How effective is the contraceptive patch?

In the modern world, medicine does not stand still, releasing new products every year. So among contraceptives, a new remedy has appeared that is quickly gaining popularity among women. 

How does the contraceptive patch work?

This product comes in a small package containing three 5 by 5 cm patches, very similar to nicotine patches. They, like tablets, contain hormones and have the same properties, only they penetrate inside through the pores of the skin. The patches contain estrogen and progesterone, which act on the eggs, blocking fertilization. The product also contains substances that help create a favorable environment on the cervix, due to which sperm are immobilized.

According to studies conducted by specialists, it was found that side effects are rare, and, moreover, a couple of weeks after stopping the use of the patches, they simply disappear. Such effects include headaches, mood swings, nausea, heaviness in the chest, migraines, and increased blood pressure. It is rare, but it happens that in the first three weeks of using the patches, slight bleeding may appear. There is no need to worry, they pass quickly.

The product is not recommended for women:

• during the lactation period;
• overweight;
• taking antibiotics;
• smokers or quit less than a year ago;
• over 35 years old;
• who are or are expected to be pregnant.

It is also not recommended to use contraceptives for diabetes, frequent headaches, hypertension, thrombosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal diseases.

Effectiveness of the contraceptive patch

The effect of using this method of protection will depend only on how you monitor the implementation of all necessary manipulations. Or rather, stick it on in time, remove and change the patch on time. If you forget and do not change it in time and unprotected sexual intercourse takes place, then the likelihood of pregnancy is very high. According to the results of comparing Velcro and oral contraceptives, the former win. They are considered to be more reliable in terms of protection against pregnancy.

How to use the contraceptive patch

There are three patches in the package, each one lasts a week, so a box lasts for 21 days, after which there is a 7-day break. There is no need to peel off the patches at night, and they are waterproof. Therefore, you can safely take them shower, go to the pool, sauna or bathhouse.

First you need to get expert advice and undergo a consultation. If the gynecologist approves of your choice, then you can safely purchase the patches. After this, you need to choose a place on the body where the square will be glued. There are some peculiarities here: you should not glue the patch on your chest, the place for gluing should be minimally hairy, so that the patch stays better and longer, and also so that it is convenient and not painful to remove it. The skin should be smooth, do not stick the patch on the folds and those places where the skin is very wrinkled, clean, without cuts or wounds. Do not apply oils, creams or other cosmetics to this area.

You also need to choose the day on which you apply the first patch and on which you will change it a week later. For example, it will be Monday, which means exactly 7 days later, on next Monday, the product should be replaced. You should remember it, or better yet, write it down or set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget to change the product on time. If the change time is missed by a maximum of a couple of days, then it is necessary to urgently change the patch and sex take advantage of additional protection - condoms.

If the replacement period is more than 4 days, then there is no point in gluing a new one, all properties will be lost. It is better to start the course again from the first day of menstruation. After 21 days, a week-long break is taken, and on the eighth day a new course of contraception begins, even if you have heavy periods on that day.

Reviews of contraceptive patches

According to statistics, a recent new product is gaining momentum and popularity among women. Reviews in most cases are only positive. Many women note the convenience of this “stick it and forget it” product. You don't have to remember every day to take your pill at the right time or worry about the condom may break. And the patch is reliable and convenient.

But it’s worth remembering a small drawback - the patches can protect against unwanted pregnancy, but not against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, you should do sex only with a trusted partner, or use additional condoms. Another small disadvantage is the high cost of packaging.

In addition, according to research, it has been proven that the patches, although hormonal, have less impact on the body, unlike oral tablets. Also, the patches do not cause allergic reactions and, according to reviews, do not allow pregnancy. Those who have been using this product for a long time note that menstrual cycle   leveled out, the discharge is less abundant and there is no pain or discomfort. Previous article