No more daily alarm for contraception (Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch)

Member Name: mapesy

Product:	Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch
Date:	25/08/09 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Weekly task not daily

Disadvantages: sometimes fall's off

==EVRA CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH==

I have tried two other forms of contraception previously before finally sticking with the patch. My first contraception choice was the pill which I was on through my teenage years and for a short time after having my daughter. If like me you found the pill to be a real pain to have to remember to take it every day then the patch may be good for you too. My second form was the implant or 'Implanon' which is a small rod that gets inserted in your arm. This is good as you do not have to do anything for a year, but this has a very common side affect ... bleeding and bleed I did and for a very long time, so this I found pointless and I had it removed.

This is when I cam on the search a more convenient and easy to use form of contraception. I was advised against the injection due to my age as it can affect the bones. I was then told about the patch.

==THE MAIN INFO==

The patch is a small skin tone square patch 2x2inches that you apply to you skin either on thighs, bum, tum or arm. It is visible. I tend to put it on my thigh's as high up as possible then it's not really ever seen other than by partner or when swimming. It works by releasing hormones into your bloodstream through the skin, the same hormones as used in the pill. The patch protects you in the exact same way as the pill but with the peace of mind of not having to remember every day. You have to change the patch just once a week. You set your self a cycle which is so simple to follow in comparison to the pill. Starting for the first time you would usually start on the first day of your period and you would be protected straight away. If you were to start mid cycle then you would have to use another form on contraception for 7 days. The day you begin is the only day you need to remember. So if you put your patch on Tuesday then this is the day that you will need to change you patch on each week. An easy thing to remember is 3 on 1 off; apply it weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week patch free. This week is where you will bleed. All you need to do then is remember to start your cycle again the following week on the same day chosen at the beginning. It is as simple as that.

I tend to set a weekly alarm on my phone so I always have my personal reminder. In the patch you also get a set on stickers for each cycle saying 'week 1, week, 2, week 3 and patch off' this is great for remembering where you are. Simply stick them on you calendar of type it in you phone calendar and you're away. You can't go wrong.

==SIDE EFFECTS==

Obviously like any medication there are side effects, personally I have had none with the patch which I am very happy about I was also the same with the pill. So if you have had the pill and like me you have had no bad sides then I would recommend as this is just like taking the pill. If you did experience sides with the pill then you will probably get them with this too.

The most common side effects listed with the Evra patch are:-
- Breast pains, swelling and tenderness
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
- Rash
-
More serious side effects are:-
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
These risks are increased if you smoke, especially if you're over 35.

==THE DOWN'S==

The main down sides to using the patch is the visibility and that the patch can some times come off. Although it is usually very good, for me I found it is more likely to come off if you use body lotions after showers. And a couple of times a bit of the sticky side had peeled back and then stuck to my jeans, then when I pulled my jeans down it ripped the patch off with it. But as long as you put another patch on within 48hrs you are fine. The same goes for if you forget to change it or forget new patch day you have 48hrs to stay protected which is great as you have a bit of time.

==SUMMARY==

So I love this as my permanent contraception. It's so simple and easy to use, reliable, convenient and has no side effects (for me personally). It fits in well around my lifestyle and easy to keep track of and the main thing you only need to worry about it once a week! Evra patch is not suited for every women and you must always consult your doctor or nurse before starting. Your blood pressure needs to be taken also. Once you are given the go ahead and you start to use it you can then come back and get several months supply on repeat prescription. I do hope you have found all you need from this review.

Summary: love it love it love it!!