Birth Control Patch: How does it work, Risk and Side effects

Birth Control Patch – The contraceptive patch is a thin adhesive patch that is a birth control device to prevent pregnancy. But it does not stop STIs and it is applied over the skin at a different appropriate place. Patch has a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy when properly used. But when applied in the real world, the patch fails to be replaced by 92% of the women, thereby leading to at least 8 out of every 100 pregnancies annually. Let us now discuss how to use the patch and its side effects.

What is Contraceptive Patch?

The patch is relatively small in size and adhesive. It seals the hormones into the bloodstream by the skin. A combination of hormones – estrogen & progestin helped to avoid pregnancy. In most instances, it is applied on parts such as the buttocks, the stomach, the upper arm, or even the back. Three consecutive weeks of application are followed by a patch-free week when menstruation takes place.

How does birth control patch work?

The fact is that the working of birth control patch and birth control pills is almost similar. As per the working criteria of the patch, it releases the hormones into the bloodstream that help ovaries to stop releasing an egg (Ovulation). Cervical mucus is thickened by the birth control patch in order to prevent sperm from contacting eggs. In the case of using birth control patch, you need a prescription from a medical expert.

Advantages of Contraceptive Patches

Consequently, an array of merits that make it popular as birth control are found in contraceptive patches. Such benefits include ease of administration, high efficiency rates plus extra health advantages.

The advantage is that this contraceptive patch is easy to use. Unlike birth control pills, where you have to remember to take them daily, the patch is applied once within a week only. This reduces the chances of missing out on doses hence guaranteeing regular protection from pregnancy. In case women have busy schedules or poor memories, they can always turn to patches.
The Contraceptive Patch is over 99% effective when used correctly for preventing pregnancy which compares favorably with other hormonal contraceptives such as tablets or vaginal rings. For women who want dependable birth control, this high effectiveness offers peace of mind with little effort needed.
Another advantage of the contraceptive patch is its ability to regularise menstrual cycles. The use of a patch in women often leads to predictable menses, which can be particularly helpful for people with irregular periods. Moreover, it can relieve period pains and reduce menorrhagia, thus benefiting those suffering from intense and prolonged menstruation.
Besides its main purpose, the birth control patch has other merits. It also reduces exposure to ovary cancers & endometrium. Moreover, it contributes to the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), such as acne or unwanted hair growth. All these add-ons make the patch suitable for females who need more than birth control alone.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Although it is generally safe, this form of contraception may have some unfavorable effects and risks that come with it. Being aware of these helps users make informed decisions and manage any issues effectively.

Common Side Effects

Some common adverse effects associated with birth control patch may include:

Eczema: Redness, itchiness or rash might occur at the application site. The irritation can be minimized by changing the location of the patch periodically.
Nausea: Like any other hormonal contraceptive method, this can cause nausea especially when introduced for the first time. This will diminish in most cases as the body adapts to hormones.
Sore Breasts: Some women may have sensitive breasts while using the patch which is often mild and transient.
Headaches: Sometimes hormonal imbalances lead to migraines. Continuous headaches that become severe should be checked by a practitioner.
Alterations in Menstruation Pattern: One of the impacts of using such drugs is that it changes how much one bleeds, either making it lighter or heavier than usual and leading to spotting between periods. These symptoms are usually temporary and disappear after a few months.

Serious Risks

Though unfairly rare, the use of the contraceptive patch poses risks such as the formation of blood clots, or stroke and heart attack. Such risks are more experienced by women who smoke, especially those above 35 years, or those who have hypertension. These risks should be relayed before beginning the patch to a healthcare provider to determine if it is safe.

Other Forms of Birth Control

There are lots of other birth control contraception options than patch is available. This way, the method can be compared to the other ones which can aid women in making decisions that concern their desire and daily routine most of all.

Birth Control Pills: The contraceptive patch and the birth control pills can be described as working in basically the same way since they both use hormones to prevent pregnancy. However, pills must be ingested every day which to some people may be a problem. The patch, providing the same level of efficacy, is much more preferable. Birth control pills can be Hormonal Pills and Non-Hormonal Pills.
IUDs: IUDs are non-participatory as it does not require male participation and are inserted inside the uterus; they can last for several years. However, they do not need daily maintenance; however, they are uncomfortable to insert and not suited for some people. The patch is less long-term but easier to begin and end. Continue reading …
Vaginal Ring: The vaginal ring is soft, a flex band, placed inside the vagina, and it stays there for 21 days; it also comes with hormones, just like in a patch. In the case of the patch, insertion offers considerable convenience, though some might find it uncomfortable. It does not prevent from STIs.
Contraceptive Implants: These are tiny rods or rod like structures inserted under the upper arm skin that deliver hormones for several years. To place or extract contraceptive implants anyone needs a simple surgeries. Implants does not protect from STIs. In contrast, the use of the patch is not invasive and rather easy to achieve as compared to the former.

Who can use birth control patch?

Several factors have to be considered before choosing an option for a contraceptive patch.

Health Conditions: It comes with a capital warning for women who have had blood clots, heart problems, or those with some types of cancer. However, it is not prescribed for women over the age of 35 who are smokers because they are more prone to heart problems.
Lifestyle Factors: For working women who swim or exercise rigorously, then the patch should be made to stick well to the skin. While the patch is expected not to be affected by water, one may have to check it from time to time in order to avoid it coming off when it is not supposed to.
Personal Preferences: While some clients might find this patch convenient to use and nonintrusive others would prefer a different method depending on their comfort, lifestyle, or health issues. It is important to select a birth control measure that is comfortable to the two partners and ideals with their standards of living.

Conclusion

Birth control patch is a safe & effective method of birth control. If are using patch or going to use patch, keep in mind that you have to change it once a week. It may be more convenient for some individuals than a daily choice, such as the pill. If you believe the birth control patch or another method of contraception is suitable for you, speak with a healthcare practitioner.

Some Additional Doubt

Question: Does the patch hurt?
Answer: No, but if it hurts you, you need to consult about it.

Question: Can the patch make you gain weight?
Answer: As per the research, the answer is no.

Question: The contraceptive patch; can it fall off?
Answer: As much as the patch is meant to fix itself firmly, it can come off loosely sometimes especially when the child is swimming or sweating. If it has been removed for more than 24 hours, a new patch should be put on and an additional method of contraception employed for one week.

Question: Can the contraceptive patch be seen?
Answer: The patch is small and can be easily concealed from other human beings and animals and thus the drug is safe. Still, it can be implemented in less conspicuous parts of the body, for instance in the upper arm or even the back if the client prefers so.

Question: Can the birth control patch be employed when one is experiencing the process of breastfeeding?
Answer: It was found out that the hormones in the patch would surely lead to an insufficient milk supply and are not, therefore, advised to be used during breastfeeding. The above situation presents the opportunity to seek out the services of a health provider in the quest for alternative methods of contraception.

References

Birth Control Patch: How it Works, Side Effects and Benefits

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