Patch Contraceptive Advantages Disadvantages
- A contraceptive patch offers a lot of advantages. Apart from being highly effective the patch has the efficiency rate of up to 99 in birth control when used properly.
- The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch, a bit like a nicotine patch, measuring 5x5cm. It delivers hormones into your body through your skin.
- Advantages Of Emergency Contraception. Emergency Contraception is intended to be used after emergencies such as a condom breaking or slipping off or if a girl has.
- Advantages and disadvantages; STD protection: No: Weight: No A contraceptive patch is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that releases synthetic estrogen and.
- Birth Control Pills, Rings and Patches: Birth Control Shot As the Patch exposes you to about 60 higher estrogen levels than the Pill, Advantages: Disadvantages.
The contraceptive patch - Contraception guide - NHS Choices
Advantages Disadvantages. Advantages: The patch serves as a visible reminder that you are using your birth Effectiveness of Contraceptive Methods, tip sheet.
Learn about advantages, benefits, risks and disadvantages of commonly prescribed birth control pills, oral contraceptives.
A woman can get pregnant if a man s sperm reaches one of her eggs ova. Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart, or by stopping egg production. One method of contraception is the patch.
The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch, a bit like a nicotine patch, measuring 5x5cm. It delivers hormones into your body through your skin. In the UK, the patch s brand name is Evra.
It contains the same hormones as the combined pill, and it works in the same way. This means that it prevents ovulation the release of an egg ; it thickens cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix; and it thins the womb lining, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will implant there.
At a glance: facts about the patch
When used correctly, the patch is more than 99 effective at preventing pregnancy.
Each patch lasts for one week. You change the patch every week for three weeks, then have a week off without a patch.
You don t need to think about it every day, and it s still effective if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
You can wear the patch in the bath, in the swimming pool and while playing sports.
If you have heavy or painful periods, the patch can help.
The patch can increase blood pressure, and some women get temporary side effects, such as headaches.
Some women develop a blood clot when using the patch, but this is rare.
The patch may protect against ovarian cancer, womb cancer and colon cancer.
The patch may not be suitable for women who smoke and who are 35 or over, or who weigh 90kg 14 stone or more.
The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections STIs, so using a condom as well will help to protect you against STIs.
How it works
How you use the patch
When the patch starts to work
What to do if the patch falls off
What to do if you forget to take the patch off
Bleeding in the patch-free week
How you use the patch
You can use the contraceptive patch on most areas of your body, as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy.
You apply a new patch once a week every seven days for three weeks, and then stop using the patch for seven days. This is known as your patch-free week. During your patch-free week you will get a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen.
After seven patch-free days, you apply a new patch and start the four-week cycle again. Start your new cycle even if you are still bleeding.
You should not stick the patch on:
sore or irritated skin
anywhere it may get rubbed off by tight clothing
your breasts
When you first start using the patch, you can vary the position every time you use a new patch to reduce your risk of irritation.
When the patch starts to work
The licence for the patch states that if you start using the patch on the first day of your period, it starts working straight away. This means you can have sex without getting pregnant.
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare guidance states that if you start using the patch in the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected and won t need to use additional contraception.
If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days.
You can talk to your doctor or nurse for more information about when the patch will start to work, and whether you need to use additional contraception.
What to do if the patch falls off
The contraceptive patch is very sticky and should stay on. It should not come off after a shower, bath, hot tub, sauna or swim, or after exercise.
If the patch does fall off, what you need to do depends on how long it has been off, and how many days you had a patch on before it came off.
If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours:
stick your patch back on as soon as possible if it is still sticky
if it is not sticky, replace it with a new patch do not try to hold the old patch in place with a plaster or bandage
continue to use your patch as normal and change your patch on your normal change day
If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours before you replace it, you will still be protected against pregnancy as long as the patch was on properly for seven days before the patch came off. If this is the case, you do not need to use additional contraception.
If you have had a patch on for six days or less before it falls off, you may not be protected against pregnancy and should use additional contraception, such as condoms, for seven days.
If the patch has been off for 48 hours or more, or you re not sure how long it has been off:
apply a new patch as soon as possible and start a new patch cycle this will now be day one of your new cycle
use another form of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days
If you had unprotected sex in the previous few days, you may need emergency contraception. See your GP, nurse or local sexual health GUM clinic if you are concerned.
What to do if you forget to take the patch off
If you forget to take the patch off after week one or two, what you need to do depends on how long you have forgotten it.
If it has been on for:
Less than 48 hours longer than it should have been eight or nine days in total – take off the old patch and put on a new one. Continue to use your patch as normal, changing it on your normal change day. You don t need to use any additional contraception and you are protected against pregnancy.
48 hours or more longer than it should have been 10 days or more in total – start a whole new patch cycle by applying a new patch as soon as possible. This is now week one of the patch cycle and you will have a new day of the week as your start day and change day. Use another method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice if you have had sex in the previous few days and were not using a condom, as you may need emergency contraception.
