"i like the patch. it has been effective so far. i started on sunday after my menstrual cycle and i had unprotected sex 11 days after (so the first week after the 2nd patch ) and i just got the withdrawal bleeding ;&quot;my period&quot; on the third day of my patch free week. i&#039;ve had unprotected sex during the patch free week since i am supposed to be protected from pregnancy according to instructions as long as i remember to apply the patch on time(every sunday) i did experience a little nausea , head aches and a bit cramping but nothing too serious like other reviews. the body has to get used to the hormones so i know it will adjust with time. my period is lighter and with no heavy cramping! i used to have a 7 day period and now it lasted 3 days."