Birth Control Patch Explained

The birth control patch is a thin, small, beige square that looks similar to bandage. It is a form of birth control that when used perfectly is 99% effective in stopping pregnancies from occurring. On average the patch is 94% effective from preventing pregnancy. The birth control patch contains hormones, estrogen and progestin, that are then released into your bloodstream through your skin. These hormones help prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus both help stop you from getting pregnant.

The patch is a little different from oral contraceptives. You wear a patch for 21 days, but switch out to a new patch each week. You then will have a patch free week which is left for your body to be prompted to have a period. You may not actually bleed while using the patch. This is usually no cause for concern. If you are worried about it, you will want to reach out to your healthcare provider. You should place the patch in one of these areas; upper arm, lower back, abdomen below the belly button, or on your shoulder. Placement is important and some patches may advise the best spots to place the patch for best absorption. It is also important when you switch out your patches you put your new patch in a different spot to help decrease the chance of skin sensitivities. When changing the patch you should change it the same day each week. If you forget to change it you will want to as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 48 hours since when you were supposed to switch out the patch, make sure that other forms of birth control are used for the first week of reapplying. Read the directions of your exact patch; they may have specific instructions if it has been longer than 48 hours.

Patch Advantages

The patch can be appealing to some people. It eliminates your daily attention of needing to take a pill every single day. The patch is also easy to apply and replace. Another benefit is it provides a steady dose of hormones. If you are someone who struggles with swallowing pills it can be a different solution. The patch can be removed at any time and you can return to regular fertility without much time in between. In some cases it has been shown that the patch can help improve acne, as well as improve other PMS symptoms.

Patch Difficulties

The patch does need a prescription to be able to get. Your doctor will have to give you a prescription, you cannot get it without one. Another downside to the patch is that it can be visible depending on placement and clothing choices you wear. The patch, though usually very gentle on people’s skin, can cause skin irritation. In most cases the patch will not fall off; it is made to withstand showering, swimming, bathing, and sweating. Sometimes the patch can fall off which can be a downside, since other birth control will be necessary. You will need to read the directions for the specific patch you have a prescription for, what you do in this instance may depend on the brand. It is also a form of birth control that does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

Patch Side Effects

There are side effects that can occur when using the birth control patch. The common side effects are nausea, irregular bleeding, sore breasts, headaches, and mood changes. These side effects do not affect everyone. People who experience headaches with the patch in some cases claim that their headaches get better the longer they are on the patch. Other side effects that are a raised risk in blood clots, skin irritation, abdominal pain, weight gain, dizziness, diarrhea, muscle spasms, vaginal infections, fatigue, and fluid retention.

Patch Risk Factors

Your doctor may not think the birth control patch is the best option for you. This might be if you are 35 years or older and smoke. If you have high blood pressure. Have a history of blood clots. If you are over 198 pounds. If you have liver disease, diabetes complications, or jaundice.

Patch vs Implant

The birth control patch is similar to the birth control implant. Both release a steady stream of hormones. The implant is more effective because it is not dependent on the right placement, or making sure you change it on the right day. The implant you also cannot see, unlike the patch which sometimes can be visible depending on where you have placed it. The birth control implant is not as easily stopped like the patch. The implant may also cause irregular periods and may increase acne.

Takeaway

The birth control patch is a good option for someone who doesn’t want to take a pill every day, likes to have a steady stream of hormones, and wants a birth control that they can be in control of. The birth control patch does need a prescription from a doctor. It is supposed to be able to withstand showering, swimming, sweating, and bathing without falling off, but there are some instances when it can happen. This can cause the effectiveness to decrease. In typical use the birth control patch is about 94% effective.