If you forget to take the patch off after week three, take the patch off as soon as possible and start your patch-free break. Start a new patch on your usual start day, even if you are bleeding. This means that you will not have a full week of patch-free days. You will be protected against pregnancy and do not need to use any additional contraception. You may or may not bleed on the patch-free days.
What to do if you forget to put a patch on after the patch-free week
There is no specific research on what happens if the patch-free week is longer than seven days. The patch works in a similar way to the vaginal ring and the combined pill, and advice for extending the patch-free week is based on what is known about the vaginal ring and combined pill.
If you forget to put on a patch at the end of the patch-free week, put a new one on as soon as you remember.
If you put the patch on 48 hours late or less so the patch-free interval has been nine days or less, you will still be protected against pregnancy, as long as you wore the patch correctly before the patch-free interval.
If you put the patch on more than 48 hours late, so the interval has been 10 days or more, you may not be protected against pregnancy and need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for seven days. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice if you have had sex in the patch-free interval, as you may need emergency contraception.
Bleeding in the patch-free week
Some women do not always have a bleed in their patch-free week. This is nothing to worry about if you have used the patch properly and have not taken any medication that could affect it.
See your GP or nurse for advice if you are worried, or do a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant. If you miss more than two bleeds, get medical advice.
Who can use the patch
most GP surgeries
community contraception clinics
some GUM clinics
sexual health clinics
some young people s services
Find a clinic near you
The contraceptive patch is not suitable for everyone. If you are thinking of using it, your doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your health and your family s medical history, to make sure the patch is suitable for you. It is very important to tell them about any illnesses or operations you have had, or medications you are currently taking.
Conditions and circumstances that may mean you should not use the patch include:
you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
you are breastfeeding
you smoke and are 35 or over
you are 35 or over and stopped smoking less than a year ago
you are very overweight
you take certain medicines, such as some antibiotics, St John s Wort or medicines used to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis TB or HIV
You will also not be able to use the patch if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
thrombosis blood clots in a vein or artery
a heart problem or a disease affecting your blood circulatory system including high blood pressure
migraine with aura warning signs
breast cancer
disease of the liver or gallbladder
diabetes with complications, or diabetes for more than 20 years
Advantages and disadvantages of the patch
If it is used properly, the contraceptive patch is more than 99 effective in stopping you from getting pregnant. This means that if 100 women use the patch according to the instructions, fewer than one will get pregnant in a year. Other advantages of the patch are:
it is very easy to use and does not interrupt sex
unlike the combined oral contraceptive pill, you do not have to think about it every day – you only have to remember to change the patch once a week
the hormones from the contraceptive patch do not need to be absorbed by the stomach, so it is just as effective even if you vomit or have diarrhoea
like the pill, it tends to make your periods more regular, lighter and less painful
it can help with premenstrual symptoms
it may reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and bowel cancer
it may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease
Some women may find that the contraceptive patch has some disadvantages and may wish to use a different form of contraception.
Some potential disadvantages of the patch are that:
it may be visible
it can cause skin irritation, itching and soreness
it does not protect you against STIs, so you may need to use condoms as well
some women get mild temporary side effects when they first start using the patch, such as headaches, nausea sickness, breast tenderness and mood changes; these side effects usually settle down after a few months
bleeding between periods breakthrough bleeding and spotting very light, irregular bleeding is common in the first few cycles of using the patch; this is nothing to worry about if you are using the patch properly, and you will still be protected against pregnancy
Some medicines can make the patch less effective. If you are prescribed new medicine or are buying an over-the-counter medicine, ask the doctor or pharmacist for advice. You may need to use an extra form of contraception while you are taking the medicine, and for 28 days afterwards.
Risks of using the patch
There is a very small risk of some serious side effects when you use a hormonal contraceptive, such as the contraceptive patch or combined pill.
Blood clots
The patch slightly increases your chance of developing a blood clot, which can block a vein venous thrombosis or an artery arterial thrombosis, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have had a blood clot before, do not use the patch.
Your risk of blood clots is higher during the first year of using the patch. Your risk is also higher if:
you smoke
you are very overweight
you are immobile unable to move or use a wheelchair
you have severe varicose veins
a close family member had a venous thrombosis before they were 45 years old
The risk of arterial thrombosis is greatest if:
you are diabetic
you have high blood pressure hypertension
you regularly have migraines with aura warning signs
a close family member had a heart attack or stroke before they were 45
Cancer
Current research suggests that people who use hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive patch, are at a slightly increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared with people who do not use hormonal contraception. However, further research is needed to provide more definitive evidence.
Research also suggests there is a small increase in your risk of developing cervical cancer with the long-term use of oestrogen and progestogen hormonal contraception.
For most women, the benefits of the patch outweigh the risks. However, discuss all risks and benefits with your GP or nurse before starting to use the patch. You will not be allowed to use the patch if you are considered to be at a higher risk of serious side effects.
Where you can get it
Most types of contraception are available for free in the UK. Contraception is free to all women and men through the NHS. When you first get the contraceptive patch you will be given a three-month supply, to see how you get on with it. If there are no problems, you can be prescribed the patch for six months to a year.
