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Birth Control Patch
Author : Health Media Today, Category : Health and Wellness
What is the birth control patch?
In Canada, as many as 5.5 million women use some form of birth control on a regular basis, 1.5 million of whom use the birth control pill. Since a large number of women forget to take their birth control pill every day, the effectiveness of this form of birth control is decreased.
Since its introduction in 2001, the contraceptive patch has become an alternative to the pill. The patch is a hormonal method of contraception that can be obtained by prescription. The birth control patch is a 1 3/4-inch square, thin, beige-coloured patch that looks like a square band-aid. It is applied directly to the skin of the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or upper outer arm.
The patch is replaced weekly on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. During the fourth week, no patch is applied to allow your menstrual period to occur.
The patch can be safely worn when showering, bathing, exercising or swimming. However, you cannot change its location once it is applied to your skin, as doing so may cause the patch to become loose.
Rarely, the birth control patch may loosen or fall off. This usually occurs because the patch was applied incorrectly. If the patch is reapplied to the same area of the body within 24 hours, its contraceptive effects remain intact. However, if more than 24 hours have elapsed, use an additional form of birth control until the patch has been in place for 7 days.
How does the patch work?
The contraceptive patch works like the pill by slowly releasing a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin. These hormones prevent the release of eggs from the ovary (ovulation) and thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Finally, the birth control patch changes the lining of the uterus in order to prevent eggs from being implanted. When used correctly, it is about 99% effective as birth control except for women weighing 198 pounds or more when it is only about 92% effective. The Patch does not protect against reproductive tract infections or HIV/AIDS.
What kinds of side effects are associated with its use?
Side effects are uncommon in healthy non-smokers. Birth control patches have side effects that are similar to those experienced by users of oral contraceptives, including a slight risk of blood clots in the legs or the lungs and hypertension.
Other minor side effects may include:
* Minor skin irritation at the application site
* Headaches
* Breast tenderness
* Irregular vaginal bleeding
* Moderate weight gain
* Nausea and vomiting
* Bloating
Additional side effects may include: yeast infections, contact lens problems, and depression.
What are the pros and cons of using the patch?
Advantages
* Highly effective when used correctly
* Doesn't inhibit sexual spontaneity
* Minimal side effects
* Disappearance of contraceptive effects shortly after use is discontinued
* You do not have to remember to take a pill each day or go to the doctor's office for a shot
Disadvantages
* Requires weekly application
* Requires a prescription
* No protection against STDs
* Must use a secondary form of birth control for the initial 7 days of use
* Possible long-term health risks unknown
* Less effective in women 198 pounds or more
The cost of the patch is comparable to the pill.
Those who should not take oral contraceptives probably should not use a birth control patch either. The birth control patch should not be used by women who:
* Smoke and are over 35
* Have high blood pressure
* Have breast or uterine cancer
* Have a history of blood clots
* Have a history of heart attack or stroke
* Are allergic to hormones
* Have diabetes
* Have liver disease
* Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
Chest pains; redness, swelling, or pain in your legs; abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding; jaundice (your skin looks yellow) or if you think you might be pregnant.
