Contraception patch

[Barbaro]

Anyone had the patch? Any side effects? Was it effective?

The implant is changing my personality too much and I'm depressed a lot. I can't take the pill as I'd never remember to take it on time. I would get the coil, but I have issues from my past that mean I get really freaked out about the idea of getting it fitted by a stranger. And I don't trust condoms for effectiveness if I'm honest.

Any other ideas? Feel like the patch is my last hope other than abstinence. But my periods are horrible as well off contraception, really painful.

I have been on the patch for the last 8 years - it's great. Very convenient and periods are much better than being off the patch.

Worth searching in the health forums for previous posts on the topic.

Patch may cause the same issues as the implant in terms of mood change, as it a combined contraceptive (like the combined pill)- so contains progesterone like the implant, plus oestrogen. And both go into your blood stream. Can help with heavy periods, etc, but breakthrough bleeding can also be an issue.

It can be quite hard to persuade GPs to prescribe the patches, but if you have a history of forgetting to take COCs and not getting on with nexplanon then fingers crossed.

Heavy bleeding I can cope with, the horrible cramps I cannot. They make me want to throw up. It's so sore but only for one day.

I think I will ask and try it as I really don't want to rely on condoms. Will be too worried about them. It might agree with me better than the implant. Hopefully...

I had the patch and it was great, no problems getting it prescribed. If you do get it, make sure the area of skin is really clean and dry before you put it on, or it'll peel off pretty sharpish. Have also had depo which I loved, which I dont think you mentioned so might be another option if you dont get on with the patch. It's all such trial and error really because everything works differently for different people!

I did think about the injection but thought it might just be the same as the implant. Will ask the gp though.

I love the patch! Can't take the pill anymore so went into the patch and find it great. My moods have improved no end!

I had the patch and loved it, never had any problem with it peeling off and I wasn't particularly careful about 'preparing' my skin before sticking it on.

Be a bit wary if you have sensitive skin. They changed the adhesive and I became allergic to the glue so had to stop using it.

That's one thing I'm sure I'll be fine on, my skin isn't sensitive and hasn't reacted to anything. Yet.

My missus was on the patch for years. Apart from always having to wear a plaster, she loved it. Was the only thing that didn't give her mood swings or side effects