Ortho Evra and Bleeding: What Users Say

• hmh...
• October 26, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for 4 years and absolutely loved it! I had no problems with it up until the last year. I recommend this product 100%, if used like the package states. It's very easy to use and very convenient, I mean how easy is it to remember to switch it once a week? Very effective as well! I used it continuously (with no off week) because I had really bad headaches during my period week and loved it at first, until about 6 months later and I started having a lot of horrible cramping and breakthrough bleeding. The cramps were more frequent than the bleeding, but just as annoying. I talked with my doctor who told me I needed to force my body to have a period, so I tried that (took the patch off for a week) and that didn't help. My doctor said that with this medication used continuously there isn't enough estrogen and the body can't handle that sometimes. I am currently using Seasonique, which I haven't had any problems with yet. I wanted to let everyone know of my experience, but that I still recommend the product, just not for continuous use."

• Rav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 4 months. I haven't noticed any emotional changes, nor weight gain, but I've been spotting throughout using almost every patch. I am not supposed to have a period with the way my doctor set this up for me (taking patches back to back, indefinitely), but I still have them throughout using the patch. The first month I bled every single day, then it cleared up for a couple of months, now I’m back to bleeding every day. It’s like a mild period, but I’d say it’s more than just spotting. I’m trying to stick with it to see how it plays out, and hoping I will stop bleeding before the 6 month mark."

• Fra...
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control since I was 14 or 15 to control my period. I have been on the pill, the ring, and the shot. The shot was the devil, and while on the shot, I went to my gyn and told her I wouldn't stop bleeding, and I wanted to stop the shot, and I told her I wanted to try the patch. I was going to wait for the shot to wear off because I have 5 more weeks, but I couldn't take the bleeding, so I put on the patch on a Sunday. A couple of hours later, the bleeding stopped!! I love, love the patch, it is easy to remember. The only problem I have had the last 2 patches is it left my skin irritated, but it's my fault because I shaved the area before I put on the patch."

• ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I was completely new to birth control and did not want to be on a pill due to all the stories I've heard. The patch is amazing! Only have to worry about it once a week, haven't had any side effects, not even bleeding or spotting, get to have my regular period, and is basically so convenient. It is on the more expensive side, especially if insurance won't cover it, but for me, it was worth it. I don't have to wait for my period to start when I do plan on getting pregnant and is easy to wear. I prefer to wear mine on my shoulder blade because it doesn't rub against my clothes and people don't notice it, which is nice. This is a great birth control, and whoever invented it is a genius. Highly recommend, especially if you're new to birth control."

• HWD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2013

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control I've ever been on! I was put on the pill when I was 14 because I bled for around 15 days a month. Not fun. The pill didn't really help, I always had a lot of breakthrough bleeding, acne, and migraines. After 9 years of trying different 'types' of birth control pills (monophasic, biphasic, triphasic, high dose, low dose, Yaz, you name it, I was on it!), Implanon, and Paragard, and no success, my doctor said that I could try the patch, but otherwise, she didn't know what to tell me. It worked! I have normal periods, no acne or headaches, and I'm so happy! My only complaint is sometimes the patch is kind of itchy, but it depends on where you put it. A great bet for people who've had problems with other kinds of birth control!"

• Zir...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched from the pill because I was having trouble taking it at the same time every day. I loved the patch and how convenient it was. I wore it for two years and I will admit my boobs grew a cup size and I gained about 10 lbs over time, but my bf likes a little chub, so it was fine, lol. I NEVER had nausea problems (kinda shocked by some reviews here). I'll admit I would have PMS-like mood swings each time I changed the patch, but I never had shakes or sweating. I actually really love this birth control and rarely notice side effects. My periods became lighter (I had heavy bleeding pain before the patch), it lasted 3 days and was on a regular schedule. I highly recommend."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using the Ortho Evra patch for 4 months. At the beginning, the side effects were not good, I had nausea, headaches, and sore breasts. In the first month, I had breakthrough bleeding for 7 days. But after those two months with side effects, everything was normalized, only the pain in the breasts remained, but only when the period is coming. I still consider it a very good method for me because I should not remember every day, as I am too forgetful to take pills. Llevo usando el Evra 4 meses. Y al principio, los efectos secundarios fueron rudos conmigo, tenía náuseas, dolores de cabeza, y dolor en los senos. Y el primer mes tuve un sangrado intermenstrual por 7 días. Pero luego de esos dos meses con efectos, todo se normalizó, solo quedaron los dolores en los senos cuando está por venirme el periodo. Pero aún así considero que es un muy buen método para mí debido a que no debo recordar cada día porque soy muy olvidadizo para tomar píldoras."

