Side effects
Patch common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
50% of Patch reviewers reported breast enlargement
49% of Patch reviewers reported tender breasts
40% of Patch reviewers reported period like cramps
33% of Patch reviewers reported nausea or vomiting
33% of Patch reviewers reported vaginal discharge
Patch rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
4% of Patch reviewers reported migraine with aura
4% of Patch reviewers reported body hair getting darker
3% of Patch reviewers reported pelvic infection
Possible Patch side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Breast enlargement (50%)
- Tender breasts (49%)
- Period like cramps (40%)
- Nausea or vomiting (33%)
- Vaginal discharge (33%)
- Sweating more than usual (29%)
- Lower back pain (26%)
- Vaginal dryness (24%)
- Headaches (21%)
- Thrush (12%)
- Dizziness (11%)
- High blood pressure (11%)
- Migraines (9%)
- A latex allergy (9%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (6%)
- Cystitis (6%)
- Hair loss (6%)
- Body hair increase (5%)
- Migraine with aura (4%)
- Body hair getting darker (4%)
- Pelvic infection (3%)
Reviews
3.5
101 reviews
Filter reviews
Community reviews
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 31st Aug 24
After switching from the combined pill due to depression, I was interested in the patch as I could change it weekly instead of remembering to take a pill everyday. I started the patch and my periods became regular and my mood increased greatly, I do experience bad PMS but It is much better compared to when I was on the pill. I do get cramps sometimes between periods but nothing too bad. You can also use the patch to skip periods but I enjoy having a regular “cycle” and when I did use it to skip a period for a holiday I ended up spotting for a month! Overall the patch is great for me and I don’t plan on changing as it has helped my mental health so much.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Aug 24
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 7th Aug 24
It’s convenient to only change once a week. I’ve found when I’ve been on holiday if you are in the water it does loosen and sometimes come off in the water which is not helpful. I have experienced a lot of breakthrough bleeding very randomly but it has helped with my skin. My sex drive has basically gone it’s that low which I have struggled with but my mood and endometriosis pain during periods has helped
Somewhat positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 29th Jul 24
New boobs, same me. Generally a good experience- my periods are less painful which is a plus and my breasts went up a cup size or two (a plus for the boyfriend apparently). I became more emotionally sensitive to start with but that quickly settled down. I'm still trying to discover the best place to stick the patch as it does become unstuck in areas that often crease but I haven't got pregnant yet so it must be doing its job. So far, upper arm is the best. I recommend to anyone not wanting to take a pill every day.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Jun 24
This has been the best contraception I've ever used. I have had no side effects and would recommend this to anyone who struggles with the pill or with typically reacts poorly to oestrogen.
Improved skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th May 24
After years of fighting with GPs about my period concerns and being put on and off different contraceptions that my body reacted horribly to, I decided to go private and do my research into what could be a possible solution. The girls at The Lowdown have been so helpful throughout the year and a bit that i’ve been with them. The website is so easy and efficient in helping you choose what’s best for your body, and if you have any further questions the girls are quick to respond through emails and whatsapp. I decided a little over a year ago that I’d make the change to go on the Evra patch. After years of different pills not working with my body or making things worse, I was desperate for a solution that was easy but was still in my control (a non intrusive method). The patch has been a life saver and within 3/4 months my periods were at the same time every month, shorter, lighter and less painful. I’m sure it won’t work for everyone but it works great for me, and i’d much rather pay for the product and the service The Lowdown provides, than spend one more minute arguing with my GP.
Very positive mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd May 24
I have noticed I am feeling a lot hotter than normal and my vigina has become dry. I was becoming worried
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th May 24
I felt that my mood was impacted and my partner at the time noticed I had become a lot more irritable. I also experienced a lot of headaches which I usually rarely suffer from.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th May 24
I’ve tried sooo many contraceptions and this is the first one I’ve tried with very minimal side effects. My moods have been very stable, I have less PMS symptoms, my weight hasn’t changed and my sex drive hasn’t changed. When I want to hide the patch I just apply it to my lower belly where my undies would sit so that aspect is not a problem either.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th May 24
I’ve been on the patch for 8/9 months now and my experience is mixed. I love the convenience of a patch, and that stomach issues don’t affect the effectiveness like the pill. However, I have had the worst skin I’ve ever had with rosacea suddenly appearing after 3 months on patch use. I’ve never had bad skin before and suddenly have done after this with no other lifestyle changes. Recently I’ve had spotting in my 3rd week of using the patch, this never happened previously. I’ve also had a weight gain, and tender breasts.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments