What's the contraceptive patch?
The contraceptive patch is a small patch of yellowish, thin, almost 5 cm x 5 cm in size. It sticks to the skin and releases two hormones - estrogen and progestogen. These hormones are similar to the natural hormones that women produce in their ovaries and those used in the combined pill.
How does the patch work?
The patch releases a daily dose of hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. The main way it works is by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (avoiding ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach the ovum.
Makes the lining of the uterus (womb) thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilized egg.
How effective is the patch?
The effectiveness of any contraceptive depends on the age you have, the frequency of your sexual intercourse and if you follow the instructions. If 100 sexually active women do not use any contraceptive method, 80 to 90 will become pregnant within a year. If the patch is used correctly and according to the instructions it is more than 99 percent effective. This means less than one in 100 women who use it, will become pregnant within a year. Science has shown that the patch may not be as effective for women weighing more than 90 kg.
Where can I get the contraceptive patch?
In family planning clinic or in your general practitioner. You do not need to have a vaginal or breast exam or a cervical screening test for your doctor to prescribe the patch.
contraceptive Patch
Can all women use the patch?
Not everyone can use the patch. Your doctor or nurse will have to ask your medical history and your family history to make sure the patch is adequate. Some of the conditions that may mean you should not use the patch are:
You think you could be pregnant
Smokes and is 35 years old or older
You are 35 years of age or older and you quit smoking less than a year ago
You are overweight
You take certain medicines
You are breastfeeding
You have now or have had in the past:
- Thrombosis (blood clots) in any vein or artery
- A member of your immediate family has had thrombosis before turning 45
- A cardiac abnormality or circulatory disease, including hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart disease or stroke
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- Breast cancer current or in the last five years or if you have the gene that is associated with breast cancer
- Migraines with aura
- Active disease of the gallbladder or liver
- Diabetes with complications.
- You have been motionless for a long period of time
- You have been at great height (more than 4500m) for more than a week.
If you are healthy, you do not smoke and there are no medical reasons why you should not use the patch, you can use it until you are 50 years old. Then you will have to switch to another contraceptive method.
What are the advantages of the contraceptive patch?
Some of the advantages of the patch:
You do not have to think about it every day - just remember to replace the patch once a week
Unlike the pill, the hormones do not have to be absorbed by the stomach, so the patch is not affected if you vomit or have diarrhea
Bleeding will usually become more regular, lighter and less painful
May help with premenstrual symptoms
Improves acne in some women
Can reduce the symptoms of menopause.
What are the disadvantages of the patch?
May cause skin irritation in some women.
It can cause in some cases in the first months of use, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings.
Irregular bleeding and spotting are also common in the first few months of use.
It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may have to use condoms as well.
Are there any risks with the contraceptive patch?
The patch may have some serious side effects, but these are rare. For most women the benefits of the patch outweigh the possible risks.
A very small number of women may develop venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, heart attack or stroke. If you have ever had a thrombosis, you should not use the patch.
The risk of venous thrombosis is greatest during the first year the patch is used and in any of the following cases - you smoke, you are overweight, you are immobile for a long period of time or a member of your immediate family has had thrombosis Venous disease before the age of 45.
There appears to be a slightly increased risk of venous thrombosis in patch users compared with those who use some contraceptive pills combined.
The risk of arterial thrombosis is greater if you smoke, are diabetic, have hypertension, are very overweight, have migraines with aura or a member of your immediate family had a heart attack or a stroke before.
The patch users appear to have a small increased risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer compared to non-users of hormonal contraception. If you are using a birth control patch, see a doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: chest pain, including any sharp pain that is worse when you breathe, painful swelling in the leg, numbness, or 'stinging' in an arm or ankle, stomach pains, headaches or migraines.
If you need to go to the hospital for an operation or if you have an accident that is going to affect the movement of your legs, you should tell the doctor that you are using the patch. Your doctor will decide if you need to stop using the patch or need another treatment to reduce the risk of developing thrombosis.
Will I gain weight if I use the patch?
Scientific research has not shown that the patch causes weight gain. Some women may have weight changes throughout their cycle due to fluid retention.
When can I start using the patch?
Any time in your menstrual cycle if you are sure that you are not pregnant. If you start using the patch on the first day of your period you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. You can also start using the patch until the fifth day of your period and you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. However, if you have a short menstrual cycle of 23 days or less, your use after the fifth day may not provide immediate contraceptive protection because you may ovulate at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. If you start the patch at any other time in your menstrual cycle, you will need to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the first seven days.
