eventually be taken off the market. I got the Mirena IUD in November and I LOVE it.

Has anyone used the BC Patch?

Re: Has anyone used the BC Patch?

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