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A child born into the world should be expected and given love. If you do not plan pregnancy at this time, you should use effective contraception. Hormonal contraception is the best chance of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy. This includes the use of contraceptive patches.
Contraceptive patches – properties
The patches work in the same way as the contraceptive pill. The inside of the patch is coated with a substance with hormones that pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. The only difference between them and the pills is that the hormones in the pills pass through the stomach and liver. So the patches are safer for a woman’s health.
The mechanism of action is as follows:
- the pituitary gland does not stimulate the ovary to mature eggs,
- inhibits ovulation,
- changes the composition of mucus in the cervix to make it difficult for sperm to move,
- inhibits the growth of the uterine mucosa,
- hinders the movement of the cilia in the fallopian tube to keep the egg.
So it is a comprehensive protection against pregnancy.
How to use the contraceptive patches?
They are prescription. A gynecologist examines the patient and orders laboratory tests that indicate her health condition. Subsequent tests are performed after 2 months of using the patches, and the next – every 3 months. Thus, the patient’s health is regularly monitored.
The slices are 4 × 4 cm. They are glued to dry skin on the arms or stomach, or on the buttocks. Every week, at the same time, the patch should be replaced with a new one, sticking it in a slightly different place. After three weeks, you need to take a one-week break, and then a new cycle begins.
The patches are stuck firmly enough to allow you to swim, shower, etc. If they detach for less than 24 hours, you can put them on again. If it is longer, you will need to put on a new patch and start the countdown of a new cycle.
How to use the contraceptive patches is explained in detail in this leaflet.
Before choosing the type of contraception, it is a good idea to do a genetic test A conscious woman before contraception. Certain gene mutations may affect the safety of a particular contraceptive method, and this test will help to identify them. This way your doctor can choose the type of contraception that is best for you.
Side effects
One of the effects of using hormonal contraception may be a decrease in libido.
Other undesirable symptoms include:
- soreness and swelling of the breasts,
- gaining weight,
- chloasma on the face (yellow-brown spots),
- headaches,
- spotting from the genital tract,
- sensitivity to light,
- vaginal dryness
- depressed mood.
These symptoms do not occur in all women, and they do not appear all at once. Importantly, the use of patches does not reduce fertility after stopping contraception. If there are no health obstacles, women get pregnant without any problems.
Contraceptive patches – reviews
Opinions about contraceptive patches are mainly about effectiveness. It turns out that the conducted observations have shown that this is a very effective method. Three out of 100 women using this method for 10 years had an unplanned pregnancy. Despite positive opinions, not everyone uses the contraceptive patches as a convenient method of contraception. Some patients complain of weight gain, decreased libido and vaginal dryness.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.