Birth Control Patch Effectiveness And Side Effects

Selling in pharmacies since 2005, the contraceptive patch has established itself on the contraceptive market thanks to its many advantages. Less restrictive alternative than the pill, the contraceptive patch is practical and easy to use.

This patch of less than 5 cm, oval or square, sticks directly on the skin and changes every week. It contains a progestin and a synthetic estrogen (a hormone also found in the vaginal ring or the pill). Thus, it provides contraceptive protection for the woman who wears it.

The contraceptive patch can be put anywhere on the body, with the exception of the chest, which is an area too sensitive to directly receive a heavy load of the hormone. Buttocks, arms, back, stomach, shoulders … The choice is yours!

Efficiency And Reliability

When the patch is applied on the first day of the cycle, it is effective immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to be protected. During this time, consider using condoms, spermicides or a diaphragm.

The Effectiveness Of The Contraceptive Patch is 99.7%.

Unlike the pills, as the patch works on a weekly basis, the chances of forgetting or misusing it are reduced. In case of forgetting the day when the patch must be changed, the woman remains protected for 48 hours. When used perfectly, the effectiveness of the patch rises to 99.7%. Unlike the pill, the hormones in the patch do not pass through the digestive system, so you don’t have to worry about severe diarrhea.

A patch can come off without noticing it. But it is possible to reattach or put on a new one within 24 hours. It may be helpful to have emergency contraception ahead of time at home. If your patch comes off for more than 24 hours, you will be able to react more quickly!

Emergency Contraception At Home

Side Effects Associated With The Contraceptive Patch

A rash may appear at the site of the patch: it is necessary to place it in a different place every week. The other side effects are similar to that of a pill: breast tenderness, nausea, headaches etc… Vascular risk factors, including thrombo-venous factors, are identical to those of the pill.

Nausea Is a Common Side Effects Of The Contraceptive Patch.

It is recommended that you stop using the patch as soon as the following symptoms appear, such as pain in the calves, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or bloody cough. It is also important to stop using the patch if you have a migraine, for women of all ages.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center | Abortion Clinic Orlando