what are the pros and cons of using the skin patch as a birth control method?
369418
None - the best is abstinence
819755
Don't count on it as a method of birth control
976361
It's true.\n\nLong-term BCP use lowers libido.\n\nHow Contraceptives Kill a Woman's Libido Long-Term \nhttp://www.mercola.com/2005/jun/14/contraceptives_libido.htm\nhttp://www.mercola.com/2004/oct/27/birth_control.htm\n\nIt could not be more clear that using this form of contraception long-term is truly a prescription for disaster that is loaded with enormous potential complications http://www.mercola.com/2004/jun/26/contraceptives_hrt.htm
125149
The patch has killed 23 women so far. As far as effectiveness, it's pretty darn effective in jacking up your hormones and hurting your body. Please think twice about using anything hormonal, especially since it's not necessary.
1091025
Just use the pill, i have been using it for years, never got pregnant and had no side effects.  there are side effects, things like weight gain and slightly increased risk of breast cancer.  So many woman use it and have no problems.  the nurse will monitor you whilst you are on it, like checking your blood pressure and ask questions to check that it is right for you.
62115
I've used condoms, depro provera (shot), the patch, and now the Nuva Ring (I love the ring). \n\nCondoms \n\nPros\nEasily obtainable\nDon't need to remember to take it\nprevent stds as well as pregnancy\n\nCons\nLoss of stimulation\nBreakable\nCan be awkward in the heat of the moment\nMessy afterward\n\nDepo\n\nPros\nAfter about the first year I didn't have a period for 6 years :-D\nAs effective as tubal ligation at preventing pregnancy\nyou don't have to remember a pill every day (only get a shot every three months)\n\nCons\nI gained weight and most women do (and it isn't water weight, they say it is due to "increased appetite")\nReduced sex drive (in some women)\nWell, it is a shot so it has some pain associated with it\nYou have to go to the dr's to get it\n\nThe patch\n\nPros\nAs effective as the pill, but you don't have to take it every day. You put one patch on for three weeks\n\n\nCons\nMy skin was sensitive to the patch and would launch a revolt every time I put one on\nYou could see it even under my bathing suit\nit fell off while I was hot tubbing\n\nThe ring\n\nGod bless this product!\n\nPros\nAs effective as the pill\nYou but the ring inside you and leave it there for your three week cycle\nYou can leave it in a little longer or take it out a little early to make your period work in accordance with your plans\nyou can't feel it\nThe lowest effective dose of hormones because it is administered right where you need it. \n\nCons\nHas to be kept in the refrigerator until you use it
1034044
Personally, yes. VERY much so better.\nBut I'm on the pill, so it's not like I'm ditching responsibilty. \nI wouldn't do it without any protection... it feels damn good, but it's not worth having babies for. Unless you're 30. Then go have some babies. We're so under populated on this planet as it is...\n\nEh, I mean, yes. It's better. As long as you're not being dumb about it, make the arrangements to have sex w/o one. You'll see how skin on skin is so much more pleasurable than a barrier inbetween you and your lover.
701211
Only if you risk wanting to catch STDs. The patch, pills, diaphragm, etc. Cannot protect you against sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes, Syphyllis, HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, HPV, etc.\nGet the picture?\nSex without a condom, especially in someone who's medical history you don't know is like playing Russian Roulette, and the odds are just as bad that you can seriously hurt yourself.
649456
The main purpose of birth control pills in the management of PCOS is to regulate the menstrual cycle.  As you have specifically stated that that hysterectomy has occurred, the main purpose here would most likely be to reduce male hormone production that can cause acne and unwanted hair growth.  As you may already be aware, there is no cure for PCOS.\n\nA note to the person who stated that contraceptive pills will stimulate the ovaries to release eggs....I hope you will read the question again.  With hysterectomy, the concept of pregnancy is a moot point.
726271
I have tried the Nuva ring. I was on it for over a year. It was better for me because I put it in and it was nice to know that I wouldn't have to worry about it for 3 weeks til I took it out to have my period.I loved it. It's easy to put in. It never came out. Never!!! not even during sex or sitting on the toilet or anything. It even shortened my periods from 5days to about 3days. It is low level hormones. I would go back on it in a heartbeat but I changed jobs and my new insurance doesn't cover it and at like $40 a pop I decided to go back to the pill which my insurance does cover.
1103170
The risk of perforation is about 1 in 1000 women (as is the risk of pregnancy).  Having it inserted by a very skilled person will *maybe* decrease this risk, but having it done by someone who is "practicing" on your will *definitely* increase it!  Talk to your doctor, and ask her/him how many she/he has done, and *never* agree to have an intern or resident "help out" if you choose to have it done.\n\nBut if you want to stop taking hormones, how about trying a barrier method or natural family planning.  They have slightly lower effectiveness rates, but also much lower risk rates.  Only you can decide what method is best for you.
792592
This is something that I've been trying to read up on for a while now, and there are mixed views. Some will argue that menstrual suppression isn't a bad thing, or a bad idea for those women that suffer from endometriosis and painful periods or those that suffer from menstrual migraines, and that it's been tried for years. Others will argue that menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life that shouldn't be tampered with, by trying to argue that suppressing the menstrual cycle can result in an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or cancer.\n\nIf your wife is interested in a contraceptive implant like Norplant, this is something you both should discuss with her doctor. Not every method of contraception works for all women. And not all women are going to have the same side effects when using the same method. I have a few friends that tried the Norplant for the five years it lasts and some experienced no menstrual bleeding, others had unexpected times of spotting or bleeding.\n\nHas your wife ever considered using Seasonale? Menstrual periods are supposed to be reduced to only four times a year, but again, this can differ among women. But it still beats having monthly cycles.\n\nReally, you and your wife should discuss this with her doctor. Her doctor will be able to tell you the pros and cons of menstrual suppression and what method is best suited to her individual needs. She needs a medical examination/evaluation to ensure that she doesn't have a medical condition where she shouldn't be using certain methods of contraception. Good luck to you both!
44545
That makes absolutely no sense at all.\n\nWithdrawal method is a risky often poor method of birth control and that is it.  Dry skin and forgetfulness are totally unrelated.
893367
Depends on the type of birth control they have you on. Some of the placebos have iron in them as a supplement. Otherwise, the placebo pills are just that: a placebo, which is a big word for sugar pill. The reason they are there is to help you stay on a schedule so you don't forget to start the next pack when you need to. \nBirth control should actually HELP with acne, not cause more. Some may cause you to gain weight, but there are so many different types of birth control now that if you don't like the side effects of one, talk to your doctor. He/she can help you get one that works great for your body chemistry.
613133
use other methods of birth control DUH
120262
I don't think it would hurt.  (Obviously, your doctor is the only person qualified to answer this, though.)  A number of women use these products for reasons that have nothing to do with birth control.
413228
I would highly suggest you do a pregnancy test however given the elevated estrogen exposure that is normal with the Patch it is possible you will have an irregular period, especially if you have started another form of Birth Control.  Take the test to rule out pregnancy though.