Birth Control--Ortho patch

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 14, 2003

My thought for this is that i can't even keep a Band Aid on, and i'm going to relly on a stick as birth control? Nah, i'd stay paranoid about it falling off i don't care how 'sticky' the experts say it is.

kids · Oct 14, 2003

My daughter uses it and after a few weeks of working the "bugs" out of it has had no problems.

She is one that things don't stick to well either but it hasn't been a recurrent problem. The biggest thing is putting in a spot where the skin doesn't wrinkle or fold easily, also need to remember to check it hasn't fallen off daily (the one time she "lost" a patch her period started within 48 hours).

One anecdote that I have REPEATEDLY heard (I don't know if there is documentation to support it) is that the patch is not a good choice for "fluffy" girls (>30 pounds over ibw).

June55Baby · Oct 14, 2003

My daughter used the patch too! She's not fluffly nor is she wrinkled. Baby girl due December 1st.... couldn't convince them to name her Ortho Patch! HaHa

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2003

Abstinence still works best, just aint as much fun

icesk8ie · Oct 14, 2003

I use it and I love it! I was so bad about taking my pill the same time every day, so this is really good. I haven't had any problems with it sticking, except that it starts looking like a dirty old bandaid if you don't clean it up every couple of days. My periods are much lighter than they used to be, too!

WhyO · Oct 15, 2003

The patch is WONDERFUL!!!! For me it is so great and believe me, I have tried them all.

I have done birth control pills, Norplant, Depo with less than a great experience. I love Ortho because I don't forget the ONE TIME PER WEEK (only once with no detrimental effects). I don't have headaches or other wierd side effects either (yeah). I weigh 160 lbs and it says if you weight over 200 lbs it may not be as effective. I did have some problems at first making them stay stuck, but I always wear mine on my hip/butt area. If one comes off, I just restick the next weeks patch and my doctor or pharmacy gives me a spare... no biggie. I have used it for 1.5 year and think it is so GREAT. If I don,t want my period one month because of an important event, then I just use the next patch for the next month (though don't make a habit out of it) which is condoned by my MD. I cannot tell you how this has made my life better!

Good luck on your decision.

WhyO · Oct 15, 2003

forgot. I agree with icy about the patch can look a little worn after a few days but to me, the alternative is ME looking a little worn after 18 years.

Karina212 · Oct 15, 2003

I tried the patch for 3 months or so when working the night shift was messing with my birth control pill schedule. I found it very annoying. It would slide a lot and leave black bandaid-like marks on my skin. It also ripped off when I took my shirt off. I don't know how effective it can be if it's sliding all over and you have to reapply it. Now I'm back on the pill which is better for me now that I have a normal schedule again. Whatever works!

salvati08 · Oct 15, 2003

I too take the patch and I absolutely love it!!! It was the best idea anyone had for birth control. It is so easy, you put it on on sunday and wear it all week, you don't have to remember to take a dumb pill everyday. I have no side effects and I forget I'm even on birth control. Mine stays on fine and does not peel at all. I put it on my bottom, right under my underwear and no one sees it and it's very comfortable. I highly reccomend it!!!!:)

2005 Nurse · Oct 15, 2003

I tend to agree with the "believers." I agree that at first I had to find the best place for it, but after the first few weeks I LOVE IT. I have been in many environments and not had any problem with the patch slipping, sliding, or falling off.

I will never go back to the pill.

*Ferty~OB~RN* · Oct 15, 2003

I do love the convenience of it, because I am so non-compliant with taking meds po. However, I have started getting my usual headaches that I tend to get on the po pill. Still trying to figure out if it is coincidence or something else.

THe spouse however, is still not convinced it will work. He still wants to use a condom with it...just in case! HAH!! I told him he does that then I am not going to use it. Talk about overkill!!!

I am still on my first cycle of patches and will see how well I like it for the long haul! Did notice that it drastically reduced my milk supply for my baby! UGH!!

However, do love the convenience of it! BTW, DOc at work told me the male form of the pill is only 5 yrs away, and there is a new type of device on the market for tubals, so it can be reversed for future pregnancy with a good success rate!! I asked him about that one, and he could not remember the name of it and said it just came out!!!!