I just had a baby. Can I use the patch?
You can start using the patch 21 days after giving birth. From the 21st you will be protected against pregnancy. If you take longer than day 21, you will need to use an additional contraceptive method for seven days. If you are breastfeeding a baby under the age of six months using the patch, it can reduce the flow of milk. It is usually recommended that you use a different method of contraception.
Can I use the patch after a miscarriage?
Yes, you can start using the patch immediately after a miscarriage. You will be protected against pregnancy immediately.
How do I use the birth control patch?
A new patch is applied once a week, every week for three weeks (21 days). Then stop using the patch for seven days (week without patch). This is what is called a patch cycle. Week one: The patch cycle starts by applying a new patch. Keep this patch in seven days. Use only one patch at a time. Week two: Remove the patch and apply a new patch immediately. The patch can be changed at any time of the day. Keep this patch in seven days.
Week Three: Remove the patch and apply a new patch immediately. Keep this patch in seven days.
Week without patch: Remove the patch. Now you must spend seven days without using it. During this week you will have a bleeding. It is not really a period, it is a withdrawal bleed (which does not always happen). It is caused by not taking hormones in the week without a patch. Bleeding can begin at any time during the week. It is usually regular, light and less painful than a normal period.
New cycle of patches: After seven days without a patch, a new patch is applied on the eighth day. You should do this even if you are still bleeding. This is now the first week of a new patch cycle.
Where can I put the patch?
You can use the patch on most areas of your body if your skin is clean, dry and not too hairy. You should not put it on the skin that is sore or irritated or wherever you wear tight clothing . Do not put it on your breasts. It is also a good idea to change the position of each new patch to help reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Am I protected against pregnancy during the seven day break?
You are protected if: you have used all three of the above patches correctly and the patching cycle starts again on time and you are not taking other medicines.
The patch is very sticky and should remain stuck even in the shower, bath, whirlpool, sauna, or during swimming or exercise. However, if it falls, what to do will depend on how long it has been dropped.
Less than 48 hours
If the patch has been dropped for less than 48 hours: Reapply as soon as possible if it is still sticky. If it is not sticky , It may not work, applies a new patch. Do not use a bandage to keep the patch in place.There is no need to use any additional contraceptive . Keep using the patch normally and change the patch on your normal change day.
48 hours or more
If the patch has been dropped for 48 hours or more, or you're not sure how long:
Start a brand new cycle by applying a new patch as soon as possible. This has now become the first week of the patch cycle and now you will have a new day of the week as a day of start and change. Use another method of birth control for the next seven days. Ask your doctor if you have had sex at the previous days and you were not using a condom, since you may need emergency contraception.
What happens if I forget to change the patch?
Less than 48 hours late-If the patch has continued less than 48 hours more: Remove the old patch and put on a new one. Continue to use the patch in the normal way, with the change on the day the normal change. No additional contraceptive is needed.
48 hours or more-If the patch has been running for 48 hours or more: Start a brand new cycle , by applying a new patch as soon as possible. This has become the first week of the patch cycle and now you will have a new day of the week as the day of commencement and change.Use another method of contraception for the next seven days. Ask your doctor if you have had sex in the days before and you were not using a condom, since you may need emergency contraception.
What happens if I forget to remove the patch at the end of the third week?
Remove the patch as soon as you remember it, have a rest without a patch and start with a new patch on the usual start day, even if you're bleeding. This means that you will have fewer days without a patch than usual. You will be protected against pregnancy and no additional contraceptive method is necessary. If it takes more than seven days to delay the removal of your third patch, you may not be protected against pregnancy. Put on a new patch - this is the beginning of a new patch cycle. You may need to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, or use emergency contraception if you have had intercourse in the past few days.
What happens if I forget to put a new patch at the end of the week without a patch? This is the time of greatest risk. Put on a new patch as soon as you remember it. This is now the start of your new patch cycle. Now you will have a new day of the week as the start day. If you put on the new patch 48 hours or more after the start of the cycle, use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the next seven days. If you have had intercourse in the past few days and you were not using a condom, you may need emergency contraception.
If I take other medications, will they affect the patch? Antibiotics do not affect the patch. Some medications, such as some used to treat epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis, or St. John's wort, may make it less effective. If you take these medications, you may need to use a different method of contraception.
