Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

If you don't mind, can you please share your experience with any one of these 3 options. I am going to the gynecologist this month and I am trying to decide what I want. Thanks ladies!

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I am on the pill and like it. It has its goods and bads.

All this info definatly might be TMI

Goods
I am on ortho tri cyclen and though I never really had a skin problem it definatly keeps my face acne free (i get an occassional white head every now and again)

It has definatly helped with cramps. I dont get them. It also made my period shorter (from 5 to 3 days) and made it a lot lighter.

I dont know if you want to call this a side effect good or bad, but it made my breasts a lot bigger When I started I was a 34B and that was 5 years ago. Now I am a 36DD. And they grew really fast. It went from a 34B to 34C to 36C to 36DD.

Bads
I sometimes forget to take it at the time I am suppose to

refills are expensive (40 dollars a month)

if you forget so many days in a row, you have to throw the pack away and start new after your next period

I gained a lot of weight

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

Thanks Chipp! this is exactly the kind of information that I am looking for.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

i am a huge fan of the pill. i have been it on for 8 years - originally to treat my poly-cystic ovary syndrome.

the reasons why i love it:
- no cramps
- you can set your watch by when i get my friend (every fourth monday between 2 -3 pm)
- insurance covers so only $10 a month
- i can alter my period when i need to (although when i skip a month i tend to get it for two solid weeks after)
- my skin is fantastic
- i'm good with taking it every morning - it's right by the toothbrush - it's imperative you take it the same time everyday
- i never had the weight gain that somebody people have

good luck! i think all options are good - just depends on you!!

p.s. - i take ortho-cyclen

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

also forgot to add that my period is now M-TH only. just four days!

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I'm also on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen and I think I am one of the poster children for it!

I have had no weight gain, no cramps, no moodiness (well, occasional PMS), my once a month acne is gone completely, I can predict almost exactly when I will get my period every month.

For me, the cost is $20/month, but on my old insurance plan it was $10/3 months. So the cost all depends on what your insurance covers.

OTC does not agree with everyone, but it's the same for anyone who takes the pill.

I know people who are on Depo and they love it as well.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

i am also on ortho-tricyclen and have had very different experiences from chippa. first, i did not gain weight at all (not even in my chest). i still have cramps, but they are much lighter than they used to be. i agree that my period is much shorter (in the same 3-5 day range). honestly, i have never had a problem forgetting to take a pill. it is a routine to me, just like brushing my teeth. and while it is expensive, most insurance companies pick it up so you only have to pay a copay (which for me is $15/month). overall, i have been extremely satisfied with it. good luck!

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

HOw's the libido on Ortho-tri-cyclen? I know that some pills affect libido and some do not....

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I never had any problems

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

Hey there..I am a pill user myself for 7 years. I used to use Ortho and loved the effect on my skin but started getting headaches around my period so I switched to a lower dose pill called Mircette and since then i have had no problems. I think finding the pill that works for you is key and your doctor can help you with that!

I have a couple of friends who were having either bad side effects from the pill or were forgetting to take it regularly and they now use the ring and rave about it. You only have to put it in once a month and then take it out for your period. I know it is new but you could also ask your doctor about that one too!

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I've been on the pill on & off for 11 years. I've been on ortho-tri-cyclen and HATED it. Everyone else I know who was on it (3 other people) had the same experience as me: GAVE us acne, did not clear it.

I've been on lo-estrin & demulen (twice)...now I'm on the generic of demulen. The first time I was on demulen (11 years ago) I gained 15-20 lbs (which I was excited about!) and my chest increased 2 cup sizes (which was sort of painful). Second time around on demulen, no weight gain. I am noticing 'period migraines' on the generic brand the past few months...so I'm probably going to change. Again.

I'm very interested in hearing if anyone's done the patch.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I was on the Shot for about a year and then I completely got off it because I had gain soooooo much weight. Meaning 30 lbs and according to the doctor it increases your appetite, retain alot of water. The best part I hardly got my period, that to me was a relief.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I DID THE PATCH! URGH!

Ok, well, I personally LOVED it, because I can not take the pill at the same time everyday for anything.....


FH HATED the patch. Picture this if you want, a HUGE bandaid on your butt, shoulder, boob, front whatever, for a week!

I had the hugest black mark all around it whenever I changed it because of lint from my pants, etc. Same thing you get if you wear a bandaid too long...

I wouldn't put it on my shoulder b.c how trashy is that! and didn't like it on my front or boob because it itched me when it rubbed against my clothes.

Then if I got drunk on the weekends and was constantly pulling my jeans off, by Monday the patch fell off on its on from going to the bathroom so often and pulling my pants down.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

Ewww, I never thought of the lint/falling off issues before. Hmm, interesting.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I tired ortho-tri, and didn't like it. I'm on Yasmin now, and all PMS symptoms are gone. I've been on the pill for 10 years - its works for me. Its easy and convenient, no way would I trade for a shot. The patch intrigues me, but I figure why mess with something that works?

There have been a few posts on the patch - the good and the bad, do a search and you'll get more info.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I am not on anything right now but I have used Ortho-Tricyclen in the past and loved what it did for my skin, my cramps and my flow. The thing about the pill is that you have to be patient and willing to try different ones until you find one that works the best for your body. Everyone is different and no pill is perfect for each situation. THe other issue of course is remembering to take it everyday. I have a friend who got PG on the pill because she forgot to take it evey once in a while.

The Obs that I have worked with are all on the patch. It works the exact same way as the pill with the same benefits/SEs. Much easier to use, no worries about messing up, just change the patch once a week and one week no patch at all. A little rubbing alcohol on cotton can take of the gunky stuff. Most wear it on their butt or below bikini line.

The shot is IMO, not the best option. It definetely causes weight gain. You often stop getting your periods - which may sound great but can be very nerve wracking thinking you may be PG. You also can't reverse it quickly, it lasts for 3 mos, and sometimes longer. So if you decide to stop it or the SEs are too bad for you it takes a long time to get out of your system.

Hope that helps. FM me if you have more Qs. I think I am going to be an Ob when I grow up so I love this stuff.

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I just got off the patch, after being on it for 1 year (I thought it was only 6 months, by MD checked my records, and it was one whole year!)

The patch was great in terms of never having to remember to take a pill (which I was bad at).

But the down sides were horrible...I was severly depressed right around my periods, to the point of crying everyday.

Most of the time in general I was depressed, and irritable! FI will agree on this one!

It was just very bad!

I'm now on ortho tri cyclin low (been on it for a little over 1 month), which has a lower progestrone than the regular ortho tri cyclin. So far, the depression is GONE, I feel great, like my old self!

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

I'm on the patch and I really like it!
I haven't had problems with it falling off (of course, I'm a little paranoid so I'm always making sure). I do experience the lint issue though.
I really love not having to take a pill each day since I would forget a lot. It's also helped my skin!

Re: Patch vs. Pill vs. Shot...

The patch I used for 2 mos and stopped too many darn side effects.Vaginal dryness, mood swings, tender breast, low sex drive and I did not even gain any boobs, loss of appetite, infection, the convienence was not worth it at all.

Used the pill for 3 mos and quit, no side effects, it was Yasmin, hubby and I are going to start TTC so I am getting my body ready