Birth Control Patch?

I just discontinued using it, reasons

Cons
Vaginal dryness

Low Sex drive

Loss of appetite

Gave me an infection

Tenderness of breast

Pros
Convienent
Regular period
Ease of use

I startred using it in Dec and I discontinued it in Feb. I don't think there are any BC methods out there that does not have some side effects. I think abstinence is looking great at this time..j/k

I just went to see the gyn and he prescribed the lowest form of the pill for me called Yasmin, which I am a bit apprehensive about, b/c I went on a chat baord yesterday and there were so many concerns listed for it. Pimples, dark spots, liver and Kidney problems.

I was also considering the ring, now that I read can lead to cancer, what must a woman do??

There is a post on the Newlewed board on this.

Yabbobay has been using it and really likes it, form what I ahve heard.

I really hated it in teh beginning, mood swings, incontrolable mood swings, screaming, crying fits, yelling fits, sick to my stomach with cramps...tired all the time, the smell of smoke made me throw up and light headed.

I have been on it since December, and I get cramps and start spotting one week before my period. I have always had that problem with teh pill, so it is nothing new. BUt I no longer than teh above side effects, and it is really conveient. You have to stick it out atleast three months before you really know if it's good for you or not.

Alias, so are you saying I gave up too quickly I guess I am a wuss

I posted this on BHB also, but I am absolute proof that birth control pills have nasty side effects. I have spent the last 2 1/2 months recovering from a blood clot on the left side of my body (back of my knee to my pelvic area). My doctors have determined that is was most likely caused by my taking birth control pills for the last 6 years.

I woke up the morning of Dec 29 with my entire left leg and foot so swollen and purple that I could not walk. DH took me right to the ER where there did a Doppler sonogram and determined that I had DVT (medical term for blood clot) and that it was extremely serious due to the extensive nature of the clot. I had no symptoms whatsoever prior to that day so I had no idea that this was a ticking time bomb. I spent 17 days in the hospital including 6 days in ICU and had 2 surgical procedures done to try to unblock the vein. I am now on anti-coagulant medication that I must take every day and I have no idea when I will be able to go back to work. My recovery was set back a bit by another hospitalization 3 weeks ago. I was completely housebound for almost 2 months and have only now started to go out! I still have a lot of swelling in my foot and cannot wear anything except sneakers and slippers ( my other shoes don't fit on that foot .

Of course no more birth control pills for me...darn. Just when they were coming out with one that you can take for 3 months at a time . I did not have any of the other side effects that many people experience (such as Shamma's), but if I could do it over again I would not take the pill.

As appealing as the loss of appetite sounds I may pass if it gives you spotting a week before aunt flo. I have been on BCP for like 11 years, so I was hoping that it would be an easy transition to the patch. Honestly, I wish there was something FH could take- for 7 years I have to remember to take this dumb pill everyday and he has gotten off easy If he had to remember to take it we would have 5 kids by now

NO, not at all! I am saying I couldn't stomach an unnecessary vist to the GYN! I would rather have dealt with all of teh side effects than to have to go there again!!! I dread the month of November!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shamma - I've been on Yasmin for the last 18 months. I really like it. Absolutely no pms, and very light periods.

what chat boards were you reading? I wasn't aware of any additional risks over other birth control pills.

I always spot though, my estrogen is borderline menopause. That's why I have to stay on teh pill, otherwise I get really bad cramps, miss work for two to three days a month, and get stuck with auntie for all twelve months. Whacked, right?
I guess everyone has their share of problems...

jeez...that stinks...but no patch for me. I'm loopy enough w/o extra hormones...

Hi Rebecca! Just a little loopy~not too bad!

I am what I am!

I use the BCP and I love it...I forget about it...and its DH responsibility to remember to get it from the pharmacy and when it has to be changed...

as for spotting...I do have a little...but it is all within the 5-7 days of the period...so 1-3 really heavy days and then a few days before and after of spotting...but I don't have spotting anymore than that one week...

I like the ease of the patch...the reason I switched was b/c I kept forgetting to take it and then would double up and get sick to my stomach...

I went into the GYN hoping to get Depo (the 3 month shot) and they convinced me to do the patch

I think you have to test whats right for you...since all of our hormone levels are different...

Lisa, i will find the site for you and post it for you. They listed so many things it scared the crap out of me. When AF comes this month I don't think I am going to start it

Wendy...am so glad you are doing well. You've been through so much -- that is really scary!
I'm going to check out your posts on the other board...this is freaking me out!

I am so sorry to hear that! FMIL just went through this a few weeks ago. Luckily it wasn't anywhere as severe as your situation. I hope you get better soon!

Thanks for the good wishes. It was pretty scary stuff. One day I am fine going crazy cleaning the house and the next I am in the hospital hearing that I have a life threatening condition. . I think the worst part is that I never felt ill, but first was stuck in the hospital and then stuck at home being able to do nothing (had to keep my foot and leg elevated). Thank heavens for laptops, TV and the phone. I was living in my den for the better part of 2 months.

Erica I am glad that your dad found out. Is he okay now?

Laurie your FMIL is fortunate that it wasn't too bad. This thing is no fun.

I've was on the pill for about 9 years, but I kept forgetting to take it! Not good!

So 6 months ago I switched to the patch, and it's F*&KING AWESOME! I never 'forget' anymore! I love it and wouldn't change ever!!!