Introduction
A birth control patch is a form of contraceptive, which is small and the person wears on the skin which helps to prevent pregnancy. This patch is applied once a week for three weeks, and on the fourth week, this is not applied which allows the menstrual cycle to occur. These patches contain estrogen and progestin. This patch prevents a person from getting pregnant by releasing hormones into the blood which prevent the ovaries from releasing the egg. Birth control patches thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents the sperm from reaching the egg.
What Is Meant by a Birth Control Patch?
This is a method of contraception that is placed on the skin, which is small, square, and thin which looks like a bandage. They release hormones like estrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. These patches are placed in the skin for 3 weeks, that is for 21 days with the prescription of doctors.
How Do These Patch Work?
These patches have hormones estrogen and progestin hormones, and the skin absorbs the hormones into the bloodstream. They prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. It is also known as a transdermal contraceptive. The patch works similarly to the pills and vaginal rings, with the same side effects. It is an easier way to use the patch.
How to Use These Patches and When To Initiate Them?
These patches should be used on the same day, as prescribed by the doctor if the person is not pregnant. There are some criteria to confirm that the person is not pregnant:
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A negative pregnancy test.
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No sexual intercourse after the last period.
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Using proper birth control.
These Patches Work on a Four-Week Cycle:
1. Week One, Two, and Three: A new patch is placed every week, on the same day of the week.
2. Week Four: In the fourth week, it is not replaced by a new patch, which is a patch-free week.
3. The fourth week is left for the menstrual cycle to occur. Some people do not get their menstrual cycle on the fourth week, but if they follow the contraceptive method properly, it is not an issue, but if not they should contact the doctor.
4. Apply the patch after a week even if the woman continues to bleed.
During the first week, a backup contraceptive method should be used, after which there is no need for a backup contraception method when the patch is used correctly. These patches do not prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Where Are These Patches Placed?
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Upper arm.
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Lower back near the butt.
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Abdominal area, lower to the belly button and above the pubic area.
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Upper back near the shoulder blades.
These patches should not be placed near the breast or upon any cut, red, or damaged skin. The packages should be read very clearly, as certain patches have various instructions on where the patches should be placed.
When to Remove and Replace the Patch?
The methods to be followed while removing and replacing the patch:
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Remove the old patch.
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Place the new patch in a different area.
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The skin should be dry and clean. It sticks better in the regions with less hair.
What Should Be Done if the Patch Is Not Replaced or Placed on Time?
If the person forgot to place or replace the patch on time, the new one should be done as soon as possible. What to do next depends on which week of the cycle the person is and how late it is being changed:
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Less Than 48 Hours: The patch should be replaced as soon as possible. The same patch can be used, if the patch peels off within 24 hours since it came off. Or else use a new one, and no backup contraception is required.
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More Than 48 Hours: A new patch should be replaced as soon as possible. The patch change day should be the same, and a backup birth control method should be used for seven days. Emergency contraception can be used which is very safe, but some emergency contraceptives influence the effectiveness of the patch. So it is better to use an alternative contraceptive method.
How Effective Are These Methods of Contraception?
With proper and regular use, the patches are 99 % effective. With typical use, it is just 94 % effective.
What Are the Side Effects?
Most of the side effects caused by birth control patches are temporary and lower after two months.
What Is the Advantage of This Method?
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Easy to apply and replace.
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Convenient to remember birth control.
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Improves acne.
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Reversible.
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Improves menstrual cramps and other symptoms.
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Does not interrupt sexual activity.
A birth control patch is better for people who experience spotting due to their daily intake of pills because the patch releases hormones, instead of one dose per day like the pill.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Birth Control Patch?
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The skin under and around the patch gets irritated.
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There should be a reminder to replace it every week.
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These patches do not protect from sexually transmitted diseases.
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Requires prescription.
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It can enhance the risk of blood clots.
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It is less effective in people with a body mass index of 30 or more, or who weigh more than 198 pounds.
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These can be visible, but it is hard to hide.
What Are the Risk Factors?
The person should avoid patches when the person:
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Smoke cigarettes.
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Have medical conditions like diabetes or increased blood pressure.
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Any old medical history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
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Migraine with aura.
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Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
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Taking certain medications.
How Are These Patches Placed?
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Place the patch upon a clean, dry skin and hold it for at least ten seconds, different spots should be chosen every week. The sticky stuff used to place the patch is strong so it may bother and irritate the skin.
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If it peels away, try to replace it. Only a single patch should be placed at a time.
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If the patch drops for more than 24 hours or it is replaced late by more than one day, there are more chances of getting pregnant. So in these situations, backup contraceptives can be used.
Conclusion
Birth control is one of the contraceptive methods that is used to prevent pregnancy. These are small, square-shaped patches that need to be placed on the skin, which should be changed and replaced every week. It is the best birth control method that is used properly. Doctor consultation is required before starting this method of birth control.