• 200...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I recently started using Ortho Evra and LOVE it. It's easy to use and convenient, especially since you only have to change it once every week. When I first began using the patch, I had an upset stomach for about 2 days, but after that, I had no more stomach aches. I have also noticed breast tenderness, but it's mild and goes away quickly. I have noticed occasional bleeding, but that also went away after the first few weeks. Overall, I would highly recommend the product."

• Ada...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the Ortho Evra patch for 4 years now, and I've never had any problems. I was originally put on the patch to combat hormonal mood swings, severe cramps, and an irregular period. Since then, my period comes 3 days after I remove the patch and lasts till I put on my next (3-4 days). I've never had any spotting or bleeding throughout the month, and my weight has never been affected. My mood is also very stable, and I get virtually no cramps/aches on my period. I would highly recommend the patch to anyone."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2020

For Birth Control "The Ortho Evra patch has served its purpose for me for over a year now, but I'm having to stop due to unmanageable weight gain. My appetite has increased hugely, I'm more prone to emotional eating, and I can't lose it as easily as I used to. I keep active every day, so I was expecting to be losing weight, but my doctor told me I've put on 10 kg in the last 5 months. I've never piled it on like this, so unfortunately, this might be the last straw now. Before this, I had breast tenderness and nausea for the first two days of wearing the patch, but nothing unmanageable. I had one incident where I bled continuously for over a month, only stopping when I came off it entirely for a couple of weeks. I think this was due to me not breaking from it frequently enough."

• Gan...
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 19 and started using the Ortho Evra patch around 3 months ago. During the first cycle, all was good apart from a little abdominal pain (I put the patch on once I got my period). I put the patch on again after my second and third week, but during my fourth week, I thought that I would begin a brand new cycle since I didn't want to get my period. The major issue was that I didn't realize that during the first 3 months of starting the patch, you might experience breakthrough bleeding. I had started bleeding during my patch-free week and this continued for over one month. For the past 3 months I've been on the patch, I check daily if the patch is on my skin. Depending on the clothes you wear and where you place the patch, it tends to get lint on the edges and often affects how sticky it is. It's pretty annoying since I'm always worried that it's falling off, however, it's hard to avoid getting lint on the edges unless you're wearing a material that is polyester."

• Rhi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I have used this patch since February, so around 5 months. I consistently keep my patch on (no period). Pros: easy to use, don’t have to remember to take it every day like the pill, can be hidden, no pregnancy (hopefully). Cons: I randomly bled for 14 days straight whilst on my patch, so I took it off for a week and bled until I put my next patch on, so I bled for 21 days total. I never used to get cramps but now developed light cramps, nausea (especially in the morning), spotting, irritation on skin from the patch, and fatigue. Overall, within your first 3 months, the side effects are definitely more severe. I still get a tiny bit of spotting, my cramps are much lighter, and I don’t get consistent nausea every morning. I have PCOS and almost never used to have periods (hence I keep the patch on as periods now scare me), so my experience may differ from someone with regular periods, but overall I’ve found it to be fine apart from the odd side effect."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on two types of birth control pills, and I had breakthrough bleeding no matter what for months. So I tried the patch. This was nice because I didn't forget to take it, etc. It lasts a week, you can take it off a day later if needed. It for sure regulated my period, which was great. I've always had a crazy high sex drive, and that didn't change. BUT I hated the patch because it would collect fabric around the rim, the skin underneath would get super itchy. If you're sexually active, etc., it can shift or fall off. Once taking it off, it left terrible rashes and would leave a mark for about two weeks after. It was really bad, so I'm now going off it to try different pills instead of the patch. Not good for your skin at all."

• Fre...
• July 23, 2015

For Birth Control "After I ceased breastfeeding my daughter, I needed a more practical birth control. I have always suffered anxiety about remembering to take a pill, especially when breastfeeding and using the mini pill, which needed to be taken at exactly the same time daily. The patch ticks all the boxes. Easy to use. I have had one fall off during a high-intensity swim, so I recommend getting spares just in case. AS A WARNING - When I first started the patch, I bled heavily for about 30 days non-stop. I was even prescribed medication to help with this. Since it stopped, the heavy continuous bleeding hasn't returned, and my periods are only 4-5 days long on my patch-free week. Also, I get strong food cravings around my patch change days, perhaps a coincidence."

• yia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my second week using Evra. Boobs got bigger, which is good, but very tender. I never stopped bleeding since my period (spotting), and I hope it stops because I cannot have sex if I'm bleeding, it makes me very uncomfortable. Hopefully, it will stop once my period comes again. I still haven't used it without condoms, so who knows, but I really hope it works. The patch stops being sticky around the edges, but it stays on. Had a few pimples, which happens almost never to me. Nausea lasts for like 10 seconds, but hey, if it works, it's nice."

