Ortho Evra and Cramps: What Users Say

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing before the patch and it was working for me just fine, but my sex drive was non-existent. I switched to the patch because I wanted something easy, and let me tell you, it's amazing! The first two months, I did have random cramping and sore breasts, but it was manageable and did not really bother me. The patch is easy to remember because I change it on Sunday, and that is my 'me day': I do my nails, facial, change my patch, and plan the week ahead. The only problem I had was sometimes it did come off, but I easily fixed that by using rubbing alcohol on my bum before I applied the patch, now it never falls off. I would recommend the patch to those of us who are control freaks and love to plan everything, including your period."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first went to the doctor, I was not interested in the patch. She talked me into it and said if I didn't like it after a few months, to come back and we would change it. With the birth control pills I used to take, I had to pay $50 a month. Although, with the patch, I am paying nothing. FREE! Now to the symptoms. The first 3 months sucked between headaches, nausea, being moody, and tired. The worst symptom was cramps when I was not on my period at random times. It hurt so bad and was very annoying. After 3 months of using the patch, the symptoms are gone and I absolutely LOVE THE PATCH. I have been on it for about 6 months and the only downfall is that clothes lint collects around it, but it's not a huge deal if you put it where no one can see."

• MS9...
• September 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I am rating this a 10 because I believe it's extremely effective. I have been on the patch for almost 4 years, and I never once had a pregnancy scare. For me, I get regular periods, but I also get most of the side effects. After the first few months, periods are regular, mine last between 3-5 days. I get more emotional, I get mood swings, cramps, headaches, I bloat, I basically get all the side effects, but they are not severe. Every once in a while, they are pretty bad, but that will only happen once every 6 months to a year. On the patch, I never gained weight from it. The only thing I truly dislike about it is I will get really nauseous and throw up if I don't eat anything the night before I put a new one on, and recently I'll have bloody discharge."

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 17, and I've been on the patch for 4 months now. Before this, I had been on the pill for a few years, but it started to become inconvenient. The patch is VERY convenient for me. I've tried quite a few birth controls for my heavy and painful periods, but nothing has ever worked. The patch hasn't made too much of a difference in that area, but my skin is clear, and I'm definitely protected from pregnancy. The first two months, my period was really bad, but it got better. I'm happy with the patch, and I recommend it. One downside is the color of it, though. I'm African American, so my skin is brown, and the patch is kind of pink like a Band-Aid. No big deal, though."

• 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."

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2021

For Birth Control "The issue with a lot of these reviews is they don't give the patch time to settle. You're giving your body hormones that it isn't used to having excess of, so it can take up to 6 months for it to fully settle. I've been on the patch for 8 years and love it. The first 3 months, I had headaches, cramps, and slight nausea, but after that, I have had 0 side effects. No other birth control works for me, and I would recommend the patch. Please just give it time, it won't be for everyone, but 3 weeks, like most of the reviewers have had it for, just isn't long enough."

• oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2013

For Birth Control "My boyfriend and I were getting pretty serious, so I thought to ask my OB about birth control. I had read about the patch and thought, why not, so she prescribed it to me and I didn't even need to have an exam. This is my first time using birth control (I'm 16). So far, the patch is awesome. My acne cleared up, and my breasts have grown a bit. When I first started using it, I had some cramps, but that may just have been because of my period, although the cramps were worse where I had placed the patch. I felt nauseous for about a week, but it was intermittent and went away. After that, I felt completely fine. And I have discovered that the best place to put the patch is on your hip near your butt, that way, it doesn't wrinkle."

