The birth control patch works like the traditional pill, but in this case, the hormones estrogen and progestogen are absorbed by the skin, protecting up to 99% against pregnancy, provided it is used correctly.
For correct use, just stick the patch on the skin on the 1st day of menstruation and change it after 7 days, sticking it somewhere else. After using 3 consecutive patches, an interval of 7 days should be taken, then put a new patch on the skin.
- One brand of this type of contraceptive is Evra.
- Which can be purchased at any conventional pharmacy with a prescription from a gynecologist.
- This product has an average price of 50 to 80 reais per box of 3 patches.
- Which is enough for a month of contraception.
To use the birth control patch, you should peel off the back of the patch and stick it to your arms, back, lower abdomen, or buttocks, and it is recommended to avoid the breast area, as the absorption of hormones in this area can cause pain.
When pasting the sticker, it is also important to make sure that it is in an easily accessible and visible place, to allow its integrity to be verified daily. This type of adhesive has a good implantation and therefore does not usually come off easily even during the bath, but it is good to be able to see it daily. You should avoid placing it in places where there are folds of skin or where clothing is tight to avoid wrinkles or wrinkles.
Before sticking the patch on the skin, make sure the skin is clean and dry. No cream, gel or lotion should be applied to the adhesive to avoid peeling. However, he does not go to the bathroom and it is possible to go to the beach, the pool and swim with him.
For those who have not used any other contraceptive method, they must wait until the 1st day of the period to stick the patch on the skin. Anyone who wants to stop taking the contraceptive pill can stick the patch on the day after taking the last pill in the pack, before their period starts.
Menstruation may become irregular within the first 2 months of using this contraceptive patch, but it tends to normalize later.
The contraceptive patch is very effective because it releases hormones into the bloodstream that prevent ovulation, in addition to thickening the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus, greatly reducing the chances of pregnancy. The contraceptive patch is very effective because it releases hormones into the bloodstream that prevent ovulation, in addition to thickening the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus, greatly reducing the chances of pregnancy.
Menstruation should decrease during the bye week, when patches are not worn.
The main advantage of using the birth control patch is not having to take medication every day and the main drawback is that overweight women should not use it, as the accumulation of fat under the skin makes it difficult to penetrate hormones into the blood, committing their effectiveness. . See table below:
If the patch comes off the skin for more than 24 hours, a new patch should be applied immediately and a condom used for 7 days.
The patch does not lose its effectiveness before 9 days of use, so if you forget to change the patch on the 7th day, you can change it as soon as you remember it as long as it does not exceed 2 days a day. change.
The effects of the patch are the same as those of the pill, including skin irritation, vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, dark patches on the skin, nausea, vomiting, breast pain, cramps, abdominal pain , nervousness, depression, dizziness, hair loss, and increased vaginal infections. Also, like any hormonal therapy, the patch can cause changes in appetite and hormonal imbalances that facilitate weight gain and cause women to gain weight.