How do contraceptive patches work? What's the price? Are they effective? How do I store the patch correctly? Where should you stick it? Do contraceptive patches affect your he alth in any way? Find the answers to these frequently asked questions about transdermal contraception.
The contraceptive patchesare considered a better method of contraception than the pill because they are not administered via the ingestion. Thus, they bypass the liver and put less strain on this organ. One of the disadvantages of contraceptive patches, however, is their price - the monthly cost of using them is higher than in the case of contraceptive pills. There is also a risk that the patch will peel off.
1. How does the contraceptive patch work?
Transdermal contraception is a method of delivering hormones through the skin. Hormones are released systematically, thanks to which their concentration remains constant. The result is a high level of protection against pregnancy, no hormone jumps (i.e. no side effects such as headache or breast pain) and good tolerance.
2. How effective is the contraceptive patch?
The effectiveness of each contraceptive method is checked using the so-called Pearl Index. It tells you how many women (out of 100 respondents) got pregnant using a given method. For contraceptive patches, assuming method error and perfect use by the user, this index is 0.4. However, taking into account the error of the method and the user, it is 0.76. This rate is very low, which means that the patches are a highly effective method of contraception. This favorable result is influenced by the frequency of patch changes - application once a week significantly reduces the possibility of making a mistake by the user.
3. How to use the contraceptive patches to be effective?
From the point of view of the effectiveness of the transdermal method, it is very important to properly prepare the skin. Make sure that the skin on which the patch will be applied is degreased (e.g. with an alcohol solution), dry, clean, he althy and hairless.
In the place where you want to stick the patch, it's better not to use any creams, lotions, ointments or topical medications. This also applies to cosmetics containing oils (e.g. argan), shea butter andothers that may make the patch sticky less well. Properly prepared skin gives us confidence that the patch will stick well.
This will be useful to youHow much do contraceptive patches cost?
The price of 3 contraceptive patches is about PLN 40-50.
What should you know about contraception?
4. Where should the contraceptive patch be applied?
The contraceptive patch can be applied to one of three places on the skin: on the arm, stomach or buttocks. It is important not to stick the patch twice in the same place. This does not mean that you have to change the part of the body each time - it is enough to stick it a few centimeters lower, higher or next to it. Sticking the patch on is very simple - hold the patch with a warm and dry hand for at least 30 seconds, and after a week peel off and put on a new one.
5. How to store the contraceptive patches?
When using the patches, it is also important to store them. A dry and dark place is recommended. The slices must not be refrigerated or frozen.
6. Does the contraceptive patch affect your he alth?
The hormones in the patch are absorbed directly through the skin, so digestive system disturbances (such as vomiting or diarrhea) do not reduce the effectiveness of this method of contraception. In addition, transdermal contraception can improve the condition of the skin or hair, because the contraceptive patch contains hormonal components with anti-androgenic effect, which lower the level of testosterone.
In addition, the innovative transdermal patch allows you to regulate and control the menstrual cycle. Due to the low content of estrogens and the constant level of hormones supplied to the body, menstrual bleeding is not too heavy.
It is also worth knowing that this form of hormonal contraception prevents the formation of cysts on the ovaries or the multiplication of cancer cells.
According to an expertBarbara Grzechocińska, MD, PhD, obstetrician gynecologist, assistant professor at the 1st Department and Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of WarsawPain and bleeding while using the Evra contraceptive patch
I have been using Evra contraceptive patches for two weeks. For several days I have had strong pains in my lower abdomen and strong cramps that end in bleeding, I also have spotting all the time. Is this normal? I have never used any contraception and I don't know if I should see my doctor.
If there is pain, it is better to contact a doctor. It may be a symptom of endometriosis, and then the IUD with the hormone for 3 years will be better. It can also be a symptom of inflammation under the influenceemerging spotting. Either way, aches and pains and severe cramps need to be cleared up by a doctor. If you only had spotting, sometimes it may appear when you start contraception, but it should reduce completely in the first 3 months.