Ortho Evra and Sore Breasts: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 5, 2018

For Birth Control "At first, I was skeptical about this, but it's actually been great. It's so easy, it sometimes feels too easy; you just put a sticker on and it stops you from getting pregnant. Before, my periods were so irregular, sometimes only having a week between them, sometimes having months. Now, they always come at exactly the same time, to the hour. You can also put on an extra patch to postpone it for a week (any longer than that, I tend to get spotting, but some don't). The only side effect I had was a bit of breast tenderness, but that went away after a few months. The only downside is that it does get fluff attached to it, and it does leave some glue after you take it off, but I also put it somewhere hidden, so it doesn't really matter. Would definitely recommend this contraception."

• Kov...
• September 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost months. The first month was terrible, I had my regular period, but I spotted all month long. But then I got my next period, and so far, I haven't spotted since my period. Other than that, the only side effects I've had are tender breasts and a red square rash where I put my patch, but it does fade to a light red. Overall, I love the convenience of only having to apply it once a week, and also it sticks well. The only thing is it gets dirty around the edge, kinda like a band-aid, but after you take it off, using a bit of baby oil on a cotton pad will get the dirt off."

• Nes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my first time using the Ortho Evra patch! I’m now on my patch-free week, but since using it, I didn’t feel anything different or changes, which was great until I put the second patch on. I felt my boobs were always sore and my nipples very tender, but no other side effects at all. I’ve gone up a whole cup size in bra size. No weight gain, which is good. So far, so good. I’m happy. The one bad thing is fluff from clothing tends to stick to it, but I like it so far and will continue to use it :)"

• Nes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my first time using the Ortho Evra patch! I’m now on my patch-free week, but since using it, I didn’t feel anything different or changes, which was great until I put the second patch on. I felt my boobs were always sore and my nipples very tender, but no other side effects at all. I’ve gone up a whole cup size in bra size. No weight gain, which is good. So far, so good. I’m happy. The one bad thing is fluff from clothing tends to stick to it, but I like it so far and will continue to use it :)"

• 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."

• gre...
• November 8, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for almost 4 years. I never had a problem with it, other than the fact that I've gained about 30 lbs in the past 3 years. I was on the patch for a while and then went off of it. In the summer of 2010, I went back on, and since then I have not been able to lose any weight. I don't know if it is from the patch, but I have recently gone off (I can't afford it, and my prescription is done), and I want to see if it will help me lose weight. I am very moody and have breast tenderness during my period, but I knew exactly the day I would get my period and when I would be done. It was always light, and cramping was minimal. I think it's a great form of birth control (pretty pricey) but great. Just be aware of weight gain!!"

• Anonymous
• May 20, 2010

For Birth Control "I've only been on it for a month, but have tried other birth controls before (Loestrin 24, Microgestin Fe, and Fecom Fe). I was off for about a year since those made me get incredibly nauseous all the time. Over this month on the patch, though, I really haven't noticed any nausea or other negative side effects. Sex drive has decreased, and breast tenderness has occurred over weeks 2 and 3, but nothing too bad. It's completely different from other birth controls I have been on, and it's been great! I'm thrilled to see people have been on for 4-5 years and still been happy with it. I'm definitely continuing on it, and hopefully I've found one to keep forever!"

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using the patch for 6 years now. I have only been off once (I buy it when I'm in Mexico since it's $100 in the USA and I can get 1 month for $35-40). So one time I ran out and had to be off for 2 months. Overall, I love it, easy to remember, no side effects, haven't gotten pregnant in 6 years I have been married. My periods since I am on it are regular and I know exactly when it's coming. Before it, they used to be long and heavy, with a lot of cramps. Now they last 3-4 days max with only 1-2 days of regular bleeding and the rest is light. I only get 1 day of cramps (the heaviest day) and I get sensitive (not sore) and heavy boobs before my period comes. When I did come off, I was so sensitive, I had sore boobs and my body was crazy."

• 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."

• 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."

• Fay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 3 weeks now, as soon as I started using it, I felt a difference. I researched the patch before I went to get on it, but I didn't know I'd have so many side effects and for so long. For 3 weeks straight, I've been feeling like I'm on my period, sort of horrible constant body cramping, very irritable. Nausea and dizziness, also very sore breasts. I've been sleeping so much after taking this and still feel tired, I've been sleeping about 12 hours almost every day. I've also noticed a bit of weight gain too. And I've been having mood swings, feeling depressed and unmotivated, I've been staying in bed mostly. I've only tried the pill and the patch. I'm forgetful about taking a pill every day, that's why I changed to the patch. I don't want to try anything else, but I've been thinking about the depo shot. Maybe I should just wait and see if all the side effects will go away, it doesn't really seem worth it to me."

