Hormonal coil (IUS) vs Patch

I got the coil after having a failed mirena coil. Tried this one for almost 3yrs and didn't think I had alot of side effects, though reflecting on a time where I was not on contraception, I realised it had greatly impacted my moods and caused quite bad acne on my back, which I had never suffered with previous. I also would get debilitating cramps during my periods again which I never suffered with before. Only bonus was my very heavy periods were light, which made them way more manageable. I decided to get it taken out when my moods were having an adverse effect on my relationship and life.

Insertion of the jaydess for me was incredibly painful and i had severe period cramps the days following insertion. Other than that for the first year i had no symptoms other than tender breasts and they had grown from C-DD (no complaints!) and often reccomended it to friends. However, after that i started getting regular thrush. It started off just coming before my period some months but now it is pretty much constant. Treatment only resolves symptoms for a short period and the its back! For this reason ive booked to have it taken out next week. Also the waitlist with my local clinic is so long ive been on it months and am no where near being seen so have had to go private unfortunately as the symptoms hae become unbearable :(

After taking the pill for at least ten years I thought it was time to reconsider my options. Used the Lowdown to eventually choose the hormonal coil. Insertion was uncomfortable but nothing unbearable (for me, I know alot of people have had horrid experiences). My periods are very irregular (think maybe four a year and more spotting that bloody). My hormonal state throughout the month is more consistent, no major ups and downs than I used to get on the pill. I couldn't fault this as an option and also not having to remember to take the pill everyday was a huge bonus. Recent changes to the length of time for changing them meant I got an extra two years out of mine. Great long term option if you know you don't want to have children for a large chunk of time. Clicked some sweating and thrush as side effects, but can't be certain they're due to the coil or due to hitting mid-thirties, ha!

I started using the Evra patch for my hormones. Before, I experienced frequent shifts in emotions within just a few minutes, including crying for no particular reason and then feeling fine 10 seconds later. I was advised to wear the patch continuously. Once I began, I found my symptoms were not too severe; they included back pain and cramps, some spotting, feeling nauseous but vomiting a few times a month during the first few months. I have now been on the patch continuously for six months, and I no longer experience any symptoms. My mood can sometimes drop randomly, but overall, I have no regrets about starting the patch.

No side effects

noticed that the side effects were less or more intense depending on where i put the patch on my body. i used to have it on my arm and had intense nausea nonstop and after putting on my hip/ bum it stopped. also cystitis symptoms however i’m not sure if they are related

Started taking the Evra patch to help regulating my hormones and to help with bad health anxiety. The 3rd day I had it on resulted in me taking the patch off straight away due to immense nausea, panic, shaking and complete loss of appetite. 3 months later my hormones have been worse than ever with random crying and anxiety increasing throughout my cycle.

Overall good birth control. I do get random cramps throughout the day ever since I started it and my skin is irritated and itchy where I place my patch.

Overall good, so far effective. But my periods are a lot heavier and a lot more painful. Tender breasts for at least half of the month and random cramps throughout the month even when I’m not on my period.

I got pregnant twice in 3 months…

The Evra patch has been a good choice for me so far, and it’s my first time on birth control! I would say the only downfall is around the edge of the patch gets dirty from adhesive, and that it’s nerve racking to swim a lot in fear it will come off! I went on vacation and was nervous but I used a tagaderm to keep it on when swimming!

The patch made me feel extremely unwell. I had nausea, heavy headed feeling, headaches, tiredness, sweating and soreness where the patch was placed. I ended up removing it before 24 hours was up because I couldn't sleep and felt so out of sorts.

Went on the patch having been on the implant previously. On the implant I had lots of spotting which thankfully went away on the patch. However I have definitely noticed a distinct rise in anxiety since being on the patch over the last year - enough to stop me wanting to go to things like the theatre or going on tours without getting sweaty. I also think it's killed my sex drive so I'm going to go off it and seek alternative contraception. Its a shame because I do find it convenient and have felt very protected on it. My period increased its flow a lot during the period week and I also got bad headaches around that week which I wasn't used to. Sad to have to change but dont like the quality of life.