• Ria...
• April 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to the patch a little over a year ago after being on the pill 'Microgynon' for almost two years. I was getting really bad breakthrough bleeding with the pill, so I wanted to try something different. The patch has been great for me this past year, though I generally found the easiest place to put it was on my stomach, as arms and back just itched too much! My biggest problem is how unsightly it is - I wear black leggings for work 5 days a week, and the edges of the patch collect a horrible black lint from them all week. Additionally, if I have a long bath or go swimming, the edges start lifting, and sometimes I have to change it midweek as it's started to peel off. Overall, it does what it should and hasn't caused any problems."

• Bri...
• March 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I have just started the patch birth control, and I love it. I cannot swallow pills to the best of my abilities, unfortunately, so that would never work for me. I was on Depo for a year and experienced heavy cramping and bleeding the entire time. The patch seems to be working okay so far, I am experiencing nausea and migraines, but I just hope it passes soon as this is my first week on the patch itself. I really hope this birth control works because I do not like any of the other birth control options out there, and I am hoping that the side effects go away soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I was exposed to carbon monoxide chronically, and it has affected my thyroid. I was having a period every other week when I went into my doctor to see what was going on, and my LH hormone was way too high. I did my own research into the patch and found out about the increased amount of estrogen and figured I'd give it a try. I had already been on Lo-Seasonique and Seasonique, both were great at first, then I'd have breakthrough bleeding. The patch has completely stopped my breakthrough bleeding. I have gained a small amount of weight, but my breasts have grown, so I don't notice it much. The patch does leave a red mark when I take it off, but it's gone within a few hours, and I don't experience the itching that others have mentioned!"

• VVA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I didn’t like Ortho Evra at all. I gave it a go for 3 months, and the first batch of patches it was fine: some spotting, nothing serious, SUPER SENSITIVE boobs, and super nauseous but manageable. Then I noticed I started gaining weight, and the second batch of patches I had my period. One week after, I started with super heavy bleeding nonstop, huge blood clots for 2 weeks straight. Then it was just light spotting for one day, and then back again to extreme bleeding. That’s when I decided to stop it. I don’t think it’s the right birth control method for me."

• ano...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for 10 months and finally stopped. Every month my side effects would increase just a little to the point that they were unbearable. At the end, I had unexplained muscle and joint pain, chronic headaches, nonstop for 1 month straight at one point, and migraines 3-4 times a week. Also, I had bad cramps and breakthrough bleeding. Muscle and nerve spasms that required physio and nerve blocks and developed hypertension. I am a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle, 30 years old and have never had a regular BP over 100/60. When I stopped the patch, I had a regular running BP of approx 150/110 and was being put on beta blockers. I am still waiting for these side effects to fully correct, but within a week, I've improved."

• Cha...
• February 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been on the patch for about 4 months. When I started them, everything was really good, and then about 3 months into it, everything started going wrong. I'm 18. I constantly kept getting urinary infections or thrush, and I couldn't understand why I never had them before. Then the worst came: my legs went blue! There was a clear line around my waist, and from there down, my legs were blue and black, freezing cold. I couldn't feel them. I bled so heavily and was in agony. I got rushed to the hospital, and they told me that it was a side effect of my birth control. I spent 2 days in the hospital recovering. I don't recommend them at all."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Week 1: nausea. At the end of week 1, there was a red papule/blister on the skin at the edge of the patch. Week 2: breast tenderness. At the end of week 2, there were multiple papules, erythema, and itchiness on the skin under the patch. Both weeks: bleeding. The edge of the patch picks up clothes fluff. I took a low dose of pyridoxine daily with Evra, and after skipping 3 days of pyridoxine, felt tearful, which resolved after taking the missed pyridoxine tablets."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2010

For Birth Control "My wife was on continuous patches, and she has breakthrough bleeding 365 days a year, nausea, throwing up, headaches, lower sex drive, and extreme pain in her stomach, which had her wake up in her sleep and crying out in pain, especially during her period when not doing the 4th week. The doctors didn't know what it was, so they gave her an unconfirmed diagnosis because they couldn't confirm anything else, but she's decided to discontinue the patch, and so far, all of the above side effects have subsided almost completely."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I started the patch a month ago. I am still bleeding non-stop, really bad cramps, started having bad mood swings, and it makes me want to eat all day. I was on the Depo shot before the patch, I loved the shot way better. I've been off Depo for a year and a half before I got on anything else. My period just finally became normal, but they suggested the patch as a birth control because I wasn't on anything. But so far, I absolutely hate it."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2015

For Birth Control "Now, if you're going to start a birth control, please, and I mean please, do your research because not every birth control is accurate or even worth it. I usually get a 7-day menstrual cycle. I literally have my period for almost a month, and to top it off, my doctor tells me, oh hey, you're pregnant! How is that possible? So now my significant other and I are confused as to how we are pregnant if we didn't even have intercourse around the time of it because, for one, I'm on the patch and I'm still bleeding. Someone help me understand, and I beg you ladies, research your contraceptives."