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Family planning

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Original poster

Evra contraceptive patch

16 replies

tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 18:44

My DD has recently changed from the pill to the patch. She has been experiencing a few headaches and seems to be getting a few more spots than usual but nothing else yet. She is worried about weight gain and mood swings although at the moment (week 3) she feels generally ok mood wise. Anyone have any good or bad experiences with the patch?

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DappledOliveGroves · 05/03/2022 18:52

I've used it for years and love it. No side effects at all. Easy to use. No weight gain or spotting. Only annoying thing is its visibility - if you're going on holiday you need to remember to stick it somewhere where it won't show in a swimsuit!

Liveandkicking · 05/03/2022 18:58

I had horrific migraines.

Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 19:29

@DappledOliveGroves

I've used it for years and love it. No side effects at all. Easy to use. No weight gain or spotting. Only annoying thing is its visibility - if you're going on holiday you need to remember to stick it somewhere where it won't show in a swimsuit!
That is encouraging thank you.
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Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 19:31

@Liveandkicking

I had horrific migraines.
Sorry to hear that. Did you persevere until they stopped or did they not stop? She is getting a few headaches which is not usual for her so I'm hoping they will settle down.
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caulkheaded · 05/03/2022 19:35

No side effects altogether the first few months I had a lot of bleeding. It’s been fine though and definitely would choose it over anything else.

Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 19:58

@caulkheaded

No side effects altogether the first few months I had a lot of bleeding. It’s been fine though and definitely would choose it over anything else.
Thank you. I am hoping this suits her better than the pill. She was having awful mood swings on the pill.
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CatRatSplat · 05/03/2022 20:16

I used it for years, I did get the headaches, but it was worth it as I used to throw up tablets due to gag reflex. They are a lower dosage of hormone compared to the pill so side effects like weight lose are reduced. The headaches are more likely because of the way the hormone is absorbed into the blood steam.

Liveandkicking · 05/03/2022 20:18

I gave up with it because they were debilitating unfortunately

MarmiteCoriander · 05/03/2022 20:27

I didn't use Evra, but did look into it. Depending how old your DD is, the nuva ring might be an option to consider too. It looks like a clear, plastic bracelet and sits inside the vagina. I found it no harder to use than a tampon. Its not like a cap/diaphragm that needs fitting- it just stays in there. I'd read that its an even lower does of hormones, as its so close to the ovaries.

Like evra, it only needs to be replaced every 3 weeks and not affected by nausea or vomiting like the pill is. You can also have intercourse with it in, without your partner knowing. (obviously depending on your DD age?)

If there is an NHS family planning/sexual health clinic in your area? They are worth looking into. Most have clinics for under 24's, along with contraceptive clinics. They seemed to be more up to date with contraceptives that weren't just the pill and had more time to discuss side effects and provide alternative options.

Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 20:39

@CatRatSplat

I used it for years, I did get the headaches, but it was worth it as I used to throw up tablets due to gag reflex. They are a lower dosage of hormone compared to the pill so side effects like weight lose are reduced. The headaches are more likely because of the way the hormone is absorbed into the blood steam.
How long did the headaches last and were they daily?
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Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 20:48

MarmiteCoriander she's 18. I doubt the would go for the Nuva ring but will.discuss it with her. Thank you.

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Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 20:49

Also in our area there are still no face to face appointments and getting to talk to someone in sexual health is proving impossible.

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Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 20:50

@Liveandkicking

I gave up with it because they were debilitating unfortunately
Oh that is a shame.
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CatRatSplat · 05/03/2022 21:18

@tensmum1964 they latest about 3-5 days of the month, generally once a month just after the week off period. It hit but was manageable. If I knew it was week 1 and I had something like exams I was a bit naughty and would do 6 weeks with patch then one off. Never got pregnant on them, found them so much easier to use and trusted them more than pills. All the other issues I had like seeing red, heavy bleeding hormone surges disappeared while using the patch.

After having my kids I wanted to go back on but apparently they will not give to over 35s as they have been found to be less effective.

Original poster
tensmum1964 · 05/03/2022 21:44

CatRatSplat
One of the reasons she chose to try them is because we had read that the mood swings that you often get will the pill are not so bad on the patches so that is good to hear. It does seem odd that she has had a few spots as I had read that people often go on the patch to help with hormonal acne. Its early days so we will keep monitoring things.

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Original poster
tensmum1964 · 06/03/2022 21:56

[quote CatRatSplat]@tensmum1964 they latest about 3-5 days of the month, generally once a month just after the week off period. It hit but was manageable. If I knew it was week 1 and I had something like exams I was a bit naughty and would do 6 weeks with patch then one off. Never got pregnant on them, found them so much easier to use and trusted them more than pills. All the other issues I had like seeing red, heavy bleeding hormone surges disappeared while using the patch.

After having my kids I wanted to go back on but apparently they will not give to over 35s as they have been found to be less effective.[/quote]
Hi CatRatSplat. Ive been trying to find out some specific information about how the patch works but having no success. I wonder if you might know being an experienced user. My Daughters patch has fallen off twice now half way through the patch cycle. She s trying different places each time to try to stop this happening and she has followed instructions and put a new one on. My worry (if this makes sense) is that if she is changing a patch half way through a 7 day cycle, is it possible that she getting too much of the hormones by putting on a new patch. This Tues will be week three of starting the patches so one more week after that and she has a free week. Today she has been feeling really emotional and tearful so I'm just wondering if the changing half way through might be contributing to her low mood. I wondered if you (or anyone else who has used the patches) have any insights on this. Thank you

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