Do Contraceptive Patches Work?

2.02.2010 | By: S. K.

Here's everything you want to know about a contraception method which many people prefer to the pill. Do contraceptive patches work?

The greatest weakness of the patch is that it is visible. (jlp)

A contraceptive patch is a small, narrow and sticky patch that contains the same hormones as a contraceptive pill - estrogen and progestogen. The patch has many advantages: the protection against pregnancy is 99% certain, and we do not have to think of contraception every day, as in case of taking the pill. Women can bathe and go to sauna with a patch. The only deficiency is perhaps the fact that it is visible.

How do contraceptive patches work?

A patch releases through the skin a certain dose of hormones into blood every day. The hormones in the blood prevent ovulation. In the same way as pills, patches change cervical mucus so that the latter becomes thick and sticky, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus. The wall of the uterus is thinner, so there is less chance that it may accept the fertilized egg.

Patches work similarly than contraceptive pills. (jlp)

How do you use it?

You wear a patch for three weeks in a month (21 days) and you change it weekly. A patch may be placed on several parts of the body. It is important that the part of the body where the patch is put is dry, that it is not hairy and that it is exposed to water as little as possible. The patch must not be placed on breasts or on the parts where clothing is the tightest. The fear that the patch will come off is unnecessary as its glue is strong.

Advantages of the patch

A great advantage of this contraceptive method is that it has no effect on sexual pleasure. In comparison to pills, with patches, hormones are not taken orally, so the effect of contraception is not lessened in case of vomiting or diarrhoea. Menstruation is weak and cramps are less painful. The patch may alleviate symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome. Like pills, it decreases the possibility of the development of cancer of the cervix and the uterus.

Weaknesses of the patch

It is visible. The second weakness is that it causes an allergic reaction in a small percentage of women. As pills, temporary side effect may also appear, such as headaches, changes in the mood and oversensitive breasts. Vaginal bleeding while wearing a patch is also common. Although bleeding is not dangerous, it can be unpleasant.

A patch releases hormones into your blood. (jlp)

A contraceptive patch is not suitable for every woman. It is particularly not suitable for women older than 35 years of age, smokers and women who weigh over 14 stone, as well as women with high blood pressure, thrombosis or other blood diseases.

If you are healthy, you can decide tu use contraceptive patches after consulting a gynaecologist.