Birth Control Patches
The birth control patch is a way to prevent pregnancy. The patch, which
is put on your skin, contains the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
This is another birth control method for preventing unwanted pregnancy
and mostly used by women who can not remember to take birth control pills
on time but yes, they could remember to replace birth control patches
weekly.. The patch is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks,
or upper body that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the
bloodstream.
How Birth Control Patches Works
Birth control methods that use hormones, such as the birth control pill
, a girl uses the birth control patch based on her monthly menstrual cycle.
Birth control patches slowly release hormones progestin and estrogen into
the bloodstream to prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus that
creates the barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Birth control
patches are also very effective in preventing pregnancy for upto 99% except
for women who weigh 198 pounds or more, where it would be 92% effective.
So, while using birth control patches, it is important to take note of
body weight. The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control patch does not protect against sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). Couples having sex must always use condoms along with
the birth control patch to protect against STDs.
Side Effects
The birth control patch is a safe and effective method of birth control.
When continuous usage of patches, hormones change in the women's bodies
and they may experience some minor side effects. These are:
- Skin irritation where the patch is applied.
- Acne problems, brown spots.
- Increase in blood pressure or fluid retention.
- Mild stomach upset.
- Increased appetite and sensitivity.
- Breast enlargement.
- Mood changes.
- Nausea.
- Weight gains.
Such minor side effects will disappear once the body becomes accustomed
of birth control patches. |
