Birth Control Patch
Overview Birth control patch Birth control patch The birth control patch is a contraceptive device that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. The small patch, worn on the skin, releases hormones into your bloodstream that thicken cervical mucus and suppress ovulation.
The birth control patch is a type of contraception that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. The patch is worn to prevent pregnancy.
You place a tiny patch of skin on each week, for three weeks. This will allow you to wear the patch for 21 days. The fourth week is when you can't wear any patches.
Birth control patches work similarly to combined birth control pills. The birth control patch prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into your bloodstream that keep your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). To prevent sperm reaching the egg, the birth control patch thickens cervical mucus.
To use the birth control patches, you will need to have a prescription from your doctor. It doesn't prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) from occurring.
The Reasons It Works
The birth control patch is used to prevent pregnancy. Some advantages are offered by the birth control patches over other methods of birthcontrol:
- You don't have to stop sex in order to use contraception.
- It doesn't take your partner to help you use it.
- This doesn't mean you have to be attentive or keep track of when to take your pill.
- This provides steady levels of hormones.
- You will find it easier to swallow the pills if you have difficulty swallowing them.
- You can remove it at any moment, which allows for quick fertility return.
However, the birth control pill is not right for every person. The following are reasons your doctor may recommend against you using the patch:
- Smoke and are 35 years old or older
- Chest pain , history of stroke , heart attack or high blood pressure
- Have a history of blood clots Have a history of breast , uterine or liver cancer
- You weigh more than 198 lbs (90 kgs).
- Aura and liver disease
- Diabetic complications of the kidneys and blood vessels.
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Developed yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or when previously taking hormonal contraceptives
- You are about to undergo major surgery.
- Do you take any medication or herbal supplements?
- Sensitivity to the patch's birth control components
Also, let your doctor know if:
- Are breastfeeding or recently gave birth, had a miscarriage or had an abortion
- Have concerns about a new breast lump or change in your breast self- exam
- Epilepsy medication
- Are you suffering from diabetes, gallbladder disease, liver, kidney, or heart disease?
- High cholesterol levels or high triglycerides
- Periods of irregularity
- Have depression
- Are you suffering from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or eczema?
Risques
With perfect use, pregnancy happens in less than 1 out of 100 women during the first year of using of the birth control patch. Pregnancy rates are estimated to be 7 to 9 out of 100 women during a year of typical use. Common situations include not changing the patch in time, or finding that your patch has been loose for too long.
It doesn't prevent sexually transmitted infection (STIs) with the birth control pill.
Some side effects of birth control patches include:
- A higher risk of high blood pressure, blood-clotting disorders, heart attacks, strokes, cancers, gallbladder disease, and liver cancer.
- Breakthrough bleeding, or spotting
- Skin irritation
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Pain during menstruation
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling moody
- Gain weight
- Dizziness
- Acne
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Vaginal infections and discharge
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention
Some research shows that the birth control patch may increase estrogen levels in the body compared with combination birth control pills that are taken by mouth. This may mean there's a slightly higher risk of estrogen-related adverse events, such as blood clots, in patch users than in people who take combination birth control pills.
How to Prepare
A prescription will be required from your doctor to use the birth control patches. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and review your medical history. Discuss with your doctor any medication you are taking.
Here's What You Can Expect
Use the birth control pill:
Ask your health care provider about a start date.
Wait until your period begins before you start using birth control patches for the first. You can then apply the birth control patch the day after your period begins if you choose to use the first-day approach.
It is not necessary to have a backup method for contraception.
If you choose to use the Sunday start method, your first application will be made on the Monday following your period.
You can use an alternative method of contraception during the first week.
You can choose where you want to place the patch. Place the patch anywhere you want it to be: on your lower body, buttocks or underarms. Don't put it on your breasts or in a place where it will be rubbed, such as under a bra strap.
Make sure your skin is clean and dry.
Do not apply creams to areas that appear red, irritated, or damaged.
Apply makeup or lotions not intended for the area of the patch. Remove the affected area and place a fresh patch.
Use the patch.
The foil pouch should be carefully opened. Lift one corner with your fingernail. The protective clear liner should be removed from the pouch. Peel off the adhesive patch and plastic liner. The patch should not be cut, altered or damaged.
Then, apply the sticky surface to your skin.
For approximately 10 seconds, press down on the skin with your palm.
You can smooth it by smoothing the surface and making sure the edges adhere well.
The patch should be left on for seven consecutive days.
Do not take it off to shower, bathe, or swim.
Modify Your Patch
For three consecutive weeks, apply a contraceptive patch every week to your body.
Avoid irritation by applying each patch to an area different from your skin.
You can then fold the patches in half and stick the sticky ends together. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.
Use baby oil or lotion to remove any residue adhesive.
To make sure the patch is still intact, check it every so often.
You can replace the affected patch as soon as possible if it is damaged or becomes inaccessible.
If a patch is no longer sticky or if the material on it is stuck, don't apply it again. You should not use any adhesives or wraps on the patch to keep it in place.
Apply a patch to your affected area and continue using a backup contraceptive method for at least one week if the patch is not fully or partially detached after 24 hours.
Avoid the Patch on Week 4.
You shouldn't use a patch for the fourth week. This is when your period will be.
Apply a new patch on the last day of each week, after the fourth week is over.
Use backup contraception in the event you miss applying a patch.
You can apply the birth control patches late in the first or second week. If this happens, you should immediately use a replacement patch and a backup contraceptive method for the next week.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms , consult your doctor immediately.
- An indication of a blood-clot is a sharp, persistent chest pain or sudden, severe shortness in breath.
- Consistent pain in the calf, or any other sign of a bloodclot in your legs
- Sudden complete or partial blindness, or any other sign of a blood vessel in your eye.
- Heart attack symptoms include chest pain and other signs such as a thrombosis.
- Sudden severe headache, visual or speech issues, numbness or tingling in the arm or legs, and other symptoms of stroke
- The skin may become yellowed or the whites of your eyes. This could be accompanied by fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, and light-colored bowel movements.
- Fatigue, severe sleep problems or sadness
- Tenderness or severe abdominal pain
- A breast lump that persists through 1 to 2 menstrual cycles or increases in size
- Two missed periods or other signs of pregnancy
- Methods of birth control