• hle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I really, really enjoy using this. I'm 17, and I am now on my period from the 2nd cycle. The only downside is sometimes it would feel like it itches, but it turns out it's the area around it. Also, my cramps are horrid right now, but I think this is a very effective contraceptive."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the patch off and on for 5 years! I tried Mirena IUD, and this was 1000x better and easier on my body. Normally, without any birth control, I suffered from extreme hormonal acne, massive depressive mood (PPMD), along with all the typical side effects of the monthly cycle. I report on Ortho Evra everything got easier for me! The occasional headache or breakout, slight cramping from time to time. Overall, this patch saved my life. The only downfall is finding a spot that it stays for a week at a time, managing activities around patch placement, lol. One small note is I went off in hopes to conceive and ended up with an ectopic pregnancy, that I was very lucky to notice on day 5 before. So patch has slowed down my egg release for sure. I was 29 at the time, I am 31 now and continue to stay on the patch with no problems."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Evra now for 4/5 years and originally started using it for terrible acne I had. I had been on two Oratane courses, and nothing worked, so I decided to go onto the Evra patch. The past 4/5 years have been really great! My skin cleared up, periods were very regulated, and period pains were kept to a minimum. I am now at a crossroad where I don’t know how my hormones work without birth control and have decided to stop using Evra and see how my skin reacts. Hopefully, my periods will be healthy, even though they might not be as regulated and pain-free anymore."

• Pat...
• November 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra since August of 2011, and so far, I really like it. I'm not using it just for birth control, but also for period control. Before going on the Patch, my periods would last 10 to 11 days (3 days of heavy to moderate bleeding, then spotting for 7 to 8 days). Thanks to Ortho Evra, my periods are now only 6 days (3 days of heavy to moderate bleeding, then 3 days of spotting). That is seriously a miracle for me! Also, I have less period cramps than before (although my pre-Patch period cramps were never really anything to complain about). Besides this, my breasts have also grown bigger (which my boyfriend loves). Although, I have experienced some negative side effects too. My breasts were REALLY tender for the first 2 months, but this has mostly gone away. Sometimes, on my Patch change days in September and October, I would feel a little bit nauseous or lightheaded, but I think this may have been partially or completely psychological. Also, sometimes, even when I'm not near my period, I will experience very mild cramping. But these are all side effects that I can live with. The only thing I really don't like about this medication is that it lowered my alcohol tolerance and made me more susceptible to hangovers. But in the end, I'd rather throw up from a hangover than from morning sickness. Overall, I'd recommend this medication."

• Chl...
• July 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a slim 25-year-old, and without hormonal birth control, I have an irregular cycle, sometimes going 4 months without a period, with very long buildups of bloating, hormonal moods, and pain on the weeks before it started. I have been using it for 7 months now, and I don't think I would use any other form of birth control over this. At first, I experienced some cramping into the third week of the cycle for the first 3 months. I noticed my mood is a lot more evened out over my cycle. I also experience little to none of that buildup with bloating before my period starts, with a now regulated period. Very convenient to use. Another point to note, which is a positive for me, is that I have managed to gain some healthy weight since using it."

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first time using any form of birth control. I'm glad I went with the patch, I have been on it for 8 months. At first, it decreased my libido, but that subsided. The only downside is that it made my periods longer (5-6 days to be exact). I used to only have periods for 3-4 days max, it also made my cramps intense for the first two days of my period. I never had cramps before using birth control. Other than that, I'm happy with the patch."

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the Ortho Evra patch for just over a month now. When I first applied the patch, I had a very small amount of nausea, nothing worth complaining about, though. When it came time for my off week, I have never had a better period. I had a very small amount of cramping for a few hours, and that was it. There are only 2 things I could complain about: 1) The hormones from the patch made my breasts extremely sore and sensitive, which made it hard to be active or even give hugs. 2) The patch would never stay in place. I'm a very active person, and the patch kept sliding around during exercise and regular day-to-day stuff. This was easily solved by figuring out which recommended area moves the least. Overall, great experience."

• Lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on it for 3 months now. I was hesitant to go on it, due to reviews. I have tried all kinds of birth control, from the implant to IUD. I am horrible at remembering to take a pill at the same time every day. With the patch, I find it easy to only have to change it once a week. I have been experiencing some side effects, nothing detrimental though. Since starting this medicine, my breasts have grown at least a cup size and are tender, my appetite has increased a lot, and there’s very minor irritation from the adhesive when I take it off, identical to what I get with Band-Aids-again, nothing too bad. Also, I have used it to skip periods, but I have found I experience very minor cramps when I normally would be having my period. All in all, I would highly recommend this to anybody as a method of BC that doesn’t require you to take it every day and isn’t so invasive like the IUD."

