Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I started the patch a month after having my daughter. I've been on it for about a year with no problems, really. Occasionally, it starts to peel off or irritates the skin, but nothing crazy. I recommend it because it can be hard to remind yourself every day to take a pill. The patch is just a once-a-week reminder. The past month, I've had issues with spotting and cramping, like on my period, which I've never experienced before while using Xulane. There can be some really scary reviews on here, but everyone is different! I would definitely recommend trying this type of BC to see what works for you."

• 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."

• Cai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the patch for a little over a month now. After failed attempts with almost every option of birth control, I was given the final choices of NuvaRing or the patch, so I chose the patch. I will keep the rating high because it is really easy to remember and is much better than some side effects I’ve had on other forms of birth control. The biggest drawback for me is the nausea and vomiting, which I didn’t realize how common these were until reading the reviews here. Some days the nausea is so debilitating, I can barely get off the couch, and I have a 1-year-old to take care of, so it definitely isn’t ideal. I also am experiencing pretty bad, frequent cramping as if I am on my period, even with a patch on. I will hold out for my trial period, however, and hope it gets better, like lots of women here report, especially since I am virtually out of BC options. Women really need more options of birth control available to them."

• 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."

• mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2019

For Birth Control "This Xulane patch caused issues because whoever makes it sucks at quality control. I’ve gotten multiple patches that aren’t as sticky as they should be, and they’re not expired and have never been opened. I can’t just go to the pharmacy to replace them whenever this happens. This Sunday was the last straw, I’m getting an IUD. I went to change my patch and the new patch wasn’t sticky at all, it came off immediately. I had nothing on my skin. I opened the only other patch I have, and the same thing, so I’m done. It also made my cramps more painful and last much longer, and it gave me major headaches, sometimes migraines. I didn’t gain weight, but sometimes the patch would itch to the point where I’d accidentally scratch myself to bleeding."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Xulane a couple of months ago. I immediately started to get the worst headaches, nausea, gained lots of weight, and my boobs grew significantly in size and are sore constantly. I’ve been on my period for 40 days with heavy flow and unbearable back pain and cramps. Some days I can’t even get out of bed without taking large amounts of pain medication."

• 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."

• 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."

• imm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for 3 years. Xulane has high estrogen levels, so when I first started, I lightly bled for about a month, and after that, my period has always been regular. It helped so much with my acne. I have realized one period will be a light flow with bad cramps, and the next will be heavy with no cramps. I am more emotional and moody. I get depressed once in a while, but I have good support people around me, so it’s nothing but a lay-in-bed day. Just recently, after a few days of wearing a new week's patch, where the patch is will get itchy and red randomly, like an allergic reaction, and I’m not sure why. I saw someone else saying the same thing. But other than that, 10/10 on preventing pregnancy."

• Jul...
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I was using Ortho Evra for 11 years, and I absolutely loved it. I had no complications at all. When it was discontinued, my doctor prescribed Xulane. The first month was fine, then the following month I bled for 2 months straight with ache, pain, fatigue, and severe cramping. I never had cramping or any problem prior to taking this contraceptive. Every week when I apply the patch, I started spotting and became fatigued with cramping. After about 8 months, I applied it, and there was no spotting, so I thought finally it started working. Well, I couldn't be more wrong. I was pregnant, yes, pregnant. Still in disbelief. I absolutely hate Xulane."

• Kay...
• March 22, 2019

For Birth Control "5 years ago, I started on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and it worked out well until I got to college. Went through all the stress, emotions, and long story short, it made me crazy. Then, I tried the birth control shot for 9 months. Went great the first round, then started losing a bunch of weight, having my periods for a full 2 months at a time, and it made me anemic, and you guessed it-CRAZY. So I quit birth control altogether about 7 months ago. In those 7 months, I’ve had my period every day, along with heavy bleeding. Talked to my gyno, and since I’m busy with school and 2 jobs, I needed something I wouldn’t forget to take. She recommended this, so I gave it a shot. Had this on for a week. PROS: - immediately stopped my period, - don’t have to worry about missing it. CONS: - emotional - mental breakdowns (at least 1 a day, for no reason), my boobs hurt SO BAD - my legs cramped up really bad almost immediately after I put the patch on - nauseous. & I'm not talking about normal nausea."

• 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."

• Mar...
• June 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I didn't notice any physical changes, and I wasn't any moodier. I'd never gotten a yeast infection and never got cramps, and that all continued to not happen. My periods were actually more regular and slightly lighter. Being on the patch was, for the most part, uneventful. My only con is that it invariably caused vaginal dryness. Prior to using this, I didn't have problems with arousal or lubrication (I'm in my mid-20s). With this, I immediately noticed that I felt pain and stinging in my vagina after sex. This sometimes caused me to lose interest in sex in anticipation of the pain. Lube definitely helped, but even just a couple of months off the patch (IUD now), I'm back to my normal self. Aside from that, I would recommend this."

• 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."

• Poo...
• May 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the Xulane patch (birth control). For the most part, I had no complaints, but I noticed my periods were irregular. When I started, I had regular periods, and now I’m bloated and having cramps off and on. I feel like I’m pregnant, I feel like some fatigue."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about 4-5 years, and it was good at first because I didn’t know any better. Helped combat my endometriosis and ovarian cysts, which were horrible. However, this BC is the pits. I literally have every side effect this BC offers minus the stroke and heart attack stuff. The mood swings and anxiety are the absolute worst. High blood pressure, hot flashes, migraines and headaches, breast tenderness and swelling, and major cramping in between and on my period are all bad too. I would advise against this form of BC. I’m in talks now with my doctor about changing this because the side effects are more harmful than helpful for me."

• 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!"

• the...
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for 8 months. The first few months included cramping, nausea, and terrible migraines after removing the patch for my patch-free week. I gained a few pounds, and my body has become more womanly and curvy. My boobs have gotten larger and more perky, and my butt has gained weight. Acne is very minimal, if any shows up. Now, my period comes exactly 3 days after patch removal and around the same time of day, which is great! However, I get nauseous sometimes and a little crampy before my period. My period has not gotten any lighter or shorter. Occasionally, I get super bad migraines the day after patch removal. I've had a little spotting after my period. I absolutely love that I can just apply it to my skin! So convenient."