The birth control patch contains the same hormones and is as effective as the birth control pill. But it has the advantage of not having to remember to take it every day and less chance of side effects.
Gynecologist and obstetrician Rodrigo da Rosa Filho, a specialist in human reproduction, explains that the patch is applied every seven days, for three consecutive weeks (21 days) and one week apart, for menstruation to occur. Therefore, the menstrual cycle does not change. If for some reason the person does not want to menstruate, there is the option of mending one patch on the other.
The box with three stickers (for a month) costs around 80 to 90 reais and is sold in pharmacy. But before you buy, there needs to be a professional referral.
According to the doctor, there is no maximum term for the use of the contraceptive patch. And when you stop applying it, fertility returns and the woman can get pregnant normally.
How does it work and who is it for?
Is the contraceptive patch a patch? which is placed on the skin in a region that will not appear so as not to be exposed. And it gradually releases hormones, which are absorbed through the skin. "These hormones, unlike the common pill, are not absorbed in the stomach, which reduces discomfort like nausea," explains the gynecologist.
The composition of the patch is basically two types of hormones: ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin. Therefore, it is indicated for any woman who has no contraindications to the use of combined hormonal contraceptives.
Read also: 38 Contraceptive Questions Answered by Gynecologists
How is the adhesive used?
It is the woman herself who glues the contraceptive patch. "It's very simple, like sticking a band aid," says the doctor.
He also explains that every seven days this sticker should be discarded and a new one should be glued. “You can take a shower quietly, without fear of the sticker coming off. If this happens, it is best to switch to the next sticker. But if you take off often, then this should not be the method you use? He says. It may also happen that the person develops an allergy to the patch, which shows that it has a contraindication to the method.
And, according to the trader, if the person forgets the day of change, there is a 24-hour safety margin, ensuring that a new sticker is placed in this period without compromising protection. Over a longer period, especially if they are the first two adhesives, the effectiveness is reduced. "You can even put a new patch on, but it is ideal to use condoms in all relationships until the end of the cycle, because the risk is higher."
Possible side effects
Gynecologist Rodrigo da Rosa Filho also explains that due to the lower metabolism in the liver, the side effects of the patch are also minor. "But there is a chance of increased risk of thrombosis in those who do not use any contraceptive method," he says. It may also cause other problems, such as:
- Fluid retention
- Nausea
- Unwell
- Thrombosis
- Blood pressure
But, according to the doctor, in all these cases the incidence is lower than in the use of the pill.
Read also: How to choose the best contraceptive
Even if it is a patch, the indication must take into account the hormone, regardless of the means by which it will be absorbed by the body. Therefore, those who have some kind of intolerance cannot use it.
The contraceptive patch is also not indicated in cases of predisposition to thrombosis, liver problems, diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension and smoking.
Birth Control Pills (April 2024)
- Contraceptive Methods, Prevention and Treatment
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