When you come to looking for birth control, there are a number of different options.
One of the lesser known options is the contraceptive or birth control patch.
The patch is a square-shaped plastic sticker that resembles a band-aid. It is then applied to the body and is used to prevent pregnancy. It can also be called a transdermal contraceptive.
How does the Birth Control Patch Work?
The birth control patch contains two hormones progesterone and estrogen. When stuck on the skin, the patch will then releases these two hormones and the skin absorbs them into the bloodstream.
These two hormones stop the ovary from releasing an egg each month (menstruation) and stop the sperm from reaching the egg by thickening the cervical mucus, therefore stopping unwanted pregnancies.
How do I use the Birth Control Patch?
You wear a new patch each week. You should replace it on the same day every seven days, and some women only use the patch for three weeks out of the four in the month, and others wear the patch for all four weeks. If you don’t wear the patch during your fourth week you will menstruate. Make sure to consult with your doctor to see what is right for you.
You should press the patch onto a clean and dry area of skin and push it into the skin for ten seconds to make sure it sticks.
If it falls off, try to re-stick it to your body, or if that doesn’t work, put on a new one.
Why would you choose the birth control patch?
The birth control patch is 99% effective if used correctly and it is extremely easy to use.
You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day, you just need to remember to replace the birth control patch each week.
The patch is also great because it can help lighten the menstrual period and regulate when you get your period. It makes it start every 28 days and so they are much more predictable.
What are the problems with the birth control patch?
There are a couple of things to note when thinking about the birth control patch, it can cause skin irritation where applied if you have sensitive skin.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, you’ll have to use a condom to protect about STI’s.
It could be visible, it depends on where you want to place it and it only comes in one light color.
And it could fall off, so make sure you check on it every couple of days.
Are there side effects from the birth control patch?
There are some side effects from the birth control patch, but not everyone will experience these symptoms. Also, some of them might disperse after you get used to the hormones.
You could get a headache, have tender breasts, have menstrual cramps, develop a rash or irritability on your skin where you place the patch, and feel nauseous.
In very rare cases, the birth control patch has been seen to cause blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any pain in your body.
Make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any new medical treatment, make sure that this is the right option for you.
Is the birth control patch effective?
If you follow the instructions of the patch perfectly the patch will work 99% of the time. But people might not change the patch at the right time and so that drops the efficacy rating to 91%, so still quite high.
When should you place the patch?
You should place the patch between days one and five of your menstrual period, during this time the patch will be immediately effective for stopping pregnancy.
If you start it at another time, you will need to continue to use condoms for another week. And some doctors suggest that you use a backup method for the first month just in case you ovulate before the patch commences to regulate your ovaries.
How much does the birth control patch cost?
If you get a packet of the birth control patches, they last for a month and will be free if you have Medicaid or health insurance. If you don’t have access through your insurance, the cost is around $150 per pack. Just make sure to consult with your doctor as you’ll need a prescription for the patches.
What’s the bottom line with the birth control patch?
The birth control patch is a great option for birth control if you want an effective and long term solution that you can easily quit. If you know you want to try to get pregnant in the next couple of months, the birth control patch is pretty useful because you just use it for when you need and it, and then take it off.
It is very effective, but as always, make sure to consult with your doctor before trying, and so they can make sure that it is right for you.
