Birth Control Patch
What it is and how it works
The birth control patch is a small, square patch that sticks to your skin. The patch releases hormones through the skin that enter the blood stream. These hormones prevent ovulation, or releasing of an egg to be fertilized, from occurring. The patch makes the mucus produced in the cervix thicken. The thick mucus makes it difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix to the eggs.
Studies have suggested that the patch is as effective as the birth control pill when used properly.
How to use the patch
The patch should be applied to the skin once a week for three weeks. On the fourth week, a patch should not be worn to enable the menstrual cycle to occur. Once the menstrual cycle is complete, a patch should be placed on the body once again.
The patch should be placed either on the abdomen, upper arm, upper torso or buttocks. The patch should never be applied to the breasts.
While wearing the patch, you can swim, shower and exercise. The patch is able to get wet and still remain in place on the body.
Things not to do with the patch
When reapplying the patch, never place it on the same spot as the old one. It can cause skin irritation. A patch should never be placed on red, irritated or cut skin.
Never place more than one patch on your skin at a time. Make sure to always remove the old patch before the new one is placed on the body.
Never remove the patch and place it back on the skin because it will lose the important stick factor. Never trim or tape the patch to your body.
Do not apply the patch over makeup, lotion or any other skincare products. It will not stick as well.
Dangers of wearing the patch
There are some health risks associated with the patch. The most serious are blood clots, heart attack and stroke. The chance of these health risks occurring increase with smoking cigarettes.
The patch also releases more hormones than the pill.
Have any of you had an experience with the patch? Would you recommend it to other women?
Tags: Birth Control, contraception, Heart Attack, Pregnancy, Prevention, Smoking, Stroke