I've been on the patch fot 7 weeks only... Mmm side effects... Well my boobs are bigger, I get really pmse (but I used to before the patch so haha) and the first month my period never stopped! It wasnt really my period, I found out later that it was high estrogen bleeding due to the hormones in the patch and since this is the first time i've been on any kind of hormonal contraception I guess its normal. Yea they say u get blood clots and stuff but I also kno u can kill yourself using too much tylenol and that playing videogames can cause u seizures and I bet like the pill or something can also do this but we r no longer scared of it because we r used to it. The patch is new thats why there r so many horror stories out there.

I've been on the patch now for about 2 months. I haven't been having any side affects as of yet. It's working nicely for me!

Would you prefer the patch to the condom?

The good thing about condoms is that they r clean. Not only is the whole sex part not as messy but that whole std aids protecting thing really is a plus hahahaha. They are lots cheaper too. The problem is that you have to 1) have them handy which in many cases means also having them at other people's reach letting them know exactly what goes on when u close the door 2) put them on each time u do it... This takes some time and can spoil the mood. Also when we use a condom I find that its not very comfortable at first because things are a bit dry I guess (i also guess we should buy lubricant but we never do that lol) after a while its ok. And then its over and there is no icky mess... Unless it breaks and then you have a mess and a huge headache... Make that a migrane, abouth being pregnant.

Yeah I prefer the patch, same benefits as the pill not having to remember to take anything on time each day, more spontaneous sex and I mean if u use a condom u have to use it finish using it and everything to like... Make it worth it but sometimes I dont know I just like to do it for a little while and even if its not a waste using a condom for just a few minutes it can feel like that. The bad points about the patch... 1)the first month, 2)having it stuck to you cuz it can show or come off (not happened yet) or u can go paranoid about it coming off to the poit where u dont want to touch the area haha. Still its better than other options

I tried the patch for a little while before getting the depo shot ( bad mistake) but I stopped because it kept falling off!! I tried everything to get it to stay on but it just did not want to stay put. After three months of depo hell I switched to ortho lo and I have been on that for 8 months now with no problems. So if u can get the patch to stay put I say go for it. All bc has side effects to some point so try it u might like it.

I have been on the patch for close to three years now and love it. I was on depo before but I spotted nonstop. I did have some trouble with the patch staying on when I first started them, but you just need to learn where to put it. (when your doctor gives you a prescription, ask for a emergency patch in case one falls off) I always put it on my shoulders (if you wear a lot of spaghetti straps this may be a problem) or I put it on my butt where my panties don't really rub against it.
As far as side effects, I haven't ever had any. I also love it because I can control when I want my period to start. I usually go six weeks (two months worth of patches) and then start my period. Or if I want to hold off on starting my period for a couple of days, I just leave the patch on an extra day or two. I always go six weeks (two months of patches) and then have my period. My doctor said this is perfectly fine. And my period have been a lot lighter and my cramps aren't as bad.
The downside is that they are very expensive if you don't have good prescription coverage. I pay around $42 every three weeks. (that's without prescription coverage).
Sorry this is so long, but I love the patch and hopefully it will be the right choice for you as well. Hope that helped!
Good luck!!

Wow, so many mixed opinions about it. :? I was wondering, if I start it now, will I feel different(good or bad) immediatly? If yes, then for how long?Ie, how long does it take for the body to get used to it?

Each person is different, I dont think you will feel that different on the patch than without it. I dont and I havent heard that as an important side effect with this partiular form of bc. I do recomend it really. Quite easier than many others. Also the cost is not much more than the pill at least here (latin america, i've also hear that its not much different in the us but over here all bc costs about one third). It got my body a month to get used to it because I didnt stop spotting for the first 3 weeks on the patch and then I took it off and it gradually became a period. I hated that first month. Right now I gotta put on the first patch of the 9th week. I've had a four day period which started about 60 hours after I removed the patch and hardly any cramps at all which is a really good side effect because I usually have really lousy cramps. My boobs are bigger, like their shape is rounder but ive also gained some weight... I dont know if this is the patchs fault though haha because its winter here... And its cold.... And hot chocolate is so good... Also chocolate cake.... And a hot cup of tea is always good when u are cold... Specially if it comes with some cookies... U get the picture. Would totally recomend it. And also if u've got family or friends here have them buy them for u because they cost about 20 dollars (box of 3 patches) and u dont really need a prescription to buy them, they'd sell u anything here.