Ortho Evra and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• August 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been using the patch for over 3 years now. It is the first birth control method I chose because I was afraid of forgetting to take a pill every day, and it sounded easier than other forms of birth control. When I placed the patch on my stomach, it gave me cramps and nausea, so I alternate butt cheeks instead. This also keeps it hidden, the edges of the patch have excess adhesive, so it sticks to underwear rather than clothes, and the underwear or swimsuit keeps it in place if sweaty or wet. At 30 years, 5'11" and 150 lbs, I've gained about 10 lbs in the past 3 years, so probably unrelated to the patch. My biggest complaint is that my occasional headaches have become bad migraines, so I may look at other options. Loved it until now."

• Bye...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking the patch last year to regulate my periods and my hormones. Then I found out I was pregnant while I was taking it, so I stopped. I ended up having a miscarriage. After surgery and roughly 6 weeks later, I was back on the patch, which was in May. In the space of time, I gained a lot of weight - I eat a lot. I pretty much want to eat all day. I have extremely heavy periods and it's really long now, sometimes more than a week. I'm moody all the time. My back and stomach hurt, I get horrible cramps, and the list goes on. I've finally said goodbye to the patch this month, and I'm officially starting my diet because I can't fit in any of my cute clothes and the ones that I do fit in, I look fat. I won't be using Evra again."

• Sun...
• June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for a month now. I absolutely love it! I have tried the pill and was having the worst headaches of my life, and I was already on the lowest dosage. I gave up on the pill after 3 months. I have finished my first month and have experienced no weight gain, mood swings, depression, or headaches. The only side effects I have experienced are that my breasts have grown slightly and become slightly tender before I get my period, and I have a little bit more cramping when on my period. Besides these side effects, I honestly feel like I'm on no birth control. The only negative I would say is that the patch can begin to peel, which is easily fixable with cushion tape. I have PCOS and the patch has been the best option for me!"

• car...
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Evra patches for just over 6 months, and my periods are perfectly regular and much lighter than they are naturally. I haven't experienced cramps, nausea, or headaches and didn't before I used birth control. However, I've gained roughly 1.5 stone during use, but I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or caused by the patch. As a result, my breasts are also about a cup size larger. I always shave a square to help it adhere, I've never had one fall off, but they do tend to slide a little, and the glue left behind will collect fluff. This means it's not as discreet as it should be, but this doesn't bother myself or my partner, and I can easily hide it on my butt cheeks under a bikini. Worth mentioning, this is my first birth control."

• Bos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for four years now, and for me, the first time when I put my patch on when my period stops, I do get sick on the Monday, but nothing major. I love it, I never had a problem with it, but the only one problem I have is sometimes it will feel like it is coming off two days before I change it. But the good side, so far, that has never happened! It's way easier than taking a pill every day, and for me, I can't take pills, so the patch was a bonus for me. But I do have really bad cramps on it, but I love how it starts the same time every month, and it makes my life a whole lot easier. I would totally recommend it!"

• Lov...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 4 months now. The first couple of days in week one, I have a low-grade headache, but nothing Tylenol can't fix. I found putting the patch on my shoulders or my back gets way too itchy! So I put mine under my underwear line on my outside thigh, and it doesn't itch near as bad. It sticks pretty well, and by the time it looks like it's about to fall off, it's time to put on the new patch anyway. I started my patch on Sunday, and when it's the week without it, I know exactly when I will get my period and when it will end. It lasts about 6 days (only major downside for me because without birth control, mine usually only lasts 3 days). Cramps are a little worse but bearable and only happen the day before my period and the day of. No weight gain."

