the patch birth control

[chinalady]

This is mostly for the ladies who are on the patch. Can anyone tell me what their experience was? Do you like it? I started on the patch two months ago, and this was my first time to be ever on birth control. Then in November when I had my period...it seemed like it lasted for a week which was unusual for me...and the flow wasn't as strong as it used to be. Before I was on birth control, I lasted for three days and everything just came out. I brought this attention to my GYN. She said that it was normal. Did you all have the same experience? She also said that it might be like that for a couple of months...which I really hate...since I hate getting my period...especially if it's going to be a week long. Did your mens flow go back to the way it was? I guess I just got use to having it for three days and no more. Some input would be nice. Thanks.

 

[SweetErika]

This is mostly for the ladies who are on the patch. Can anyone tell me what their experience was? Do you like it? I started on the patch two months ago, and this was my first time to be ever on birth control. Then in November when I had my period...it seemed like it lasted for a week which was unusual for me...and the flow wasn't as strong as it used to be. Before I was on birth control, I lasted for three days and everything just came out. I brought this attention to my GYN. She said that it was normal. Did you all have the same experience? She also said that it might be like that for a couple of months...which I really hate...since I hate getting my period...especially if it's going to be a week long. Did your mens flow go back to the way it was? I guess I just got use to having it for three days and no more. Some input would be nice. Thanks.

There have been many threads on the patch, so I'd suggest doing an advanced title search for 'patch' and 'ortho evra.'

Just like any other medication, experiences vary widely. I was on different formulations of the Pill for eight years, and while my periods got a little lighter, they usually weren't any shorter. In fact, compared to now, they were longer on average, but I'm guessing that may be due to the fact that I've gotten older and am finally out of the irregular-sometimes stage. Different strengths and formulations of pills also had different effects on duration and flow for me, so if things don't even out with the Patch, you may talk to your doc about trying something else.

You did the right thing in asking your doc, and I'd wait to see if it shortens over the next few months (or even year if you don't have other problems -- our bodies can take a long time to adjust and change when it comes to hormones). I know it's a pain, but having reliable bc/peace of mind and the other benefits are likely worth giving this a fair trial period.

 

[ultimate_cin]

I've had a pretty good experience with the Patch...my periods are really no different than they were with the Pill, though I have noticed that sometimes my cramps are worse than they were on the Pill. My doctor did tell me that the amount of hormones in the Patch was less than that I was receiving through the Pill...so maybe that could account for your longer period? I would just keep an eye on things for the next couple of months and if you are still having issues, contact your GYN again.

 

[chinalady]

Thanks, guys, for replying. I feel a little better knowing that I'm not alone. As I've said, this is really my first time using birth control. I never had a reason to since I didn't become sexual active until this year. This week is actually my "patch free" week...and I'm kinda dreading it.
Again thanks. I will definitely look at the other threads about the patch.