The patch ?s

[ladysky61.livejournal.com]

Hello,
I wrote another post down below. Since this is unrelated I thought I should start a new post.

So I am somewhat bad at taking my BC pills at the same time everyday. Especially recently. I was thinking about switching to the Patch (Ortho Evra, I think). As I have never had intercourse and don't plan to anytime soon, I am mostly using BC to skip periods and to make my periods predicable and comfortable. (and in case something happens...)

For those of you on it, can you skip periods using the patch? Or is that not recommended? Also, any issues with it falling off or it bothering you? I swim and and exercise a lot. Also, I read online that is not recommended for woman over 200lbs and although I am trying to lose weight, I am a bit over that right now (perfect health otherwise). Is that a blanket requirement or more a suggestion? If it makes it slightly less effective as Birth Control, I am ok with that though.

Thanks for any info!


(PS. Because of a medical condition, IUDs and Nuva Ring are not an option)

Comments

[taterbug160.livejournal.com]

I'm on the patch and have been for the past 5 years or so. I don't skip my periods on it, as I like to get a period every month, but I'm sure you could. I've never been advised not to.

I've not had one fall off, but I think it has a lot to do with how you apply it and where you put it. You have to shave the area, and I usually swab it with rubbing alcohol, wait for that to dry, and then apply. And I always put them on my "ovaries" in the front, and just switch the sides. Never had a problem with them.

As for the weight, I think you'll have to talk to your doctor about it. My brother's girlfriend was told she couldn't get on the patch because she was too heavy. The effectiveness is not as great when put on someone over the suggested weight criteria.

Hope some of that helps!

[midnitefirefly.livejournal.com]

I tried to skip periods on the patch... but I don't think my body will allow it. I went patch free 4 weeks a year... and the ENTIRE 3 months i was on the patch I would spot. It was awful! I hope it works for you! Keep us posted!

[ladysky61.livejournal.com]

Would you mind telling me if that was your first attempt at stacking? Because the first time I went on Seasonale 2 years ago, I had spotting and PMS symptoms for a month! So a switched to regular BC and just stacked every other month and than 6 months decided it was ok to try Seasonale again. So I am hoping that if I do go on the patch my body will have adjusted to no having a period and I will not spot.

[ladysky61.livejournal.com]

Sorry I meant to say 6 months AGO!

[ladysky61.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Do either of you know, if the patch has a low dose of hormones or not?

[vixen-in-purple.livejournal.com]

The patch is never a good idea. It's actually supposed to be taken off the market do to the highest risks of blood clots, strokes and heart attacks according to my doctor. I was on the Patch for about 2 years and my doctor called me home from college in order to pull me off of the prescription.
I currently use the nuva ring (as I'm terrible with pills), it's no harder to use than a tampon. And I love it! I went from 8 days of bleeding to 5 days and less. I've never skipped a period nor will you on the ring but you do lessen in how heavy the flow is and how long. A friend is currently using YAZ and she skips periods (she's not having intercourse) and really likes YAZ. I'm having sex and have never had any problems with the nuva ring. Also my cramps went from a pain rating of 8 to a 3 or 4.

[https://users.livejournal.com/nomad----/]

I never have any issues with the patch I love it it stays on like superglue haha I use it on my tummy and when it sticks it StIcKs. I have found that rubbing it on the skin for around 20 seconds after applying assures a good stick. As far as the health concerns my gyno assured me there is no significant evidence it is any more harmful than other HBC and she is a very intelligent and trustworth doctor. I have skipped periods on the patch because each patch could be worn for an extra 2-3 days and still have enough hormones so I would just use each for 9-ish days and it would last me the entire month when I didn't want my period. I get way less cramps, way lighter periods, cleared up my acne, andddd I remember to use it =] Yay! Also it hasn't increased my appetite like other HBC's have ={. I like it a lot.

[ladysky61.livejournal.com]

Ok thanks ladies! I think I will ask my doctor about it when its time to get my BC prescription refill in 3 weeks.