Progestogen-only / Mini pill vs Patch

I feel like the mini-pill has changed my life. I used to get so many painful spots on my chin, but now they are cleared up. I have noticed my boobs getting bigger and a bit more sore, and I don't if it is linked, but I am getting cystitis more, but honestly, the impact it has had on my moods has been positive. My periods are non-existence and I just feel like a whole different person (in a good way). I have looked at photos of me when I was off hormonal contraception and I just don't even recognise her. I kind of feel like the mini pill has balanced my hormones (even though the intention of using it was to not get pregnant)

Started to take them again and noticed that I've been having breast pain for weeks now, alongside this I'm much more tearful. Period cramps were somewhat unbearable.

I’ve tried pretty much every form of contraception within 15 years. Implant x3, injection, mini pills, copper coil. The hormonal ones gave me irregular periods and vaginal dryness and the copper coil gave me chronic BV. Since taking Slynd I’ve had none of this. Skin is fine, weight is fine, periods are regular, lighter, shorter. They do not align with the sugar pills but that’s fine. Initially they were a bit irregular but they settled down. Easy to use and remember due to the little packs and stickers they give you. Overall very happy, and can’t say I’ve noticed any side effects. I do already have some symptoms for other health concerns I’m looking into but it’s not made anything worse, and this was pre existing stuff anyway. Might not work for everyone but if you’ve had issues with other contraceptives like me and you don’t want to rely on condoms then I’d give it a go.

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.