Birth control patch is a type of hormonal method of birth control, which is only obtained with prescription.
In this birth control option, a thin plastic patch of length 1¾ inch square is directly placed on your skin.
This method works with the hormones that are absorbed from the patch into your system.
This patch can prevent to become pregnant by using any one of the three below mentioned methods:
- First, the patch prevents the production of eggs from the ovaries
- Second, the patch makes the cervical mucus to become thick to prevent your partner’s sperm from reaching the egg.
- Third, the patch changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.
Usage of birth control patch:
Only, you need to use the birth control patch with the suggestion of your health care provider. You can use the patch for one week at a time. You can place the patch on the skin of your buttocks, upper arm, stomach, or upper torso.
You need to replace the patch for every week and each week on the same day for three weeks. Remove it on fourth week in order to allow the menstrual cycle.
When you use the patch correctly and constantly, there are very few failure rates i.e. less than 1%. It is not effective in protecting the pregnancy if you are using medications or antibiotics for seizures or fungal infection. Also, this is ineffective if you weigh more than 198 pounds.
Health risks or side effects of using birth control patch:
The patch has side effects similar to the other methods of hormonal birth control. Some other side effects include:
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin irritation
- Sensible weight gain
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Breast tenderness
Some other side effects of birth control or contraceptive patch include: depression, vaginal yeast infections and contact lens problems.
Don’t use birth control patch if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- History of blood clots
- Liver disease
- Allergy to various hormones
- Uterine or breast cancer
- High blood pressure
- History of stroke or heart attack
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Also, women who used to smoke should not use the birth control patch. Immediately consult your practitioner if you notice any of the following symptoms with the usage of birth control patch.
- Swelling, pain or redness in your legs
- Jaundice
- Any of the pregnancy symptoms
- Chest pain
- Irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding
Once you stop the usage of patch, the ovulation returns within three menstruation cycles. There is possibility to become pregnant when you stop the usage of the patch.
There is one disadvantage with the usage of patch that is it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