Places where you can get contraception include:
most GP surgeries – talk to your GP or practice nurse
some genitourinary medicine GUM clinics
sexual health clinics – they also offer contraceptive and STI testing services
some young people s services call the Sexual Health Line on 0300 123 7123 for more information
Find your nearest sexual health clinic by searching by postcode or town.
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won t tell your parents or carer, as long as they believe you fully understand the information you re given and your decisions. Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16.
They ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won t make you. The only time that a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
A contraceptive patch offers a lot of advantages. Apart from being highly effective the patch has the efficiency rate of up to 99 in birth control when used properly – a contraceptive patch gives many benefits. Some of the benefits are similar to those offered by the birth control pill. These are reduction in the appearance of acne, a regular menstrual cycle, decreased PMS symptoms and reduced risk for endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Other advantages, different from those offered by the birth control pill, include comfort in the use of the patch. A contraceptive patch is applied only weekly, therefore a woman does not have to care about contraception on a daily basis. Since this method changes the cervical mucus, it decreases the risk for pelvic inflammatory disease. A contraceptive patch is a reversible form of birth control since a woman regains fertility immediately after discontinuation of use. The occurrence of possible side effects disappears straight after the discontinuation of use.
As all hormonal contraception, a contraceptive patch has a few side effects associated with hormonal component of this method of contraception. These side effects are similar to those of the birth control pill. Most women can experience spotting and breakthrough bleeding during the first two or three months of use. They can also have tender breasts. Nausea may occur on the first days of use but should disappear afterwards. If nausea continues or occurs with the change of each patch or menstrual cycle, a woman should ask her doctor s advice. Vomiting is very rear. Mood changes may occur at the very beginning of use. Headaches are also one of the most frequent side effects associated with the use of the patch. However, if they become more frequent and harder than normally a woman should seek her doctor s consultation.
There are certain conditions women should consider before using the patch. Some women may be allergic to the material of a contraceptive patch; therefore if any skin irritation, itching or changes in skin color appears a woman should consult her doctor since these symptoms may indicate increased sensitivity to a contraceptive patch. Women should also know that there is a risk for weight gain. Although it is very individual and some women may even lose weight.
Although health risks are very rare but still are possible. The use of a contraceptive patch increases the risk for blood clots in the legs and lungs. This risk is even higher for smokers, especially those, who are older than 35 years. Women with the history of blood clots and varicose veins should discuss the use of hormonal contraception with their health care provider. There is also an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders, such as stroke or heart attack. As high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure increase the risk for blood clots women having these conditions are basically not recommended to use hormonal birth control.
Although a contraceptive patch was found to be highly effective in birth control, there are certain factors that may affect its efficiency. Effectiveness of the patch may decrease with the improper use. In addition, women who weigh more than 198 pounds should choose other form of birth control as efficiency of the patch may be reduced. Birth control efficiency may decrease when other certain drugs are taken at the same time. These include antifungals, seizure medications and possibly antibiotics. Always ask your doctor about drug interactions with a contraceptive patch. Vomiting and diarrhea usually does not interfere with contraceptive efficiency of the patch.
Remember that the patch does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases, therefore you should use male condoms each time you have sexual intercourse.
Since a contraceptive patch is a new form of hormonal contraception, long-term effects and risks are not yet known. Although it is a safe and effective mean of birth control, do not hesitate to discuss all the advantages and disadvantages of the method with your doctor before use of a contraceptive patch. ambertigereyes
2008-07-07 :10 when I was on the patch I had cramps and I puked a lot it was horrible Guest
2006-06-03 :20 ive been on patch for 2-3 months and get really frequent bad headaches.Guest
2006-05-02 :01 i used the patch but it left a horrible rash and made my skin red and itchy.
sometimes my breast would hurt but otherwise it seemed okGuest
2006-04-12 :35 I have been using it for over a year and have no problems with it at all. Hope that helps.Guest
2006-04-05 :59 i ve been usimg the patch 4 2 months now and i haven t had any problemsGuest
2006-03-30 :11 well i go to the doctor today and i was thinking of getting on the patch but now im unsure so if u have any suggestions of what method of birthcontrol i should use let me knowGuest
2006-03-27 :44 has anyone had a good experience.
Guest
2006-02-13 :22 I ve been using the patch for about 2 years and I have shortness of breath do anyone else have this problem email me at
2005-12-30 :27 I ve been on the patch for 2 1/2 years and when I stopped taking the patch I can not carry a baby for some reason, I have had 2 miscarrages and today I am 7 weeks preg, and the ultrasound shows no heartbeat so I believe 3 is on it s way. Has anyone else had this problem. Please email me at
Tracy.
Description. OrthoEvra is a beige-colored, transdermal contraceptive patch applied once a week to a part of a woman s body, including the abdomen, buttock, upper.
The contraceptive patch is a form of hormonal contraception. A contraceptive patch contains oestrogen and progestogen hormones.
