If you’re not interested in an oral form of contraception, or an internal IUD, you might consider using the birth control patch.
This is a thin, light tan-colored, about 3 inches by 3 inches or 4 cm x 4 cm square patch that you place on your skin. It contains hormones that are released into your body.
Progesterone and estrogen, are hormones that are designed to prevent ovulation. This happens when an egg is released from the ovaries during the female’s monthly cycle. Woman can have intercourse during this time without the risk of getting pregnant.
The birth control patch also thickens the mucus that is produced in the cervix, therefore, the sperm has a difficult time to reach the eggs in the woman’s ovaries. The hormones can also affect the lining of the uterus so if the egg is fertilized, it will have a difficult time attaching itself to the walls of the uterus.
- Proper usage of the patch is done based on a monthly menstrual cycle. This will be applied to the skin for 3 weeks in a row. On the fourth week, no patch is used so a woman can have her monthly cycle
- The patch should be applied to one in four areas of the body namely the abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or torso. The trick is making sure that the patch is placed on the same day each week because this is the only way to make sure that it is effective.
- So, if you decide to put on a patch on a Tuesday, this should be replaced on Tuesday the following week. Once you remove the old one, put the new one close to the previous area as this avoids skin irritation. Do not apply the new patch if the skin has a cut, is color red or irritated.
- First time users of birth control patches are advised to use an additional form of contraception during the first 7 days of use. This is a fail safe in the event the patch falls off.
- Birth control patches are waterproof and sweat proof so you can continue doing your daily routine. You must never apply soap and other skin products because this may affect its ability to stick on your skin.
- Because the birth control patch releases hormones into the bloodstream, you may experience some side effects. This includes abdominal pain, breast tenderness, fluid retention or raised blood pressure, irregular bleeding, headaches, menstrual cramps and nausea.
- Not all women may also use birth control patches. If you are 35 years of age, suffer from blood clots, chest pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, headaches, known or suspected tumor, hepatitis, heart diseases and allergic to patches, it is advised that you find another birth control method.
- Some drugs may also complicate the effectiveness of the birth control patch. These include certain antibiotics that are used to treat seizures, migraines and tuberculosis.
When you speak to your doctor about birth control methods, it is best to undergo a physical examination and reveal to him or her any other relevant information about your medical condition.
This sort of Birth control should be easy to use. You need to place the patch the same general area each week. And, while you are having sex, It is comfortable mad will not cause any interruptions.
