As science and innovation progress, so do the ways in which a person can be protected during sexual intercourse, both from STIs and STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
The birth control patch is one of many ways women are protected when it comes to pregnancy, so we are bringing you some interesting information that might help you decide what direction to take regarding contraceptives.
The decision concerning contraceptives is a very important one in a woman’s life, so it is also essential to find a good birth control specialist who can answer all the potential questions and concerns. At ACE OBGYN, we offer the latest, most up-to-date data on birth control, and we have a team of experts who are there to support our patients in choosing the best option for them.
Birth Control Patch
Birth control patches are thin, square-shaped patches that are put on the surface of the body to protect the person from unwanted pregnancy. They are beige and around five centimeters in size, and women usually place them on their upper arm, upper back, lower stomach, or their backside. Another name for this contraceptive is the transdermal patch.
The term transdermal was created because your inner layer of skin (derma) is used to absorb hormones similar to the ones in birth control pills (progesterone and estrogen). After they enter the body, they are sent into the bloodstream.
The way the protection functions is that the combination of hormones from the patch prevents ovulation (releasing the egg from the ovaries) and thickens the mucus to stop the sperm from entering and reaching potentially released eggs.
The contraceptive patch is more convenient than some other kinds of protection because:
- There is no need to remember to take a pill every day – the patch is changed once a week for three weeks (as in the case of birth control pills)
- It is easier to just place the transdermal patch on your skin rather than inserting a ring into the vagina (i.e., birth control rings)
Effectiveness
The patches are considered to be highly effective, meaning that they work 99% of the time, making them as effective as the birth control pill. There are certain situations and actions which can decrease their effectiveness, such as:
- Not using the patch correctly
- Missing weekly applications
- Delaying weekly applications
- Removing the patch too early
- Weighing more than 198 pounds (90 kg)
- Additional health conditions and medications taken
As is the case with birth control pills, the patch does not protect you from STIs and STDs. In case you also want to be protected against sexually transmitted infections and diseases, you need to use a condom during sexual intercourse.
How Do I Use Birth Control Patches?
There is clear instruction on the use of the contraceptive patch, and it is of the utmost importance to use it as indicated to get the full effectiveness of the product.
If you apply the patch as is recommended, in most cases, its effect starts immediately. Medical professionals recommend using additional protection for the first cycle of using the patches in case the product does not work right away.
When it comes to how to use the patches, here are the steps:
- Put the first patch on the first day of your menstrual cycle or the first Sunday after the cycle has begun
- Change the patch once every week for three weeks consistently
- On week four, do not apply the patch
Some additional important tips are:
- Put the patch on the same day every week so it continues to protect you effectively
- First, take the old patch off before applying a new one
- Place the new patch on a different area than the previous one to not get your skin irritated
- If you have irritation, a cut, or redness, do not apply the patch to that particular area
- Use additional protection for the first week of using the patch
If you decide to remove the patch earlier, it is crucial to note that you will need to start using another type of protection within 24 hours from taking the patch off.
When it comes to activities, it is safe to swim and exercise with the patch, as well as shower or take a bath. Repositioning the patch is not advised because the adhesive might get loose, and the birth control patch might fall off. If the patch does fall off, please contact your chosen medical professional for advice.
It is also not advised to apply the patch over lotions, creams, and other skin products because it might either fall off or the products might affect the absorption of the hormones into the skin.
Do not cut the contraceptive patch or trim it, and if you want to get rid of it, just fold it and throw it away – do not throw it in the toilet or on the ground because the chemicals can have a harmful effect on the soil.
Birth Control Patch Side Effects
Although contraceptive patches are considered to be very safe and effective, and many people have no side effects whatsoever during their usage, there are still specific changes a person might experience while using the patch.
The birth control patch’s side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms
- Skin irritation
- Menstrual pains and cramps
- Abdominal pains
- Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, strokes, and high blood pressure
- Change in vision when it comes to contact lenses
Doctors very often advise people to stop smoking while using birth control patches because that can raise the risk of certain side effects.
If some of the following conditions occur, please get in touch with your doctor immediately: sharp chest pains, shortness of breath, persistent pains in your calves, severe headache, problems with vision, numbness in the extremities, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal pain, two missed periods, etc.
So Am I The Right Person To Use Contraceptive Patches?
If you are someone who has trouble remembering to take their daily birth control pill, the patch might be a perfect solution for you. This said some other criteria might stop you from choosing this type of birth control.
Doctors do not recommend patches in the following cases:
- If you are over 35 and smoke cigarettes
- If you weigh over 198 pounds (90 kg)
- If there are any cases of chest pains
- If there is a history of heart attacks or strokes
- If there is a history of high blood pressure or blood clots
- If there is a history of breast or liver cancer
- If there is a case of diabetes-related conditions with other organs
- If there is unclear vaginal bleeding
- If there is a significant surgery planned in the near future and movement will be limited
- If you are taking certain medication or herbal supplementation
Find Out More!
We want to give your as many pieces of information as possible on birth control because it is a crucial part of care when it comes to reproductive health. For this reason, feel free to contact us and ask for additional explanations and clarifications about birth control patches or any other chosen birth control method. Do not forget – we are here to support you!