Contraceptive Patches

It is a sticky patch that releases hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy.

How contraceptive patches work:
– Preventing ovulation.
– Thickening cervical mucus preventing sperms from reaching the uterus.
– Thinning your endometrium so it is harder for the fertilized egg to grow.

How to use:
Stick it as shown in the diagram in your body where it is clean and dry. Do not stick it on irritated skin.

You stick the patch every week for three weeks, and no need for one on the fourth week. The period will in the fourth week.

What to do if the patch falls off:
In case of falling off for less than 48 hours:
– stick it back as soon as possible if it is still sticky.
– If it is not sticky anymore, use a new one and continue normally.
– If it falls off after 6 days of use or less, use another birth control method for 7 days. Example: condoms.

In case of falling off for more than 48 hours:
– Put on a new patch as soon as possible, and start a new cycle.
– Use another birth control method for seven days example: condoms.

In case you forgot to put on a new patch after patch-free week:
– less than 48 hours: you are still protected, put on a new patch and start your new week.
– more than 48 hours: put on a new patch immediately, and use another birth control method for 7 days.

Best to avoid using the patches in case of:
– Above 35 and smoking
– You weight more than 90 kg
– Having diabetes
– High blood pressure.
– History Blood clots.
– Severe heart problems
– Skin irritation when used
– Breast cancer
– Migraine with aura
– One of the relatives had stroke before the age of 45

Advantages:
Same advantages as birth control pills (you can read about them in our previous posts Birth control pills).
In addition, vomiting and diarrhea do not affect their effectiveness.

Side effects:
– Skin irritation or allergy
Some women do not experience any side effects, but if any, it goes away by time:
– Headache and dizziness
– Pain in breasts
– Spotting
– Nausea and vomiting
– Mood swings
– Blood clots