How effective is the contraceptive patch?

In the modern world, medicine does not stand still, annually releasing any new products. So among contraceptives, a new tool has appeared, which is rapidly gaining popularity among women.

How the contraceptive patch works

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

According to studies carried out by specialists, it was found that side effects are rare, moreover, after a couple of weeks after stopping the use of patches, they simply disappear. These effects include headaches, mood swings, nausea, chest tightness, migraines, and increased blood pressure. It is rare, but it happens that in the first three weeks of using the patches, a slight bleeding may appear. Don't worry, they pass quickly.

The remedy is not recommended for women:

• during the lactation period;
• overweight;
• taking antibiotics;
• smokers or quitters less than a year ago;
• over 35 years old;
• who have or are suspected of being pregnant.

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

The effectiveness of the contraceptive patch

The effect of using this protection method will depend only on how you monitor the implementation of all necessary manipulations. Or rather, to glue on time, remove and change the plaster on time. If you forget and do not change it in time and at the same time there is unprotected intercourse, then the probability of pregnancy is very high. According to the results of the comparison of Velcro and oral contraceptives, the first win. They are believed to be more reliable in protecting against pregnancy.

How to use the contraceptive patch

The package contains three plasters, each designed for a week, so the boxes last for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. You do not need to peel off the plasters at night, and they are also waterproof. Therefore, you can safely take with them shower going to the pool, sauna or bath.

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

It is also necessary to choose the day on which you will stick the first patch and on which you will change it after a week. For example, it will be Monday, which means exactly 7 days later, next Monday, the funds should be replaced. It should be remembered, and it is better to write it down or put yourself a reminder on your phone so as not to forget to change the tool in time. If the change time is missed for a maximum of a couple of days, then it is necessary to urgently change the patch and if sex take advantage of additional protection - condoms.

If the change period is more than 4 days, then there is no point in sticking a new one, all properties will disappear. It is better to start the course again from the first day of menstruation. After 21 days, a week 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, the recent novelty is gaining momentum and popularity among women. Reviews are in most cases only positive. Many women note the convenience of this stick-and-forget tool. You do not need to remember every day that you need to take a pill at the right time or worry that the condom might break... And the plaster is reliable and convenient.

But it is worth remembering about a small minus - patches can protect against unwanted pregnancy, but not against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, one should deal with having sex only with a trusted partner or use additional condoms. Another small drawback is the high cost of packaging.

In addition, according to research it has been proven that, although hormonal patches, they have less effect on the body, in contrast to oral pills. Also, plasters do not cause allergic reactions and, according to reviews, do not allow pregnancy. Those who have been using this tool for a long time note that menstrual cycle leveled off, the discharge is less abundant and at the same time there is no pain and discomfort.