The Contraceptive Patch

[Lan]

Hi all,

I have recently been using the contraceptive patch and would like to share my experiences with you all.

It is dairy free and is definitely better than the mini pill, which caused me a lot of problems. Only the patch and mini pill are dairy free, as all others contain lactose, according to my doctor anyhow.

The patch is great as you put it on once a week and that's it. The only problem I have found is that it leaves a mark on your body for weeks after being removed.

Has anyone else tried it, and what do you think? Please let us know.

Kind Regards,

Lan. :hug:

[Lan]

Hi all,

Have been using this contraceptive patch for just over 3 months, and am now having problems.

Last week my arm was itching and felt very hot and sore, hence I took the patch off early and seemed to have a very nasty burn mark on my arm. I have tried it again now to be absolutely sure as have had no problems before this, however the second test seems to be having the same effect.

I seem to be having an allergic reaction to something in it possibly the glue. Has anybody else used this patch and had problems?

Lan.

:hug:

[Pam]

I've never tried the patch but I am allergic to most elastoplast type sticking plasters. I have to use micropore tape or I get itchy blisters around the edges of the sticky stuff. I don't have particularly sensitive skin but plasters, Virgin Vie products and saddle soap tend to affect me.

Fortunately I am slightly milk intolerant rather than allergic so the minute amount in the contraceptive pill doesn't really cause me any problems.

Femulen by PD Searle & Co is a milk free contraceptive pill (the only completely animal free one) but is progesterone only according to my year 2000 edition of The Vegan Shopper.

Condoms made from latex contain casein so would not be suitable for anyone who has a skin sensitivity to milk (just imagine having a rash or swelling after using one!!!!)

[Lan]

Hi Pam,

Thanks for the reply. I have never had problems with plasters before and was fine for the 1st 3 months. Am really feeling down about this at present.

Was going to bring all aspects of dairy into my diet to try the reaction to each part of milk. Unfortunately, due to this I may have to go back onto the lactose incased pill.

I tried the mini pill which is progesterone only and had nothing but trouble. I was losing almost all the time and in the end thought I had found the solution in the patch.

Has anyone else tried it and have any experiences they would like to share?

Thanks again Pam and hope all is well with you and the family.

Kind Regards,

Lan.

:hug:

[JDArsenal]

Originally posted by Lan@Apr 2 2004, 07:19 PM
Hi all,

I have recently been using the contraceptive patch and would like to share my experiences with you all.

It is dairy free and is definitely better than the mini pill, which caused me a lot of problems. Only the patch and mini pill are dairy free, as all others contain lactose, according to my doctor anyhow.

The patch is great as you put it on once a week and that's it. The only problem I have found is that it leaves a mark on your body for weeks after being removed.

Has anyone else tried it, and what do you think? Please let us know.

Kind Regards,

Lan. :hug:
I am on day 3 of the Contraceptive Patch and to be fair very nervous...how can this thing work ??!!
It already looks very grubby and am dreading taking it off to put the second one on !!
Did you get any other side effects apart from this 'itching' ??
Are you still persevering with it or are you back on the Pill ??
Regards
Susan

[Lan]

Hi Susan,

I found this method of contraception great, until I had the allergic reaction. I was fine for the first 3 months and then my arm was itching and the heat coming through the patch was like fire. I took the patch off and my arm under the patch was all lumpy, bright red and burning hot. I tried it on my other arm thinking it was a one off and again the same thing happened, but this time within 48 hours. I then tried it on my leg and within 24 hours my leg was swollen where the patch had been and still isn't right now! I have a red square where the patch was and find it unsightly.

I have tried a antihistamine cream as prescribed by the pharmacy in Tescos, but to no avail.

My advice would be that if you think you are having a reaction, take it off as soon as possible and see your doctor for other advice. I would not be as stupid as me and leave it on as now have clear scars where the patch once was. I would like to point out however that I suffer with very dry sensitive skin.

At present I am only using condoms as I found the mini pill didn't agree with me, and the other pill is out as am bringing in milk at present, and finding out what part of the milk I am allergic to.

I hope that you have better luck then me,

Kind Regards,

Lan.

:headbang:

[JDArsenal]

Hi Lan
Thanks for your advice...I think I will try and persevere....because at the moment it is nothing more than negative thoughts which are worrying me......I really don't want more children !
I have heard that Femulen contains no milk - have you tried this one ?
Take Care
Susan