Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch is a hormonal birth control method. It comes in a small thin plastic square patch [1¾ inch] with adhesive and is applied directly on the skin. Birth control patch requires prescription from a doctor and proper directions should be adhered to maximize its effectiveness.

The patch works by releasing hormones directly to the skin for it to absorb. It prevents pregnancy by: [1] preventing the female ovaries to release eggs; [2] thickening the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching and/or penetrating the egg; and [3] changing the uterine lining to prevent implantation of the egg.

Using the birth control patch requires your doctor's prescription and adhering to the directions and schedule. The patch is placed directly on the skin of your stomach, buttocks, upper torso or upper arm. It is worn for a full week.

Replacing your patch is done once a week on the same day, for three consecutive weeks. On the fourth week, you should not wear the patch to give way to your menstrual flow.

When it's time again to wear the patch, make sure that you place it on a different area to prevent skin irritation. The skin are where the patch is recommended to be placed should also be adhered.

Correct and consistent use of birth control patch has a less than 1% failure rate. It may not protect you from conceiving if you are under antibiotic medication/s or taking anti-fungal or anti-seizure medicines. The patch may not also prevent pregnancy for overweight women especially those who weigh 198 lbs. and above.

A month's worth of birth control patches usually costs $30 to $35 [approx.]. Consultation usually ranges from $50 to $200, depending on your doctor and the number of visits.

The birth control patch is reversible. Your normal ovulation cycle returns within 3 menstrual cycles after your stop using the patch. Pregnancy is also possible once your stop using it.

Side-effects of birth control patch

headaches
skin irritation
breast tenderness
slight weight gain
nausea or vomiting
irregular vaginal bleeding
bloating
yeast infection

Pre-cautions when wearing birth control patch

You should not use the patch if you:

smoke
have allergic reaction to hormones
have hypertension
have diabetes
have uterine or breast cancer
have inexplicable vaginal bleeding
have history of blood clots
have liver disease

You should contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital or clinic if you experience any the following adverse effects:

swelling, redness or pain in the legs
irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding
jaundice or yellowing of the skin
chest pains
pregnancy symptoms

FDA information

The FDA released a warning in the later part of 2005 regarding birth control patches. It says that the control patch exposes users to more than 60% estrogen compared to the pill. Increased estrogen levels can lead to health risks such as strokes, heart attacks and blood clots.

Click here to read more on Birth Control Patch

Understanding Birth Control Patch Recommended Resources:

Cornell University

University of Michigan