Birth Control Patches

This is another birth control method for preventing unwanted pregnancy and mostly used by women who can not remember to take birth control pills on time but yes, they could remember to replace birth control patches weekly. This contraceptive patch looks very similar to square band-aid of skin color. It is normally worn on lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arms or upper torso.

How birth control patches work?
Well, they function in the same manner like birth control pills. Birth control patches slowly release hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream to prevent ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and thicken the cervical mucus that creates the barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Birth control patches are also very effective in preventing pregnancy for upto 99% except for women who weigh 198 pounds or more, where it would be 92% effective. So, while using birth control patches, it is important to take note of body weight. The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or even HIV/AIDS

How to use birth control patches?
It is effective in the next cycle. Start using the contraceptive patch within five days of the first day of period or after a first trimester abortion. If it is used on the first day of menstrual period or on the day of abortion, it will be very effective. Most women use patch on the first Sunday after their period begins, however, start date for using birth control patch is not important as long as you are not pregnant.

Use one patch per week for consecutively three weeks. On the fourth week, stop to worn and your menstrual period should start. Seven days after the removal of patch (while you had menstrual period), a new patch can be used for next month birth control. A gap of one week without patch is important to help period occur. The patch should not be used continuously and it should be stopped for one week when period starts. When it comes to dispose off, remove it gently, fold it to half where the sticky part is and throw into dry garbage. Don't throw in the toilet as it will save left-over hormones being released into environment again. Use some mineral oil to remove any sticky spot on your skin.

Side effects of using birth control patches
Due to continuous usage of patches, hormones change in the women's bodies and they may experience some minor side effects. These side effects could be

- skin irritation where the patch is applied
- acne problems, brown spots
- increase in blood pressure or fluid retention.
- mild stomach upset
- increased appetite and sensitivity
- breast enlargement
- mood changes
- nausea
- weight gains

Such minor side effects will disappear once the body becomes accustomed of birth control patches.

However, if patients experience symptoms like severe abdominal pains, severe chest pains, short breathing, severe headache, blurred vision or severe leg & arm pains then please take the immediate medical attention.

You may also read "how to use birth control patch effectively" for better understanding with the birth control product.