Birth control helps an individual control his or her reproductive health. There is such a vast variety of contraceptives that one of the most straightforward and effective ways of hormonal contraception is the birth control patch. In this blog, readers will discover how to properly apply the birth control patch and take the necessary precautions to avoid pregnancy.
How Does the Birth Control Patch Work?
You stick the small adhesive patch on your skin and the patch dispenses hormones into the bloodstream that prevent pregnancy. This patch constitues of two hormones: oestrogen and progestin. These hormones will work to prevent pregnancy by doing the following:
It prevents ovulation. Without it, there just isn't an egg for sperm to fertilise; therefore, no possibility of getting pregnant. The hormones in the patch work by signaling the body to halt the release of eggs.
The cervical mucus thickens. The patch contains the ingredient called progestin, which causes the cervical mucus to thicken. This prevents the easy passage of sperm up to the uterus for an egg in case of ovulation.
It also makes impossible for the fertilised egg to embed and grow due to the hormones that make the lining of the uterus so thin. The right use of the birth-control patch prevents pregnancy more than 99% of the time.
How to Use the Birth Control Patch
An appropriate application of the patch is essential to make sure it functions correctly. This article has reiterated a step-by-step process of applying and using the birth control patch:
Plan the Right Day to Begin
You may begin on the first day of a menstrual cycle or the first Sunday after it begins. So if you start taking it at the very beginning of your period, then you are protected right away. If you're one of the others, you may have to resort to using a "backup" method of contraception, like condoms, during the first 7 days.
Designate a Patch Application Site:
The patch must be applied to clean, dry skin, on any one of the places:
- Upper lateral arm
- Butts
- Lower abdomen
- Upper back or shoulder blade.
Make sure not to use adhesive patch on irritated patches of skin. Do not apply adhesive patch on your breasts.
Applying the Patch
Open the package of the patch and, touching as little of the adhesive surface as possible.
Remove the adhesive carrier and press firmly the adhesive side onto your chosen region of your skin.
Stick the patch firmly for about 10 seconds to allow it to stick well and smoothen out wrinkles.
It has to be worn continuously for one week. The old patch is thereafter removed, and a new patch is affixed after this period. However, the new patch should be fastened to an alternative area of the skin to avoid irritation of the same skin.
The Loop Cycle
You will wear a new patch for three weeks, changing every week (total of 21 days). Then, on the fourth week, you do not apply a patch. This represents your "patch-free" week, which you will most likely find to be your period of menstruation.
After the patch-free week, apply a new patch to initiate the following cycle.
Using the patch correctly will be the best chance of stopping pregnancy. To achieve good protection, the patch should be applied daily and left in place continuously for seven days.
Maintenance
Do a new patch on the same day each week, or put a reminder on your phone or calendar so you never forget.
If you forget to change your patch for more than 48 hours, you use backup contraception such as condoms for 7 days since you are likely to conceive.
It should be replaced daily. So, if the patch is partially or totally ripped off, then surely the patch is no longer releasing hormones anymore.
If the patch falls off and it's been fewer than 24 hours, replace it with a fresh one as soon as possible. If this does happen, no further contraception will be needed in that cycle.
If a patch has been removed for more than 24 hours, a new patch should be placed and a backup contraception should be used during the next 7 days.
Use supplemental contraception as needed
You need to use additional contraception, for example, condoms, for at least 7 days if you have application or change errors with the patch, such as forgetting to change it on time or the patch falls off for more than 24 hours.
Avoid too much heat or humidity
Any activity exposing the patch to extreme heat for instance, the sauna or hot tub and extreme moisture for instance, prolonged swimming can lead to looseness of the patch, avoid it.
Somatic Health check-ups
Because it is highly concentrated with hormones, one should regularly follow up with the physician to maintain continuity to ensure that the method is still appropriate. The following are conditions that may make the patch unsuitable for some women: high blood pressure, migraines, and a history of blood clots.
Side Effects of Birth Control Patch
Like all hormonal contraceptives, the patch might cause some side effects. In reality, most women tolerate the patch pretty well, but side effects may be expected, so here are some of those symptoms:
Skin irritation: Irritation or the formation of a rash may occur at the area where the patch is applied. Rotating application sites reduce this chance.
Nipple sensitivity: Some women experience increased sensitivity of the nipples, especially during the early months of treatment with a patch.
Headaches: Some women may have headaches with the patch on. If they are severe, call your healthcare provider.
Rarely, this patch may raise the possibility of dangerous side effects that could be a blood clot, a stroke, or heart attack, and that occurs mostly in females who smoke or are above 35 years old; thus, it is essential to discuss any possible health risks associated with it with your doctor before using the patch.
Reviewed by
Dr. Sneha S - Consultant - Reproductive Medicine and OBG, Milann - Kumara Park.