• Kfi...
• November 4, 2013

For Birth Control "Although I love that I only need to change my patch once a week instead of taking a pill every day, I HATE the patch. I've been on it for 3 months and took my last patch off for good today. I've gained more than 25 pounds! I'm constantly hungry no matter what or how often I eat (I normally have great self-control). Also, I have had ongoing cramping through my entire cycle. My periods are not any shorter, lighter, or less painful. My acne has gotten worse. I have sudden and fierce mood swings and am more emotional than I was when I was pregnant. The only good thing I can say about it is I haven't gotten pregnant, and even then, I haven't had sex since starting it, so that doesn't even count in my book. Hate it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I just started the patch 2 weeks ago, and about 4 days ago I started getting unbearable cramps that last about 5 minutes, every 20 minutes or so. I have never been in this much pain. I finally took it off, and the cramps stopped about an hour later. Not using this ever again."

• Fin...
• June 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and this is my first time using birth control. I chose the Ortho Evra patch. I started the patch just over a month ago on the first day of my period. My period was extended and lasted 2 weeks straight, then I had a lot of spotting. On the 4th week (off patch), I got my period, cramps and all, and by this point, I thought the bleeding would never end! I was extremely emotional and cried almost every day and would constantly ask myself, 'What is wrong with me?' Now that over a month has passed, everything seems back to normal. Larger breasts is a definite pro! I don't feel the need to cry now, and everything is good. Enjoying the patch now!"

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Little to no side effects apart from sore boobs the first month, with very slight (more annoying than painful) cramping. After the first month, it has not been a problem at all! Have had it for 5 months now."

• ACY...
• January 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra for 10 years... that's right... 10 years! I started when I was 17, and I've never had a problem with it. Periods are normal. Sometimes really bad cramps the first couple of days and maybe a headache or two. But those are just normal PMS side effects as far as I'm concerned. I've heard people have gained weight using Ortho Evra, but I never had such issues. And most of all, I've never gotten pregnant. My only complaint is Ortho Evra is very expensive. I'm on an HSA now, and I pay $79 per month. I wear the patch on my buttocks, and I switch sides every week to avoid excess irritation. Sometimes it gets stuck to my underwear or jeans, and it's hard to find a replacement if it peels off."

• 444...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

For Birth Control "Thought everything was going well on Ortho Evra until I found out that I most likely have gallbladder disease. All of these symptoms started shortly after taking the patch. Apparently, it's 'extremely rare' to get this. This also did nothing for my cramps. Please do extra research. Guess I'll be saying so long to this patch."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 17, been on the patch for over a year, and I recommend. If Ortho Evra patch is too expensive/big, try generic Xulane. Same method, no difference in effectiveness/side effects, just smaller and doesn't leave as much fabric around the glue lining as Ortho Evra. Experienced nausea, breast tenderness around the time of the period, and cramps that decreased greatly now that I'm used to it. No weight gain, doesn't fall off through shower/exercise, and if you forget to put a new patch on your patch change day, you are still protected for, I believe, 3 days. After that, use backup and start a new patch change day on the day you remembered to put it on. Been with partner over 1 year, 0 scares. Had slight temper before patch, so only mood change was more emotional/sensitive, lol."

• She...
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on and off the patch for 2 years now. The first time using the patch, I used it for 8-9 months and liked the fact that I had regular 3-day periods, no acne, and no weight gain. I did experience cramping and terrible moods. I was off for about 6-7 months due to being sexually inactive and then started up again 4 months ago. This time around, I experienced horrible breakouts that just started to subside, bad cramping, depressive moods (complete loss of control over my emotions), irritability, and heavy periods. The only plus side is that my breasts have grown a full cup size and no spotting during the month. Unfortunately, the cons outweigh the pros, and so I've decided to try pills again (Tri-Clyen), hoping to be myself again!"

• She...
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on and off the patch for 2 years now. The first time using the patch, I used it for 8-9 months and liked the fact that I had regular 3-day periods, no acne, and no weight gain. I did experience cramping and terrible moods. I was off for about 6-7 months due to being sexually inactive and then started up again 4 months ago. This time around, I experienced horrible breakouts that just started to subside, bad cramping, depressive moods (complete loss of control over my emotions), irritability, and heavy periods. The only plus side is that my breasts have grown a full cup size and no spotting during the month. Unfortunately, the cons outweigh the pros, and so I've decided to try pills again (Tri-Clyen), hoping to be myself again!"

