| The Patch | | Print | |
What It IsThe contraceptive patch is a hormonal method of birth control that is worn on the skin. For women who don't want to worry about remembering to take a pill every day but who want the ongoing protection against pregnancy that comes with hormonal contraception, the patch is a good alternative. Used correctly, the patch is 99 percent effective and just as effective as birth control pills. How It WorksThe contraceptive patch works the same way that birth control pills do. It releases continuous levels of hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. These hormones simulate pregnancy, and prevent ovulation, which means that the ovaries will not release an egg for fertilization. The hormones in the patch also thicken the cervical mucus, which blocks sperm, and thin the endometrial lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Advantages
DisadvantagesNeed to remember to replace it once a week. This method requires a prescription and does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.Who Should Not Use the PatchYou should not use the patch if you:
Health BenefitsHormonal methods of birth control, like the patch and the pill, have been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and benign breast disease. These methods also reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, and bone loss. In addition, they can help regulate your period, reduce blood flow, and lessen cramping. Possible Side EffectsMost side effects of the patch are bothersome, but not serious. The most common side effects are: breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, missed periods, depression, and weight gain or loss. In addition, some individuals may experience a skin reaction where the patch is applied. Most side effects go away after a few months, but if they continue to be a problem, you might talk to your clinician about switching to a different method of birth control. Health RisksIn very rare cases, using hormonal methods of birth control, such as the patch, can raise your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. Women who use the patch may be three times more likely to develop non-fatal or fatal blood clot then women on birth control pills. Despite evidence on both sides, most experts now believe that hormonal contraceptives do not increase your risk of breast cancer. Before using the patch, be sure to ask your health care provider about any medical conditions that might exclude you from using hormonal contraception. How to Use the PatchThe contraceptive patch works on a 28-day cycle. You should apply a new patch every week for three consecutive weeks. On the fourth week, you do not wear a patch, and you can expect to have your period. Be sure to wear only one patch at a time. You can use any patch in the box, since they all contain the same level of hormones. Each new patch should be applied on the same day each week. Think of this day as your "patch change day." Wear the patch continuously for seven days. On Day 8, remove the used patch. The discarded patch still has medicine on it, so fold it in half before throwing it away. Apply a new patch immediately. To avoid irritation, apply it to a different part of your body. You can wear the contraceptive patch on one of four areas of your body: the buttocks, abdomen, the front or back of your upper torso (excluding the breasts), or the outer part of your upper arm. The patch should not be worn on any other areas of the body. When applying the patch, press down firmly with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure the edges stick well. The patch remains attached and effective even when you bathe, swim, exercise, or wear it in humid conditions. You should not place the patch on skin that is red, irritated, or cut. Do not apply makeup, lotion, cream, powder, or other products at the patch site. Also, do not cut, alter, or decorate the patch in any way. This may lessen its effectiveness. To remove the patch, lift one corner and quickly peel it back. If a ring of adhesive is left on your skin, remove it by rubbing a small amount of baby oil on the area. The used patch still contains some medicine, so throw it away by carefully folding it in half. Patches should be stored in their protective pouches at room temperature. When you remove the patch from its pouch, apply it immediately to the place on your skin that you've cleaned and dried. Do not store pouches in the refrigerator or freezer. There are many ways to start using the patch. If you begin on the first day of your period, the patch will be effective immediately, and you will not need to use backup method of birth control. If you start using the patch on any other day, you will need to use a non-hormonal backup method of birth control such as a male condom, female condom, or diaphragm, for one full week. It will take seven days before your patch is effective. Do not start using the patch if you suspect you might be pregnant. If you wish to change your "patch change day" to a different day of the week, finish your current cycle. During the fourth week, apply a new patch on the day you prefer. That new day is now day one. Keep in mind that you should never have the patch off more than seven days in a row. If you do, you will need to use a non-hormonal method of birth control as backup for one week If you forget to apply your patch, use a backup method of birth control for seven days. Apply a new patch as soon as you remember. That will now be your new patch change day. If your patch is loose or falls off and it's been less than 24 hours, try to reapply it or apply a new one immediately. You can still change your patch on the same day. Do not try to reapply a patch if it's no longer sticky, stuck to itself or another surface, has other material stuck to it, or has become loose or fallen off before. If the patch does not stick well, remove it and then apply a replacement patch. Single replacement patches are available through Tapestry Health or your pharmacist. This patch should be replaced on the original patch change day. If a patch has been off more than 24 hours, start a new four-week cycle immediately by applying a new patch. You now have a new day one and a new patch change day. You must use backup birth control for the first week of your new cycle. When to see a doctorIf you experience any of the following problems, while using the patch, call a doctor immediately:
How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDSThe only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to have sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, a female condom, or a dental dam, every time. Condoms provide protection against against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. Using a spermicide together with a latex barrier can also help keep you from getting an STI. If you have any questions about the patch, talk to your clinician. |