• 16a...
• January 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 16, and this was my first method of birth control. I wasn't good at taking pills, so I chose this. In the first couple of weeks, my breasts felt tender. I only felt nauseous one time. I've had some headaches, but nothing too bad. I also got more acne, but now that I'm at the end of 3 months, it seems like it's gone away. I also fear that it will make me gain weight because I have gained 2-4 pounds since then. But I think my breasts got bigger."

• Car...
• March 3, 2010

For Birth Control "I've used it off and on for the past few years or more (depending on if I was single or not). Indeed, it is simple to remember to use and quite effective. My only complaint is skin irritation from time to time and tender breasts. Those are the only reasons why I didn't rate this product a 10, but other than that, I'd suggest it to anyone who is in the recommended age/health group."

• D17...
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I used the patch a couple of years ago and do not remember the side effects I am having now. I am nauseous, my breasts are swollen and sore, and I am retaining water. My moods are through the roof, and I hope this levels out soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 2 months now, and I love it. The only downside to the pill is my periods have become heavier, and I have spotting in between my periods! On the upside, my breasts are growing, but they tend to be sore a week before I get my period. So far, it's kept me protected, and I love it."

• Yup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m on my third week of Ortho Evra at the moment. I've had a slight period-like experience throughout and also brown discharge. My breasts are tender and have mood changes (although that already happens). I’m not worried though because at the end of the day I know my body is getting used to it, so sure I may be a bit all over the place, but who isn’t? Personally, I think it has more advantages than disadvantages, and the only reason I have rated it lower is because I haven’t been on it long enough to give it a proper review. Hope this helps :)"

• arg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Started the patch this month, am on the 4th day of the patch-free week and spent the last few days terrified that I might be pregnant. Today I got my 'period,' aka BC withdrawal bleeding, but have been nauseous all night. So, still not sure where I stand on the pregnancy thing. Have also noticed: sore breasts, weight gain of around 5 kg despite no increase in appetite and sometimes even eating less than usual (not fun since I'm already overweight to start with), strange dry itchy rash on my lower inner thighs, some vaginal dryness. Overall, I don't have much confidence in this. Even if I'm not pregnant, it's scary to see the edges peeling off or a regular shower loosening the adhesive. Switching back to condoms and will save for an IUD."

• Smi...
• April 30, 2015

For Birth Control "Works great, but I'm coming off this as they do not stick well enough, so I'm having to change it every few days. I gym and swim a lot, so this probably doesn't help! They also leave a black sticky mark, like a plaster, but it's there even when the patch is on, so it doesn't look great. Has made my breasts go and become so tender :(-"

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2010

For Birth Control "I started Ortho Evra in Nov. 2005, and am still on it. I put it on my pelvis an inch away from my hip, and have had no trouble with it sticking there. It did not stay in place on my upper arm or butt - probably due to friction. I have side effects: reduced sex drive, breast tenderness in week 3 and patch off week, mood swings, and an increase in acne in week 3, and mild skin irritation at the application site. I have a history of migraines with aura. When I was on migraine medication that worked well, Ortho Evra did not cause a problem. Since my migraine medication has stopped working effectively, it seems that Ortho Evra increases my likelihood of a migraine during week 3. I will sadly be switching to a non-estrogen form of birth control."

• sup...
• May 12, 2010

For Birth Control "As with almost every form of birth control, there are side effects with the patch. However, in my case, I really feel that the side effects I've had are totally tolerable. I've been using Ortho Evra for about 3 years and have had some occasional breast tenderness and really occasional spotting. I do notice that I break out in week 3 and am pretty moody in week 4. It's really convenient for those of us who aren't 'religious' with pills. Thus far, I am a happy camper."

• BCR...
• August 19, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first time using BC, and I knew the patch was the only thing for me (cannot remember to take pills).... This is my second month, and I've noticed my boobs are staying sore, I'm like crazy emotional, and I'm so sleepy.... But no weight gain, no acne breakouts, no red bumps, no nausea..... I was told it could take 3 months to get in your system, and I'm hoping that all this will go away next month.... The only thing that worries me is that I have no energy.... Is this a side effect????"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I love the patch. I wish I knew about it sooner! I've been on the pill since I was 14 due to horrendous pain from periods. I stayed on it until the birth of my second daughter, aged 27. It suited me fine, but I have a terrible memory, so I wanted something more reliable. The first few months I felt terrible (but better than the other alternative contraceptives!). I felt like I was in early pregnancy, and I took loads of pregnancy tests. Really sore boobs and nausea. That all settled down though, so I don't feel any different. My boobs have grown two cup sizes after about a year of being on it, which is just amazing! It doesn't happen for everyone though."

• 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."

• Maa...
• September 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the Ortho Evra for 2 weeks. I've noticed that my boobs are getting very sore, and I get headaches every now and then. I've gained weight, but I haven't bled since I've had the patch on. I will update as I notice anything else. Question, if anyone can answer: for some reason, it may be how I sleep, but my patch gets a crease in it. Does that make it any less effective? As I put mine on my thigh?"