Pill or Patch?

Question

Hi! I’m 22 years old in a semi long distance relationship with my boyfriend. It’s both equally our longest relationship. Just a little background before I got sexually active I took the pill to regulate my period but I stopped taking it because I wasn’t that active and used different methods to prevent pregnancy. Now that I see my boyfriend often every two months and soon moving in together I want a birth control that I can take as needed. Me and my boyfriend usually do a good job at avoiding ovulation days… but again I still believe having some type of birth control is beneficial just to be careful until we are old enough and ready. So if anyone has taken the patch can you explain a bit how that goes? Do I apply it when I need it? Like for example if I know I’m going to see my boyfriend do I take it weeks ahead? Sorry if it seems like a dumb question lol!
I just want to explore my options a bit more.

Answer

I’ve personally never used the patch. However, in order for methods like the patch, pill, and vaginal ring to work effectively, they need to be used regularly & consistently, not “as needed”. 
For the patch, that means applying a new patch every week (on the same day of the week each time) for 3 weeks, then having an off (patch-free) week for 7 days to have a withdrawal bleed/“period”, and then applying a new patch when that week is over… repeat this cycle for as long as ur going to be on the patch. 
The pills (which u are already familiar with) need to be taken every single day around the same time (combination pills have a bit more leeway with timing than mini/progestin only pills, which are typically very time sensitive. But, regardless, the routine of taking them around the same time daily is most recommended). 
The vaginal ring is monthly, meaning u insert one ring into the vagina for 3 weeks, take it out in the 4th week for ur withdrawal bleed/“period”, and then insert a new ring after that…. Again, repeat the process. 
If u would rather have a method that’s even less maintenance than those, then look into the arm implant or an IUD. The implant lasts for 3 years at a time. And, depending on which iud u would get, those can last either 3, 5, or 10 years at a time.

Answer

I highly recommend the patch. I use the patch and love it 3 weeks on & 1 week off.

Answer

I've never used the path, but have you considered an implant? Like Nexplanon. They insert in your arm and it's good for 3 years. You can have it removed sooner if you decide you want to start baby planning and if not you just replace a new one close to that 3 year mark. It's pretty effective and doesn't have many  of the side effects that hormonal contraceptives have. Talk to your doctor or OB/GYN about different methods so you can compare and contrast and make a decision that's best for you.

Answer

The patch is applied weekly and stays there until the next one. On the last week you don’t wear it for your regular period, then you start the process over. It’s a regularly scheduled process and not a take-when-needed product. As always, talk to your OBGYN to help decide which is best for you.

Answer

I am currently using the patch in a long distance relationship. It has its pros and cons. As someone else stated, the patch must be used regularly to be effective. If you decide to start use the patch, you make sure you apply it weekly & be certain to always check if it’s adhesive. It doesn’t come off easily but I’ve noticed that sometimes certain conditions (such as excessive sweating or swimming) may cause the patch to loosen from the skin. It’s a overall good method if you aren’t looking to take a pill daily. Just be sure to change it weekly as someone previously stated.

Answer

I’m on seasonale birth control which I have 2 months and 3 weeks of active pills and 1 week of inactive pills. I love it because I don’t have a period every month. Unfortunately I don’t think there is a birth control that exists that is a “take as needed”. You could just use plan B if you really don’t want a form of birth control but I know that gets pricey and people have different beliefs about it. Best of luck!

Answer

🙏🙏🙏

Answer

I'm going to be honest here, if you only want to use BC when you plan on engaging in sex, then perhaps comdoms are the better choice

Answer

I’ve used both pills and patch in the past. I preferred the patch after a while because I found myself being able to remember 1x weekly change over.

Answer

Please do research on the women who have been having serious injuries due to the implant. Out of all BC methods, that is the one I recommend the LEAST.

Pill or Patch?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products