The birth control patch is a popular contraceptive method, but not everyone is familiar with it. Here are five important things you should know about the birth control patch to make an informed decision about your reproductive health.
- The birth control patch exists, but not many have used it
Most people are familiar with the concept of birth control for females. The two most common methods are birth control pills and IUDs or intrauterine devices.
Well, we actually have another relatively new method called birth control patches. Yes, these birth control patches are like stickers you plaster onto your skin.
They are highly effective and efficient, but not many people know about them just yet. A survey from the National Centre for Health Statistics reported that only 11 per cent of women used birth control patches between 2011 and 2015.
Well, blame it on low marketing and exposure, but although the birth control patches are yet to be widespread in usage, this does not mean they are inferior.
Birth control patches are a wonderful new method of birth control that can be many people’s new favourites!
- Its efficacy rate is super high
The birth control patches work essentially very similar to birth control pills. The birth control patches contain hormones that help change the timing of your ovulation.
This is similar to birth control pills, only that with the patches you don’t involve digestion. The birth control patches deliver the hormones straight to your bloodstream via your skin.
This mechanism is called the transdermal method. The hormones contained in the birth control patches are oestrogen and progestin, exactly the same as found in birth control pills and a vaginal ring.
These hormones suppress ovulation, thus preventing pregnancy. When it comes to failure rate, with proper usage, the birth control patches only fail less than 1 out of 100 women.
The failure rate stands at 0.3 per cent when thinking about perfect usage. However, when misses and mishandlings happen, the failure rate can go up to 9 per cent.
As per information from The Cleveland Clinic, the birth control patch is considered 99% effective when used perfectly. Nevertheless, its effectiveness decreases to around 94% with typical use. “Perfect use” refers to adhering meticulously to the provided instructions on every occasion, while “typical use” accounts for more ordinary and practical usage scenarios. The patch is highly reliable in preventing pregnancy. When employed accurately, it successfully prevents pregnancy in over 99 out of every 100 individuals.
- Birth control patches are perfect for those who often forget their pills
Birth control pills are easy to use and highly effective. But needing to consume them every single day can be quite taxing. Some people, a lot of people actually, tend to forget to take their daily pills.
This is a very common human error, but the consequences can be fatal if you are not ready to get pregnant and raise a child.
For those of you who tend to forget your birth control pill every now and then, and if following the instructions is too burdensome, the birth control patches could be just the right option for you.
The birth control patches can be effective for 7 days straight upon application. That means a single patch can be worn for a week full, and you just need to change a patch once every week.
As stated by the Mayo Clinic, the birth control patch offers several benefits compared to other forms of contraception: It removes the necessity to interrupt sexual activity for contraceptive purposes. It doesn’t rely on your partner’s cooperation for its effectiveness. Additionally, it doesn’t demand daily attention or the need to remember taking a pill every day.
You just set an alarm every week on the same day for using a new one.
- The birth control patch is also great for postponing your period
Since birth control patches work to alter your hormones, they can also be conveniently used as a means to postpone your period.
You may be wondering what kind of person needs to postpone the arrival of their menstruation, but there are many reasons! Maybe you have a trip coming or a sports event.
On that day or week, you simply can’t afford to have your menstruation. In that case, you can use the birth control patches to change your cycle. Basically, you need to already be wearing the patches regularly.
You’re suggested to take your patch off on the fourth week, but if you want to skip a period, you can simply put back on a new patch. This way you’re allowing your body to continue escaping ovulation.
After your business is over, you can take it off to get your menstruation.
According to an article published by Planned Parenthood, occasional instances arise where individuals experience irregular or even absent periods for a period of up to 6 months. This occurrence becomes more probable if your menstrual cycles were irregular prior to commencing the use of the patch. Even if your menstruation does not promptly resume, the potential for pregnancy still exists when you are not utilizing the patch.
- Birth control patches do not protect against STDs and STIs
Birth control patches sound wonderful and user-friendly, right? But still, they are not effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
This is important to take note of because some young girls may somehow get the idea that hormonal patches can do that. This would be a myth at best as the birth control patches only contain female sex hormones to alter ovulation.
When engaging in sexual activity in real life, other methods of protection are still very much recommended. Use a condom if you want to prevent STDs and STIs.
Also, it is important to practice safe and clean sex, so don’t forget that hygiene is also a big part of preventing STDs and STIs.
When it comes to the side effects of using birth control patches, they are pretty much the same as those found in birth control pills.
To conclude, we put forward five things we wanted people to be aware of regarding the use of birth control patch. We are sure the five things mentioned above can help you learn more about birth control patches and how they can be used.
What Are The Important Facts About The Birth Control Patch?
The birth control patch, also known as the contraceptive patch, is a popular method of contraception that is gaining popularity among women around the world. It is a small, square patch that is placed on the skin and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. In this paper, we will discuss the important facts about the birth control patch, including how it works, its effectiveness, potential side effects, and other essential information that women need to know.
How does it work?
The birth control patch works by releasing hormones, progestin and estrogen, through the skin and into the bloodstream. These hormones prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries, and also thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Additionally, the hormones also thin the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
Effectiveness
When used correctly, the birth control patch is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. It has a failure rate of around 1%, making it as effective as other forms of hormonal birth control, such as the pill or the vaginal ring. However, it is essential to remember that no birth control method is 100% effective, and the patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How is it used?
The birth control patch is typically worn on the skin for three weeks in a row, followed by one week without a patch. During this patch-free week, a woman will experience withdrawal bleeding, similar to a menstrual period. After the week is over, a new patch is applied, and the cycle continues. It is important to change the patch on the same day every week to ensure its effectiveness.
Convenience
One of the major advantages of the birth control patch is its convenience. It is a low-maintenance birth control method, as it only needs to be changed once a week. Unlike the pill, which needs to be taken every day, the patch only requires weekly attention. This makes it a suitable option for women who have a busy lifestyle or have trouble remembering to take a daily pill.
Side effects
As with any hormonal birth control method, the patch may have some side effects. The most common side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, headache, and mood changes. These side effects usually subside after a few months of use, but if they persist, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. In rare cases, the patch may cause more severe side effects, such as blood clots, so it is essential to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider before using the patch.
Who can use it?
The birth control patch is suitable for most healthy women, including those who are breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, or are overweight. However, it is not recommended for women over the age of 35 who smoke, as they have a higher risk of blood clots. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any birth control method to ensure it is suitable for you.
Possible drawbacks
While the birth control patch is a highly effective and convenient form of birth control, it may not be the best option for everyone. Some women may have skin reactions to the adhesive used in the patch, and it may not stick well for others, affecting its effectiveness. Additionally, the patch may not be suitable for women who have a history of blood clots or certain types of cancer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the birth control patch is a safe and effective method of contraception for women who are looking for a low-maintenance option. It works by releasing hormones through the skin and into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. However, it is essential to remember that no birth control method is 100% effective, and the patch does not protect against STIs. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider before starting the patch to ensure it is the right choice for you.