• 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."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I used this medication 12 years ago (I am 37 now, so I was 25). In 3 weeks, I gained 15 lbs. My calves became very swollen and crampy, and my memory began to go. I was a server at a popular restaurant. I had regular customers, and all of a sudden, I couldn't remember their orders (they ordered the same thing every week for a year). I'm certain it is from Ortho Evra. It took years to get those 15 lbs off. It completely messed up my metabolism, and my memory has never recovered. I have a 16-year-old daughter who will never use the patch because of my experience."

• suz...
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "My first month using the patch, I experienced cramping and had my period for about 2 weeks straight. Now it has been 10 months, and all is normal, my periods are much lighter than they used to be. I still have cramps the first 2 days, but Advil helps that. I love that it is only once a week I have to remember to replace the patch. The two things that I don't like about the patch are that it does tend to slide around like a band-aid, which can be annoying, and secondly, I feel it has made me gain some weight (bloating). I have not tried any other birth controls. I am still on the patch mainly because it has helped so much with my periods."

• Bel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this patch for about 2 years now, and I really love it. When I first started BC, I was on pill form. I had pretty bad side effects from the pill: headaches, bad cramps on my period, my period was never consistent, and I was always spotting between periods. I was also horrible at remembering to take it. I switched to the patch after enduring about 5 months of the pill. The change for me was incredible. With the patch, I have had no side effects. My periods have been 100% consistent and I've never had spotting between. It's so easy to remember changing once a week. The only negative thing for me was the first 4-5 months of use; I had some irritated skin around the patch area. That has since resolved. I personally love this patch!"

• Anonymous
• October 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I went on this because my friend recommended it and because I like the convenience. While on it, however, I experienced horrible anxiety and depression. I also had a weird headache and taste in my mouth all month. My appetite varied wildly; I would be so hungry and then not at all. My period, which usually lasts three days and is very light, lasted eight days, and I had horrible cramps. During my period, I also felt light-headed and out of it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2012

For Birth Control "I've only been on my first month of this patch. But I hope my review will still help. I usually put it on my butt cheek and alternate sides each week. The first week was fine, the skin around it after taking it off was kind of irritating, but that was no big deal. The second week, nothing unusual happened, my sex drive increased, but I would wake up in the middle of the night for some reason. The third week was the worst week, though. I had mood swings, light cramps, and anxiety. This fourth week, it'll be my off week, I hope my period comes normally (since I have been having an abnormal cycle for the past 2 years). So far, I am satisfied with Ortho Evra. I am usually forgetful, changing it every week is very convenient!"

• 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."

• Dcl...
• September 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for 2 months now, and I love it! It's easy to remember, and I don't have to swallow a pill. I found that I had some cramping and felt nauseous the first month, but other than that, everything was fine. It also gives me lighter and shorter periods, which is a huge perk."

• lil...
• October 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 7 months now, and I love it. I only get cramping, but it's only right about the time I'm going to get my period. I lost weight with the patch, and I don't experience any bad side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2012

For Birth Control "In the fourth month of using the patch, and my first time on hormonal birth control. I'm in my mid-40s, never smoked, slightly high blood pressure, but my doctor didn't think it would cause further elevation. I really like it. It's not as cheap as a generic pill, but wonderful not to worry about missing a dose. The patch sticks on fine and adhered again well if caught on a slipped bra strap when I wore it on my outer arm. I'm now wearing it on my butt and it's fine. It will leave a mark that doesn't easily come off for days and is prone to picking up lint on the sides, but I am okay with that. No weight gain, moodiness, or other issues. May have had a pimple or two in the first months, short nausea with the very first application, and heavier periods with additional but slight cramping. My sex drive dropped for a time but has returned to normal and I have no problems there. I think I feel a bit low emotionally the week it's off. Overall, no concerns I can't live with, and I love the easy protection and confidence of seeing it on."