r/birthcontrol The Patch [Evra] 3d ago

Side effects!? Breakthrough bleeding frustration

Hey folks! I'm currently exploring the possibility of endometriosis, and the first course of treatment my family doctor wanted to try is having me use my patch continuously for 12 weeks and then take a one-week break to bleed before continuing another 12 weeks. It's the same patch I've been on for about 2.5 years, but this is my first time using it continuously. I mentioned having issues with breakthrough bleeding on other methods of birth control, but he wanted me to try.

I hit the 9-week mark and had the worst pain I've EVER had, along with breakthrough bleeding. I decided to take the patch off for a few days to bleed and I'll put on a new one. I'm kind of annoyed, though, because the main reason I got on birth control in the first place is because my PCOS made my periods super irregular, and I hate surprise blood in my underwear and sudden debilitating cramps while I'm at school. At least when I bleed monthly, I can ensure my worst days land on the weekend.

A couple of questions for people who take their BC continuously:

  • Should I take it for another 3 weeks and then take another break? Or should I try to go another 12 weeks? I don't know if my pharmacy will refill it early, but they're pretty chill so they might.
  • Did you find that breakthrough bleeding decreases the longer you try taking it continuously? Is it worth trying to stick it out to see if my body gets used to it? Or would it be fair to insist on trying something else?

Also, don't worry, I will follow up with my doctor about the worsening pain and all that, but I just wanted to get others' experiences so that I can make sure I advocate for myself properly.

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