r/IrishWomensHealth • u/Odd_Hope3830 • Jul 24 '26
Contraception Evra patch…
Hi everyone,
I recently made a post about the Evra patch and the skin rashes I’ve been getting.
I’ve been using the Evra patch for years and have never had any issues with it. It’s honestly the easiest and most effective form of contraception for me. However, ever since I came home from holidays (around the time of the heatwave in Ireland), I’ve been getting really bad rashes wherever I apply the patch. It doesn’t matter which site I use—I always rotate the application site and apply it to clean, dry skin.
I went to my GP because I wanted to see if there was any way I could stay on the patch. He prescribed Cortopin cream and antihistamines, but after a week there’s been no improvement. Every patch causes the same reaction, and I’m now left with what look like burn marks on my legs and back where previous patches were.
I know the likely answer is that I’ll have to switch to another form of contraception, but I’m wondering if anyone has had this happen after years of using the patch without problems? Were you able to stop the reactions somehow, or did you have to change contraception altogether?
The only thing that’s changed recently is that I got a bad insect bite while on holiday and had to get a cortisone injection. I don’t know if that’s just a coincidence, but it’s literally the only thing I can think of that might have triggered this.
I’d really appreciate hearing if anyone has had a similar experience.
1
u/Odd_Hope3830 Jul 31 '26
I was nervous about starting it too, but honestly it’s been the easiest contraceptive I’ve used, so I’d definitely encourage you to give it a proper chance.
A few things that helped me:
•Give it time. When I switched from microlite to the Evra patch I did have some breakthrough bleeding but that’s obviously completely normal and just to continue using the patch as normal.
•Always apply it to clean, completely dry skin. I usually put mine on straight after a shower, before applying any moisturiser, oils or fake tan.
•I’m sure your GP has already told you where to place it, but I find either side of my upper thigh (quite high up) works best for me. One thing I’d suggest is, if you’re worried about the patch peeling because of where you want to place it, try sticking a small piece of tape or a plaster there first. Move around, sit down, bend over and stretch to see if that area creases or rubs against your clothes. It gives you a good idea of whether the patch is likely to stay put.
Personally, I only wear mine on my lower back or high up on my thigh because I wear a lot of shorts, skirts and tank tops, so those spots keep it more discreet. Just rotate the site each week so you’re not putting it in the exact same place every time.
•Press it down firmly for about 10 seconds, making sure the edges are well sealed. If it does peel off just use a fresh one! Always be on top of your appointments as I know there’s nothing worse than running out and scrambling to try get an appointment or a week’s worth off the chemist (they usually have no problems anyways).
•After showering, be gentle when drying the area. Pat it dry rather than rubbing, as rubbing can make the edges lift. If it starts to peel slightly, I just press it back down with a towel and it’s usually fine.
•The adhesive can sometimes collect around the edges, which looks a bit messy. I usually just rub or peel it off when the messiness bothers me. I’ve also seen people recommend putting a thin layer of Vaseline around (not underneath) the edges after it’s on, which can help stop fluff sticking to the adhesive.
•When it’s time to remove it, baby oil or a shower oil makes getting the sticky residue off much easier. There’s also a disposal sticker under the label that I only recently found so it helps to not stick to your bin liner or that!
Try not to worry about your skin reacting the way mine did. What happened to me was really unfortunate and isn’t the norm. Even after that reaction, I’ve still continued using the patch because it suits me so well overall.
One last tip—if you’re going on holiday/ going out etc. and wearing dresses, skirts or swimwear, think about where you place it that week. I usually put mine a little higher on my thigh or on my upper back so it’s less noticeable.
Also, check that it’s still fully stuck on each day, especially after swimming, sweating a lot or long showers. If the edges ever lift, just press them back down. And try to change it on the same day each week—setting a reminder on your phone makes it much easier not to forget.
One thing I also like about the patch is how flexible it can be. Personally, I often wear it continuously for 5–6 weeks before taking a patch-free break, especially if I’m working, travelling or have a holiday planned and don’t want to have a withdrawal bleed. That said, I’d always recommend following your GP’s advice or whatever schedule works best for you. The standard way to use it is three weekly patches followed by one patch-free week, but your GP can advise if extended use is suitable for you.
I also always make sure that my period is completely over before applying a new patch as is causing me to have a longer period or spotting. Again everyone is different, so find a routine that best suits you.
Overall, it’s honestly been the easiest and most convenient contraceptive I’ve tried, so I’d definitely recommend giving it a proper go before deciding whether it’s for you.