Evra

UnregGirl

Have just got a prescription for EVRA contraception patches and i was just wondering what are people's experiences of them? It sounds pretty straightforward, 3 weeks on, 1 week off, so i'm thinking this would be a better alternative to the pill? Is it just as effective? Many thanks

Awayindahils

http://www.thinkcontraception.ie/?gclid=CK-Izq_E2pICFQ1EMAodak-x5Q

The patch is 99% effective when used properly. I haven't found it hard to use. I would recommend putting it on your bum though. i was really self conscious when I had it on my hip. Occasionally the skin gets a little irritated, and there can be some break through bleeding. I found that I lost weight on it, and didn't have too many other problem. It is pretty easy to use but then so is the pill. I find myself sometimes trying to remember when the change day is, but looking in the pack soon sorts that out. Give it a try and change if it doesn't suit you would be my advice. Oh and it was fine for swimming.

watna

I didn't have the best experience using the patch. one of the side effects is cystitis (I really can't think why this is?!). I had an uncomfortable few months. I didn't realise cystitis was a side effect until I re-read the leaflet that comes with it. As soon as I stopped it my symptoms went away.

It's probably not that common but is maybe something for you to watch out for.

xzanti

I used it for one week and went up a dress size in that week... Not for me.. Was very moody on it too..

Tartopher

Have you thought about the Nuvaring? It's as effective as the pill or the Evra patch. It's a silicone ring you insert into the vagina like a tampon for three weeks then remove for a week then put in a new one.
I've been on it three years without side-effects. It's a lower dosage of hormones than most contraceptives so no mood-swings, weight gain and lighter periods as a bonus!:)

Stench Blossoms

I tried it but I didn't like it. I wear jeans alot and I found that the patch itself got very dirty and wasn't the most attractive looking.

UnregGirl

Thanks everyone, I'll take all that advice on board. Have already bought a months supply of the patches so I'll give those a shot anyway and see how i find them. As regards the nuvaring, my gp did mention that to me, but to be honest, and this may sound silly, but i'm not long after having a baby and i really wanted to minimise the amount of intrusiveness down there! Maybe i should have asked a few more questions, is it a matter of just slipping it in yourself?

SnoozyS

i've been on this for the last few years and have to say i find it great.....no mood swings or weight gain

Tartopher

Yup you just push it in with your finger like a tampon and after three weeks hook it out with your finger. It doesn't budge for the 3 weeks, you don't feel it and neither does your partner.
I tried the Evra but I was always checking the patch to make sure it was still there, plus it irritated my skin (but only a wee bit). I found the Nuvaring that bit more convenient

DaisyRose

I used Evra for over a year and about 6 mths ago changed to Nuvaring. The patch worked out fine..I also lost some weight on it and noticed no side affects. The reason I changed in the end was because I wasn't entirely convinced by Evra. Every week at least a little bit of one corner of the patch would lift (I wore it on my bum) and then I'd never be sure if it was working as well as it should. 6mths into the ring and I'm sorry I didn't try it in the first place. It's so convenient to insert, you don't even know it's there and it's far less hormones than the patch!