I'm using the Ortho Eva Patch

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-20-2003
I'm using the Ortho Eva Patch
2
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 4:30pm
Hi. Even since I had a baby, I've been using the Ortho Eva Patch. It has been about 2 years now. I like the patch because of it's convenience and tht my period flow has become less and I don't get cramps anymore. However, I read some articles about the patch and I was worried at some time. I spoke to my Gyno. and he said the patch should be fine as long as I'm not smoking. He said if I feel confortable with it, I could stay with it. I did thought about swtching to a pill, but I was afraid I might gain weight from it. There is one thing that bothers me from using the patch. It's my sex life. After using it for a few month, I noticed that my interest in having sex is very little and that if I do, I do not get organism from it everytime. Is that true if I use birth control? Is the patch as good as the other birth control pills? Please give me some advise. Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 8:25pm

Hi jgirl211, welcome!

I think it's great that you like the patch and your doctor says it's a good choice for you.

Loss of libido is a very common side effect when on hormonal contraceptives. The same mechanism that makes the pill, patch or ring so effective by suppressing ovulation also reduces the amount of the male hormone testosterone produced by your ovaries. And, since testosterone fuels the libido often the sex drive decreases too. For more about hormonal side effects see the post in our FAQs.

If loss of libido is a major concern you could try switching to the ring or a pill with a different progestin and see if that helps. If it doesn’t you can always go back to the patch again. Only Depo-Provera has been proven to cause weight gain in a considerable percentage of users. Some women do gain weight and some lose weight on the pill but if a pill causes munchies snacking on veggies and increased exercise are good ways to minimize gaining. It really depends on the individual and her pill. A recent article on weight gain and the pill is: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhcontracept&msg=18451.1&ctx=4096

Thanks for stopping by. Please ask if you have more questions. Let us know what you decide and how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-20-2003
Wed, 03-22-2006 - 12:18pm
Thanks for the advice and information. I will see my doctor and talk to him about switching. I am cocern about my sex life. My husband and I used to have a great sex life and now it seems like my lack of interest in sex has made our relationship not as strong as before. I hope things will be back to normal.