The birth control patch is a popular contraceptive method that has been around for several years. However, many women are still unsure about how it works and whether it is the right choice for them. In this guide, we will share five important things you should know about the birth control patch.
- Just as effective as pills
Only 1% of women concur to having used a patch at any time in their lives. But it’s entirely different scenario of the pill usage.
Over 79% of woman confirm that they have used it. Another 15% have protected themselves using vaginal rings.
Though the pill and vagina rings sound popular, it doesn’t mean that patches are disadvantageous in any way. Maybe there are reason for pill preference.
Still patches are just as effective as the pills. When used correctly, only 0.3% failure is noted. This percentage indicates that less than one in a hundred women who use patch as prescribed experience unwanted pregnancy.
As per the research conducted by Planned Parenthood, when used consistently and correctly every single time, the patch is equally effective as pills in preventing unintended pregnancies. It is crucial to use contraceptive methods accurately and regularly to ensure their maximum effectiveness. It is noted that the patch may not be as popular as pills or vaginal rings as a contraceptive option.
The performance mentioned is far better than that of the pill, whose failure rate is three times greater. Nine out of every a hundred women using the pills are likely to become pregnant.
But your weight may lower a patch’s efficacy. If you weigh more than 100kg, then the patch may be less effective on you.
- May complicate issues
Even though a patch is very effective, it has its limitation. The most significant impact is due to the direct infusion.
Remember that the patch contents don’t get digested. Instead, it’s syphoned directly into the blood stream.
And here lays the problem. Some women may have better skin absorption properties. Meaning that their body sucks in the contents very fast.
You may be one of these people. Thus due to this process, you may quickly infuse high concentration of estrogen into your system.
High estrogen portend a heightened probability of clotting factors in your blood. Blood clotting can raise other issues such as nausea, vomiting and sweating.
Studies show that women who use patch are likely to have 60% more estrogen in their system. Thus they are twice as likely to exhibit clotting issues in the blood.
Still, this risk is significantly lower during menstruation than during pregnancy. Hence there is no course for alarm in using the patch.
- Patch carefully
You shouldn’t use patch anywhere in your body. The best places to stick the contraceptive label is around your buttocks, upper arms, back and stomach.
These are fairly accessible areas with less veins. Hence your system mops up the patch’s content in a controlled manner. Again, the regions are not constrained.
Restricted skin surfaces can prevent the patch from sticking properly or transferring its contents into the blood well. Hence never place a patch under a tight clothing.
Even though the mentioned places are suitable, it’s not advisable to stick the patch at the same spot twice. It’s better to let the region heal and recover from the effects of the patch. Otherwise, its efficacy drops.
But there are certain areas that don’t receive the patch well. The breast is one such place. It has This sensitive nerve endings designed to make milk. Thus the veins around them can’t suck the contents of the patch.
Besides, the breast vessels don’t connect directly to the circulatory system. Hence this could prevent you from getting the maximum effects of the contraceptive.
- Must be changed
Most women assume that patches can work indefinitely. And those that use them lament how the patch have resolved their forgetfulness tablets.
Patches have many advantages especially for the busy and forgetful women. But it doesn’t mean they can patch and forget about it. Like all medication, you need to check on the adhesive from time to time.
As reported by Healthline Media, getting your period during travel, competitions, or other important events can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. However, it is safe to postpone your period using the patch. Instead of taking a break during the fourth week, simply apply a new patch to extend the contraceptive effect and delay your period, allowing you to accomplish your plans without dealing with cramps and tampons.
Regular inspections ensure that the patch is correctly set and that it’s not wrinkled or partially peeled off the skin for one reason or another.
The patch content are designed to last for a week. A typical routine is to replace it every week for the next three weeks. You can skip it on the last week when you are ovulating.
Tinkering with this precision can expose you to pregnancy risks. If you disrupt the routine, then you may have to have a backup contraceptive method to ensure you don’t conceive.
- Skip your menstruation
Another advantage of using the patch is that some are waterproof and can still protect you while swimming. In this regards, tampons can be less effective in water.
The beauty about the patch are evident when you are travelling or in a competition. If your period coincides with such occasions, you become stressed.
Fortunately, using a patch can eliminate some of these worries. And using the patch can help you bypass menstruation with it attendant inconvenience altogether.
But you may wonder how? Simply continue using the patch even on your forth week, instead of skipping the adhesive.
Health Shots provides a tip for successfully skipping your period: Choose the intended month and consistently change your contraceptive patch every week during the three weeks prior to the period you want to avoid. At the conclusion of the third week, remove the patch. Rather than having a patch-free fourth week and waiting for your period, affix a new patch once you’ve taken off the previous one
This way, the contraceptive would deliver the hormones that thickens the cervical mucus. A thick barrier prevents any sperm from finding the egg. At the same time, it may prevent the egg from descending out of the ovaries.
This technique allows you to skip your period entirely. You can then proceed to your subsequent week as normal.
To summarize everything we know, birth control patch is less common than birth control pills, and people have questions. These five things can help you learn more about birth control patches and how they should be used.
Four Causes Of Vaginal Dryness That You Didn’t Know About
Vaginal dryness is a common condition that affects many women at some point in their lives. It is characterized by a lack of moisture and lubrication in the vaginal area, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and even sexual dysfunction. While menopause and hormonal changes are often considered the main causes of vaginal dryness, there are other lesser-known factors that can also contribute to this condition. In this paper, we will discuss four causes of vaginal dryness that you may not have been aware of.
1. Medications
One of the lesser-known causes of vaginal dryness is the use of certain medications. Many commonly prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and some birth control pills, can interfere with the body’s natural production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal lubrication, and a decrease in their levels can lead to vaginal dryness. Additionally, some medications can also cause a decrease in blood flow to the genital area, which can further contribute to dryness and discomfort.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness and are taking any medications, it is essential to speak with your doctor about the potential side effects and alternative treatment options.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are known to have a significant impact on our overall health, but many people are not aware of their effects on vaginal health. When we are stressed or anxious, our body produces a hormone called cortisol, which can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone. This disturbance in hormone levels can lead to vaginal dryness, as well as other symptoms such as decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm.
Moreover, stress and anxiety can also cause tension in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to discomfort and pain during intercourse. It is essential to find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as practicing relaxation techniques or seeking therapy, to prevent vaginal dryness.
3. Allergies and Irritants
Some women may experience vaginal dryness due to allergies or irritation caused by certain products. The skin in the genital area is sensitive and can react to irritants found in soaps, detergents, perfumes, and other personal care products. These products can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, leading to dryness, itching, and inflammation.
In addition, latex condoms, spermicides, and lubricants containing glycerin can also cause vaginal dryness in some women. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, consider switching to hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products and using water-based lubricants without glycerin.
4. Medical Conditions
Vaginal dryness can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions that affect the reproductive system. For example, Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can cause dryness in the eyes, mouth, and vagina. Endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, can also lead to vaginal dryness due to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
Furthermore, vaginal dryness can also be a side effect of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can damage the cells that produce estrogen and progesterone. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your vaginal dryness.
In conclusion, while menopause and hormonal changes are commonly known causes of vaginal dryness, there are other factors that can contribute to this condition. Medications, stress and anxiety, allergies and irritants, and certain medical conditions can all play a role in disrupting the delicate balance of hormones and moisture in the vagina. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, it is essential to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and find the best treatment plan for you.
