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Side effects of birth control patch
Know the side effects of using birth control patches and consult your healthcare professional or doctor if you plan to use birth control patch

Since the introduction, birth control patches have been involved into various controversies and many complaints have been reported by women who have used birth control patches. On the other hand, birth control patches are being used by many women presently due to various advantages as well. However, the main cause of concern which has raised the eyebrows is the increased chances of blood pressure, blood clotting or even heart stroke in some women.

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.

Why birth control patches have been targeted for lawsuits?
Birth control patch releases steady flow of progestin and estrogen from the patch through the skin into the bloodstream. These are the same hormones present in birth control pills but with exception of higher dose of estrogen present in the patch. Due to this, women have experienced higher levels of estrogen exposure, which is reported to be root cause of severe side effects like sudden increase of blood pressure, blood dots and even debilitating stroke, which have made some women completely paralyzed.

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

Ortho evra is the only FDA-approved birth control patch available for public use since the year 2002. However, in the year 2004, 9,677 cases have reported for adverse effects from ortho evra birth control patch. In November 2005, Ortho McNeil, the manufacturer of the birth control patch, has changed the warning label on the product clearly mentioned that women using ortho evra patch may expose to more than 60% estrogen than using birth control pills. Similarly, on September 20, 2006, FDA (Food & Drug Administration) had updated the warning instruction on Ortho evra due to the results of two separate epidemiology studies sponsored by Johnson and Johnson that were designed to evaluate the risk of experiencing serious side effects (especially due to venous and arterial blood clots) when using Ortho Evra.

Studies have, however, showed that all hormones based birth control pills, patches or products could carry similar kind of health hazards and have the risk of causing a fatal or serious thromboembolic event. Hence, it is strictly recommended to take healthcare professional or doctor’s consultation.

For further information on birth control patches, please visit at birth control patch and ortho evra birth control patch to know more about birth control patches, ortho evra and other birth control methods and options. he above article is for general information on usage of birth control patches effectively and should not be taken as medical advice. If it is so, please consult your doctor or physician for treatment purpose.