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New Patch User
| Tue, 04-11-2006 - 4:34pm |
This is my first time using any kind of hormonal birth control and I’m not sure what I should expect. I’ve only been wearing it since Sunday and I think it is making me nauseous. I’m paranoid about weather or not it will work. Please someone give me some reassurance that the nausea will stop and I wont get pregnant.

Hi work_for_shoes, welcome!
Nausea is a common side effect when starting or switching combined (estrogen/progestin) birth control methods. Ortho Evra is very effective 98-99% if used correctly by women weighing less than 195 pounds. For women over that weight it is somewhat less effective.
The patch delivers a rather high average level of estrogen because it is absorbed through the skin, so we have had more complaints about side effects from patch users than with most other methods. If you aren’t familiar with that recent (11/05) finding there is a post about it in the archives: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhcontracept&msg=17896.1&ctx=0
It usually takes about 3 cycles for your body to adjust to the new hormones from the patch, pill or ring. Over that time the side effects should moderate during the second and usually disappear during the third cycle if the patch will be as good method for you. If you are new to hormonal contraceptives you might want to read the posts in our FAQs about common side effects, irregular bleeding and using your method correctly. With the exception of vomiting or severe diarrhea all the information that pertains to oral contraceptives also applies to the patch and ring.
Thanks for stopping by to post. If you have more questions, please ask. Keep us posted about how you're doing, ok?
Good luck,
Jill
Hi,
I can vouch for the effectiveness of the patch. I used it for a couple of years. My biggest side effects were, well, my bbs grew, pun intended:) I did have minor bouts of nausea at first but they went away with continued use. FYI: when dh and I decided to try for a baby, I got pg the first month off so I feel it’s effective and easily reversible!
I hope that you are able to find something that you like.
Holly
The patch, in order to be marketed as a form of birth control, had to go through the same testing that birth control pills do in order to prove that it's effective.