Combined pill vs Patch

It works better for me than others

I was on hormonal birth control methods for 10 years with nothing had bad experiences. I’d come off all methods and had given up until I saw Drovelis on The Lowdown and decided to give it a shot because of the low side effects listed. And I’m so glad I did. No breakthrough bleeding, weight loss, no changes to my sex drive, only minimal breakouts which is a miracle compared to the other methods. The Lowdown has given me my bodily autonomy back with their suggestions and articles and I can certainly say I’ll never go back off this pill!

I started taking it on the first day of my period, it lasted 13 days (normally would last 5 days)then gave me a break for 4 days then bled the whole time on that pill, 24 days bleeding in total, once i started the white sugar pills my bleeding died down and finally stopped, im off of it now (only for a month) and i havent bled once, not even spotting, ill go back on it next month to see if i bleed again from it

Overall positive experience. The longer Ive been on it, the more irregular the periods have become. I often use the whole cycle before having a break rather than the 3 doses

I think I’ve nearly tried every possible contraceptive pill there is out there. I really had high hopes when first started the patch. It was really convenient not having to take a pill every morning and the patch would stay on really well even in the shower/pool when on holiday. Easy enough to hide too! After a couple weeks I noticed lots of little bumps under my skin particularly in my jaw area. This would then quickly turn into really painful acne and take a long time to heal. I seen a massive difference in my skin when having patch free days compared to when I was on it. Unfortunately had to stop it due to how badly my skin reacted to it whilst on it.

I mean, it did its job and I'm not pregnant. However, after 6 months of use, my periods started being irregular, I was starting them on the patch and stopping midway through patch free week, which was very annoying. The biggest issue was when I bled for a month constantly. They run all the tests, nothing was wrong with my body - it was the patch causing it and I was told to change the method. Now I'm on a Ring, let's see how it goes...

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.

I had near constant breakthrough bleeding the entire time

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

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.

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.

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.

I have noticed I am feeling a lot hotter than normal and my vigina has become dry. I was becoming worried