I am bleeding on the days I am using the patch, what should I do?
This is called disruption bleeding. It is very common when you start using the patch. It is not harmful or anything to worry about. It may take up to three months to leave. It is important to continue to use the patch correctly, even if the bleeding is as plentiful as a rule. Bleeding can also be caused by not using the patch properly or by a sexually transmitted infection. If you have used all three patches correctly and you have not taken any medications that could have affected the patch, it is very unlikely that you are pregnant. Start your next patch on the appointed day. If you are worried, you can get a pregnancy test. Using the patch does not affect a pregnancy test. If you get pregnant, there is no evidence that wearing a patch harms the baby.
Can I eliminate a week off to lose a withdrawal bleed?
This is not harmful. To do this, only use another patch at the end of the third week. Sometimes, you will have bleeding equally. This is nothing to worry about.
What should I do if I want to switch to another method of birth control?
It is easy to change the patch to another method of birth control. Talk to your doctor as you may need to eliminate the week without a patch or use an additional method of contraception for a short time.
What should I do if I want to stop using the patch or try to get pregnant?
At the end of the patch cycle. If you do not want to get pregnant you should use another method of contraception as soon as you stop using the patch. Normal periods may not return immediately. For some women it may take several months. If you want to have a baby it is advisable to wait for a natural period after leaving the patch before trying to get pregnant.
Should I give my body a break from using the patch every few years or so?
You do not need to have a break because the hormones do not accumulate. There are no known benefits to your health or fertility for having a break.
Can I decorate the patch?
This is not recommended. You should also avoid covering the patch with body lotion or lotions, such as sunscreen. This can cause the birth control patch to loosen.
The risk of arterial thrombosis is greater if you smoke, are diabetic, have hypertension, are very overweight, have migraines with aura or a member of your immediate family had a heart attack or a stroke before.
The patch users appear to have a small increased risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer compared to non-users of hormonal contraception. If you are using a birth control patch, see a doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: chest pain, including any sharp pain that is worse when you breathe, painful swelling in the leg, numbness, or 'stinging' in an arm or ankle, stomach pains, headaches or migraines.
If you need to go to the hospital for an operation or if you have an accident that is going to affect the movement of your legs, you should tell the doctor that you are using the patch. Your doctor will decide if you need to stop using the patch or need another treatment to reduce the risk of developing thrombosis.
Will I gain weight if I use the patch?
Scientific research has not shown that the patch causes weight gain. Some women may have weight changes throughout their cycle due to fluid retention.
When can I start using the patch?
Any time in your menstrual cycle if you are sure that you are not pregnant. If you start using the patch on the first day of your period you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. You can also start using the patch until the fifth day of your period and you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. However, if you have a short menstrual cycle of 23 days or less, your use after the fifth day may not provide immediate contraceptive protection because you may ovulate at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. If you start the patch at any other time in your menstrual cycle, you will need to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the first seven days.
I just had a baby. Can I use the patch?
You can start using the patch 21 days after giving birth. From the 21st you will be protected against pregnancy. If you take longer than day 21, you will need to use an additional contraceptive method for seven days. If you are breastfeeding a baby under the age of six months using the patch, it can reduce the flow of milk. It is usually recommended that you use a different method of contraception.
Can I use the patch after a miscarriage?
Yes, you can start using the patch immediately after a miscarriage. You will be protected against pregnancy immediately.
How do I use the birth control patch?
A new patch is applied once a week, every week for three weeks (21 days). Then stop using the patch for seven days (week without patch). This is what is called a patch cycle. Week one: The patch cycle starts by applying a new patch. Keep this patch in seven days. Use only one patch at a time. Week two: Remove the patch and apply a new patch immediately. The patch can be changed at any time of the day. Keep this patch in seven days.
Week Three: Remove the patch and apply a new patch immediately. Keep this patch in seven days.
Week without patch: Remove the patch. Now you must spend seven days without using it. During this week you will have a bleeding. It is not really a period, it is a withdrawal bleed (which does not always happen). It is caused by not taking hormones in the week without a patch. Bleeding can begin at any time during the week. It is usually regular, light and less painful than a normal period.
New cycle of patches: After seven days without a patch, a new patch is applied on the eighth day. You should do this even if you are still bleeding. This is now the first week of a new patch cycle.
Where can I put the patch?
