Are you thinking about a birth control method? Are you looking for an easier way to avoid forgetting to take your pills every day? Then you've probably heard of this birth control patch that you stick on your skin. Whether you're thinking about using it or already using it, it's important to know everything you need to know about it. So let's talk about it all in a simple, friendly way today.
Simply put, what is this birth control patch?
This is actually a small, thin patch that you stick on your skin. It contains two types of hormones that your body needs, estrogen and progestin . When you stick this patch on your skin, it gradually absorbs these hormones into your body.
The main function of these hormones is to stop the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation) . If an egg is not released, pregnancy cannot occur. To be precise, this is a very effective way to prevent pregnancy. Doctors may also sometimes recommend it for other hormone-related problems.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this patch
This is a very important point. This patch does not work for everyone. Therefore, it is important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about it.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of stroke, or blood clot problems. | This hormone patch may slightly increase the risk of blood clots and heart disease. |
| Breast, cervical, liver or uterine cancer or a history of it. | Because some types of cancer are hormone-dependent, this patch may not be suitable. |
| Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease. | These conditions can change the way hormones work in the body. |
| Severe migraine headaches. | Some women's migraines may increase with hormone use. |
| If you are a smoker (especially if you are over 35). | When smoking and hormone use are combined, the risk of blood clots and heart attack increases significantly. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. | The use of hormones is not appropriate in these cases. |
In addition to this list, tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
How exactly do you use this patch?
The method of using this is very simple, but it is important to follow it exactly.
- Choose a good place: Choose a clean, dry, healthy area of skin to apply the patch. The best places to apply the patch are the abdomen, buttocks, and the back of the upper arm, where it won't be pinched by tight clothing or rubbed frequently. Avoid the breast area.
- Prepare the skin: The area to be treated should not have any creams, lotions, or oils on it. Wash the area with soap, pat dry, and pat dry.
- How to apply: Remove the protective film from the patch, place it on the skin, and press firmly for about 10 seconds. Check to make sure the edges are firmly attached.
- Schedule: This is the most important thing.
- You should change the patch on the same day each week for 3 weeks . For example, if you start on a Sunday, take off the old one the following Sunday and put on a new one. And then do the same thing again on Sunday.
- After 3 weeks, no patch is applied for the 4th week . This week is called the "patch-free week." You may have your periods during this week.
- When that week is over, start a new cycle with a new patch.
Always read the instruction leaflet that comes with the medicine packet carefully. It may contain information that is specific to you.
What do you do if the patch comes off or you forget to put it on?
Don't worry. If the patch comes off, you can try to reapply it. If not, apply a new one. However, if you leave the patch off for more than 24 hours, its contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced. In such a case , consult your doctor immediately . You may also be advised to use another form of contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 7 days.
Other medications that may interact with this patch
This is also something to be aware of. Other medications you are taking can affect the effectiveness of this hormonal patch. This means that if you use it with such medications, the birth control effectiveness of the patch may be reduced.
Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products (such as St. John's wort) you are taking. Be especially careful about the following medications:
- Some antibiotics and antifungals
- Medicines for epilepsy or seizures
- Some medications for viral diseases such as HIV or hepatitis
- Some medicines for tuberculosis
This list is not complete, so it's best to talk to your doctor about anything you're taking.
Other things to consider when using the patch
- Regular medical checkups: While using this patch, you should have regular medical checkups, including breast exams and Pap smears.
- Avoid smoking: As we mentioned earlier, smoking while using the hormone patch is very dangerous for a woman over 35. The risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots increases dramatically.
- Sun sensitivity: This medication may make some people's skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is best to use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers the body when going out in the sun.
- Surgery: If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor in advance. You may need to temporarily stop using the patch before surgery.
- The most important thing:
- Before using this patch, tell your doctor about your complete health history and all other medications you are taking.
- If you smoke, especially if you are over 35, talk to your doctor about the risks of using this method. It is best to avoid smoking.
- Use the patch exactly as scheduled. If you miss a patch, seek medical advice immediately.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you show signs of a blood clot, stroke, or liver damage.
- Always remember that this patch only prevents pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
This birth control patch only prevents pregnancy. It does not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is essential to use a barrier method, such as a condom, for this.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious symptoms that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a Blood Clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | New or increased migraines, increased blood pressure, increased depression. |
| 🙂 Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Breast pain or tightness | Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting |
| Slight nausea | Slight weight gain |
| Slight itching or redness where the patch was applied | Dark spots on the skin on the face or sun-exposed areas |
If you think you have overdosed on a medication, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න