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Birth Control Patch AdviceThe birth control patch is a thin, 1.75 inch square patch that is applied directly to the skin on the abdomen, buttocks, upper outer arm or upper torso. The patch effectively works by delivering two synthetic hormones, progestin and estrogen, to the body so they can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs or stop ovulation. If the eggs are not released, it is not possible for them to be fertilized by sperm so pregnancy is not possible. In addition, the patch thickens the mucus surrounding the cervix so the man’s sperm cannot reach any eggs that may have been released. The timing of the birth control patch is meant to coincide with your menstrual cycle. The patch is applied to the skin either the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins and it remains there for one week. On the same day each week for the next three weeks, the old patch is removed and a new one is placed on the skin. If you so desire, the new patch can be placed on a different part of the body than the old patch. After you remove the old patch the fourth week, you do not apply a new patch because this is the week for your menstrual period. The next week you continue the cycle until your next period. If you are not able to apply your first patch within the first 24 hours of your period, it is necessary to use an additional form of birth control for seven days to prevent pregnancy. If you follow the schedule correctly and apply the following patches at the proper time, it is not necessary to continue using additional forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy. After you apply the patch, do not remove it or change its location on the body because this may loosen the patch and cause it to fall off. However, the patch will not fall off with regular wear and you can even wear it while you shower, exercise, swim and bathe. It is rare that the patch will fall off or loosen under other circumstances, but if it does this usually means that is was not originally applied correctly. To reapply the patch, hold the patch firmly against your skin for 10 seconds by using the palm of your hand and then move your fingers around the edge of the patch to secure it against your body. However, do not reapply the patch if it has fallen off and it is no longer sticky, if it has loosened or fallen off before, or if it has become stuck to itself or to another surface. Do not use tape to hold the patch in place and do not cut or alter the patch in any way because this could affect the amount of hormones is able to deliver. If you are able to reapply the patch within 24 hours, it will still effectively prevent pregnancy, but if 24 hours has elapsed you should use another form of birth control until a new patch has been used for an entire week. There are a few side effects associated with the patch but they are relatively minor. These side effects include minor skin irritation where the patch has been applied, headache, menstrual cramps, nausea, breast tenderness, abdominal pain and upper respiratory infection. In addition, the patch should not be used by individuals over the age of 35 and those women who have a history of: high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, breast or uterine cancer, liver cancer or liver disease and heart attack or stroke. While the patch is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, it does not protect against sexually transmitted disease such as HIV/AIDS or gonorrhea. |
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