• Dam...
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "The pill gave me aura migraines and mood swings, and my period wasn't any better. In fact, my cramps got worse, bleeding was still the same. I wanted to try the IUD, but my doctor is an airhead and couldn't get it in, so I settled with the patch. I honestly couldn't tell if it was working the first couple of months because I had no side effects like nausea or headaches. I was a little leery about hormones coming from a sticker you put on your skin, but 7 months later, no baby, so it must be working. I went off it for a month because my prescription refill got messed up, and I went back on as soon as I got another box, and I seriously could not tell the difference between having these on and not using any birth control at all. Loving it!"

• 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."

• Ann...
• December 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 4 months now. The first month, I had spotting for about 2 weeks after my period, but it vanished completely, and I didn't have any spotting since. My periods seem to be less heavy, and my cramps are completely gone too - I never had bad ones before, though. I found the best place for me to wear it is on my butt. It does irritate the area, and it becomes itchy the last week. It always gets lint around the edges, but I just don't care anymore. Despite everything, I'm thinking of stopping using it. It has killed my sex drive, thus making my sex life miserable and endangering my relationship. I'm so dry and so uninterested in sex now when 5-6 months ago, I was a waterfall after the slightest caress. It's a shame."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 19 years old and was looking for a birth control that was easier for me because I am lazy when it comes to taking pills and forgetful, so the patch ultimately would work better with my schedule. I was really nervous trying it out because of some reviews. I just finished my first month with the patch, which I've heard is the hardest, and for me, it was really easy. I haven't noticed any mood swings or any other side effects, thankfully. I place the patch on my butt cheek, and I would say the very first time I put it on, I automatically started feeling cramps on my tailbone, and I have also noticed that my hands are super dry, like extremely dry now, and I got a few rashes on my hands as well. Other than that, I like the patch."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first time on any kind of birth control, and I must say this has been a horrible experience for me. I say this because my period has been horrible, it has been intensified. I have horrible cramps, my back and my stomach hurt every day. The smell of things makes me nauseous. I'm very moody, I'm always sad or upset - it's kind of ridiculous because I wish someone had informed me about this. I bleed uncontrollably, it's heavier than normal and it's thicker. I feel like I should just try another source of birth control."

• Mol...
• November 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I am almost on my third week of the patch. The first day was awful, my cramps were so bad I couldn't sit through a meeting with my professor, and he told me not to go to class. The next day was absolutely fine and has been fine ever since. My breasts have already gotten much fuller. So far, no weight gain, I don't think, a little itchiness at the site of application, but it seems to be working really well."

• Dai...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the Evra patches for almost 15 years. The first few times I used them was a bit trial and error with regards to staying in place and sticking to my clothes. Never had any problems with weight gain. I love how I know exactly what day I will start my period, which is around 3 days after I've removed my patch and lasts for about 3 to 4 days, is a light period with no cramps or pains whatsoever. They are a natural part of life. Absolutely the best thing ever invented. Will be coming off them shortly due to getting sterilized. But they've honestly been a godsend!"

• Try...
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've tried many forms of birth control, and this works the best for me. Pros: I can remember replacing it every week much better than taking a pill at the exact same time every day. My breasts have grown a full cup size, but they're incredibly sore and dense. I sleep on my side, so this isn't a huge problem. I don't have problems with skin irritation or the patch leaving sticky residue. I rub Bio-Oil on the area after removal. I stick them on my upper thigh and do not have problems with it peeling off, even after bathing, swimming, or going to an outdoor sauna/spa. I have never gotten pregnant! No nausea or weight gain (experienced both of these on oral contraceptives). Cons: It leaves a ridiculous (lack of) tan if left on somewhere visible during the summertime! My periods have become unmanageably painful. I keep my patch on for 9 weeks+ at a time, then take a 4-day break."

• 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."

• Joa...
• June 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been trying this patch for about 3 weeks now, and the cramps are unbearable. I feel like I need to take Midol every day, it's so bad. Feels like period cramps. I feel so nauseous that I want to throw up, and my boobs are terribly sore. Not to mention it has caused me to have a horrible yeast infection that I've treated twice in 2 weeks, and it just won't subside! I'm hoping after I get through this month of the patch that my body becomes immune to it, otherwise, this patch is the devil, and I hate it. I wouldn't recommend it."