The Patch

If you detest taking and remembering to take contraceptive pills every day, then the patch is probably for you. Like the Pill, the patch is a hormonal method of preventing pregnancies minus the pill intake. The patch contains the same hormones, progesterone and estrogen, which will put off ovulation in female eggs. It will not let the ovaries release a mature egg, and thus prevent male sperm from fertilizing an ovum. Additionally, these hormones in the patch will serve to thicken the cervical mucus preventing the entry of male sperm up into the female’s womb. Thus, the Patch can offer almost a 99% effectiveness rating in the control or pregnancy if properly used.

Moreover, the contraceptive patch may be an effective birth control option but for the protection against sexually transmitted diseases and yeast infections, the contraceptive patch is not reliable.

The typical patch looks like a square plastic bandage that is usually applied on the female’s abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, and/or upper torso. The contraceptive patch should be in place before sexual intercourse happens. However, you must remember to change the contraceptive patch every week for continuous run of three weeks. Still, this weekly change of patch is better than daily intake of the Pill.

The contraceptive patch is not for every woman. Since hormones are concerned, a prospective user must first check with her doctor or nurse if she is a good candidate. Since it is similar to the Pill, the side effects of nausea, headaches, dizziness, and blood clots are commonly seen among the Patch users. Therefore, women who have history of blood clot development must refrain from using this type of contraceptive. Also, breastfeeding or pregnant mothers should avoid using hormonal methods such as the Patch.

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