You can use the patch on most areas of your body if your skin is clean, dry and not too hairy. You should not put it on the skin that is sore or irritated or wherever you wear tight clothing . Do not put it on your breasts. It is also a good idea to change the position of each new patch to help reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Am I protected against pregnancy during the seven day break?
You are protected if: you have used all three of the above patches correctly and the patching cycle starts again on time and you are not taking other medicines.
The patch is very sticky and should remain stuck even in the shower, bath, whirlpool, sauna, or during swimming or exercise. However, if it falls, what to do will depend on how long it has been dropped.
Less than 48 hours
If the patch has been dropped for less than 48 hours: Reapply as soon as possible if it is still sticky. If it is not sticky , It may not work, applies a new patch. Do not use a bandage to keep the patch in place.There is no need to use any additional contraceptive . Keep using the patch normally and change the patch on your normal change day.
48 hours or more
If the patch has been dropped for 48 hours or more, or you're not sure how long:
Start a brand new cycle by applying a new patch as soon as possible. This has now become the first week of the patch cycle and now you will have a new day of the week as a day of start and change. Use another method of birth control for the next seven days. Ask your doctor if you have had sex at the previous days and you were not using a condom, since you may need emergency contraception.
What happens if I forget to change the patch?
Less than 48 hours late-If the patch has continued less than 48 hours more: Remove the old patch and put on a new one. Continue to use the patch in the normal way, with the change on the day the normal change. No additional contraceptive is needed.
48 hours or more-If the patch has been running for 48 hours or more: Start a brand new cycle , by applying a new patch as soon as possible. This has become the first week of the patch cycle and now you will have a new day of the week as the day of commencement and change.Use another method of contraception for the next seven days. Ask your doctor if you have had sex in the days before and you were not using a condom, since you may need emergency contraception.
What happens if I forget to remove the patch at the end of the third week?
Remove the patch as soon as you remember it, have a rest without a patch and start with a new patch on the usual start day, even if you're bleeding. This means that you will have fewer days without a patch than usual. You will be protected against pregnancy and no additional contraceptive method is necessary. If it takes more than seven days to delay the removal of your third patch, you may not be protected against pregnancy. Put on a new patch - this is the beginning of a new patch cycle. You may need to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, or use emergency contraception if you have had intercourse in the past few days.
What happens if I forget to put a new patch at the end of the week without a patch? This is the time of greatest risk. Put on a new patch as soon as you remember it. This is now the start of your new patch cycle. Now you will have a new day of the week as the start day. If you put on the new patch 48 hours or more after the start of the cycle, use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the next seven days. If you have had intercourse in the past few days and you were not using a condom, you may need emergency contraception.
If I take other medications, will they affect the patch? Antibiotics do not affect the patch. Some medications, such as some used to treat epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis, or St. John's wort, may make it less effective. If you take these medications, you may need to use a different method of contraception.
I am bleeding on the days I am using the patch, what should I do?
This is called disruption bleeding. It is very common when you start using the patch. It is not harmful or anything to worry about. It may take up to three months to leave. It is important to continue to use the patch correctly, even if the bleeding is as plentiful as a rule. Bleeding can also be caused by not using the patch properly or by a sexually transmitted infection. If you have used all three patches correctly and you have not taken any medications that could have affected the patch, it is very unlikely that you are pregnant. Start your next patch on the appointed day. If you are worried, you can get a pregnancy test. Using the patch does not affect a pregnancy test. If you get pregnant, there is no evidence that wearing a patch harms the baby.
Can I eliminate a week off to lose a withdrawal bleed?
This is not harmful. To do this, only use another patch at the end of the third week. Sometimes, you will have bleeding equally. This is nothing to worry about.
What should I do if I want to switch to another method of birth control?
It is easy to change the patch to another method of birth control. Talk to your doctor as you may need to eliminate the week without a patch or use an additional method of contraception for a short time.
What should I do if I want to stop using the patch or try to get pregnant?
At the end of the patch cycle. If you do not want to get pregnant you should use another method of contraception as soon as you stop using the patch. Normal periods may not return immediately. For some women it may take several months. If you want to have a baby it is advisable to wait for a natural period after leaving the patch before trying to get pregnant.
Should I give my body a break from using the patch every few years or so?
You do not need to have a break because the hormones do not accumulate. There are no known benefits to your health or fertility for having a break.
Can I decorate the patch?
This is not recommended. You should also avoid covering the patch with body lotion or lotions, such as sunscreen. This can cause the birth control patch to loosen.