Ortho Evra 2: Re: My email

» elkb26 - Re: My email

In response to My email posted by smine2004:

I don't really remember what some of your questions were/are, but, first off...I recommend that you don't have unprotected sex until you've been on birth control for atleast a month, if not longer. And, of course, don't have unprotected sex with some random hookup.

And, yes, you'll still be protected during your "off week", however, that is generally the week you're on your period.

I was on the patch for 2 year, and never experienced any hair loss, aside from the normal shedding. If anything, you're hair might change texture, especially in going from winter to summer, so just make sure to condition it, and if you can even get anti-tanglers or vitamin spray for it, which helps.

As for weight gain...most people gain weight as they get older. I have no idea how old you are, but, I started birth control when I went to college, so I was 18. Of course I gained the freshman 15, but I also lost it, all while being on the pill. So, my advise to that, is to work out and eat healthy. And, weight gain that I've recently noticed is that I've gotten hips...but, I'm also in my mid twenties, so that's to be expected. It's all a part of getting older. And, you'll occassionally notice a little water retention the week before your period.

As for mood swings. I can't say that I would blame anything on the patch or pill. I think it all has to do with a shift in your hormones, which you'll experience regardless.

I did however, just go off the patch. Like I said, I was on it for 2 years, and never really had a problem with it. I can say, that because I was sexually active before getting married, (and am still currently on birth control), I did become slightly paranoid. Because of the fact that I go to the gym daily, and sweat a ton, there were times that the patch would fall off, or become extra loose while being in the shower, or pool, but, I'd just re-apply after drying off. I also experienced skin irritations from the patch. Of course the patch moves a bit, so you have the adhesive stuck to your skin wherever you put it, but, I would still have irriation...and, there's only so much area to put it if you don't want people to see it.

Anyway...that's my advice. Don't get all worried about problems with it. I tend to think a lot of it is mental...and, don't go off it if you're not sure within a few months. It will take your body time to get used to the hormones, but be careful with the unprotected sex until you've been on it for a few months.

Good luck!

-- posted by elkb26