Birth Control

Birth Control Patch

Description

The Birth Control Patch is a convenient method of Birth Control and once affixed to the skin, will slowly releases the female hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream which after 6 months will prevent pregnancy 99% of the time.

The only difference between a Pill and a Patch is the delivery method, with the Pill being ingested daily, but the Patch only needs to be applied once a week.

The hormones progestin and estrogen delivered by the Patch prevent pregnancy in several ways. They stop the ovary from releasing an egg to start with, they also increase mucous produced in the cervix which can prevent sperm from making its way into the uterus where it can reach an egg. Finally the hormones can cause the lining of the uterus to not bulk up or stay thin, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach itself to the uterine wall.

Effectiveness

The patch has a 99% success rate but only if it stays tight to the skin for the whole week. You must also think about and talk with your doctor in regards to any health conditions or medications you are taking as they may interfere with the Patch working effectively.

Usage

A new Patch needs to be applied once a week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth is a Patch-free week, at which point users will experience a Menstrual Cycle. Some people have cross over between finishing a menstrual cycle and applying the first Patch of the next week- this is perfectly normal.

Directions

Please follow the direction on the product you use and follow your doctors advice, however this usually involves applying the Patch to a clean, dry area of skin, preferably the stomach, upper arm, buttocks or back (do not apply to the breast). An area that is not infected, irritated or cut, or otherwise injured and do not use skin products on that part of your body prior to application.

Pros/Cons

The patch is both 99% effective and easy to use and since it delivers hormones to the women, some will enjoy decreased symptoms of Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS), and more regular periods.

REMEMBER the Patch is not a barrier method like a condom, because of this you can still get a STD/STI. If you are using a patch you must keep an eye on it to make sure all sides of it are clearly affixed to the skin, showering, swimming, and bathing may cause it to come off so watch out for this, and some skin products will affect its ability to stick to the skin.

Other side effects include irritation at the patch site, headache, nausea, breast tenderness, break-through bleeding, changes in your sex drive, irritability and moodiness. As well as the increased risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Always talk to your doctor before you use any form of hormone based birth control.