Birth control patch

The birth control patch is a thin plastic patch applied directly to a woman's skin. It is a hormonal birth control method obtained by prescription.

How does the patch work?

The birth control patch works through the hormones that are absorbed by the patch into your system.

The patch prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:

First, it prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.
Secondly, it thickens cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the egg.
Thirdly, it changes the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation.

How do you use the birth control patch?

The patch is a prescription and must be obtained from your health care provider. The patch is worn for a week and is placed directly on the skin of the buttocks, abdomen, arms or chest.

The patch is replaced once a week on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The patch is not worn during the fourth week, so that menstruation occurs at this time.

How effective is the birth control patch?

The patch has a failure rate of less than 1% when used correctly and consistently. The patch may not protect you from pregnancy if you are taking antibiotics or medicines for fungal infections or seizures. The patch may not prevent pregnancy if you weigh 90 kg or more.

What are the side effects or health risks o f the birth control patch?

The patch has side effects similar to those experienced by users of birth control pills or other types of hormonal birth control, including:

Skin irritation
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Irregular vaginal bleeding
Moderate weight gain
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating
Additional side effects may include yeast infections, contact lens problems, and depression.

The birth control patch should not be used by women who:

Smoke
Have high blood pressure
Have breast or uterine cancer
Have a history of blood clots
Have uncontrolled diabetes
Have a history of heart attack or stroke
Are allergic to hormones
Have diabetes
Have liver disease
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Experts are warning patients and healthcare professionals that the patch exposes a woman to more than 60% more estrogen than birth control pills. This elevated estrogen level can lead to risks such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following:

Chest pains
Redness, swelling, or pain in your legs
Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding
Jaundice (your skin looks yellow)
If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms

Women who want to use the birth control patch should seek additional advice from their doctor if they develop any of the following conditions:

Depression
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High risk for heart disease
History of blood clotting conditions
History of liver disease

Is the birth control patch reversible?

Yes. Ovulation usually returns within three menstrual cycles after stopping the patch. Pregnancy is possible after stopping the use of the contraceptive patch.

What about the birth control patch and sexually transmitted infections?

The contraceptive patch should NOT be considered as a means of protection against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

When will the patch start working?

The patch works immediately, but the second form of birth control must be used within the first seven days of the first month of using the patch.

What day should I start using the patch?

Your "fix change day" is determined within the first month of launch. This can be either the first day after the end of the period, or the Sunday after the start of the period.