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The contraceptive patch is relatively safe, easy to use and, if used correctly, will bring about a fairly high contraceptive effectiveness, possibly over 95%. However, as long as you stop using the birth control patch, ovulation will return after about 3 menstrual cycles.
1. What is the contraceptive patch?
The birth control patch is a thin, beige patch about 4.5 cm long that sticks to your skin like an adhesive bandage. Once applied to your skin, the patch releases a continuous release of birth control hormones that are absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin.
Since the birth control patch contains both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone), it is considered a type of combined hormonal contraceptive. These are the same two hormones that you get when you take the other combined hormonal contraceptive (Oral Pill).
2. How the birth control patch works
First of all, estrogen and progestin work together to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. Progestins also have other contraceptive effects. It thickens your cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to get into your uterus and fallopian tubes, where it can fertilize an egg, if an egg is released.
In addition, it works to thin the lining of your uterus, making it possible for an egg to implant if it is fertilized.
Miếng dán ngừa thai có tác dụng làm mỏng niêm mạc tử cung
3. Can the birth control patch be used while breastfeeding?
If breastfeeding is going well after the first 6 weeks, you can use the contraceptive patch. However, if you're not producing as much milk as you'd like, or if your baby is having trouble feeding, the patch may not be a good choice for you, as it could reduce the amount of milk you're making.
4. The effectiveness of the birth control patch
When used correctly and consistently, patches are approximately 99% effective. This means that only about 1 out of every 100 women who use the patch as prescribed will become pregnant within the first year of use.
If you do not use the patch exactly as prescribed, for example: Simply stop using the patch and ovulation will return after about 3 menstrual cycles.
In addition, the patch may be less effective for women who weigh more than 89 kg. If you fall into this category, talk to your doctor to see if the patch is a good choice for you.
You should also remember that, while the patch is an excellent contraceptive, it does not provide any protection against HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or any other sexually transmitted infection. other (STDs). So if you or your partner are having sex with anyone else or using illegal drugs, you'll need to make sure your partner uses a condom every time you have sex. .
Miếng dán ngừa thai không cung cấp bất kỳ biện pháp bảo vệ nào chống lại HIV
5. How to use the birth control patch
You need to wait 6 weeks after giving birth before you start using the patch. This is because new mothers have a higher risk of blood clots in the first weeks postpartum, and the estrogen in the patch increases this risk even more.
The contraceptive patch is used in cycles of 4 weeks or 28 days. That is, for a period of 3 weeks, the patch must be changed once a week. By the fourth week do not use the patch and menstruation will occur. After the 4th week, a new contraceptive patch will be applied and the same procedure will be repeated. Note that the patch should not be removed during daily activities, such as bathing, swimming, exercising.
How to paste: Select dry skin areas, do not stick the contraceptive patch on the breast, the skin is red and scratched. Carefully tear the contraceptive patch condom along the edge of the condom; When applying the birth control patch on the skin, pay attention to press the drug side of the patch close to the skin, rub your finger on the patch for about 10 seconds. You can run your finger along the edge of the patch to make sure it stays firmly on the skin.
6. What happens if I forget to put on a new birth control patch as scheduled?
If you are more than 24 hours late for birth control with the patch :
If you have unprotected intercourse during this time, consider using emergency contraception to reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Put the sticker on as soon as you remember. If it's your first time using the patch, you must use another method of birth control for 7 days to prevent pregnancy.
Lần đầu sử dụng miếng dán bạn cần dùng thêm phương pháp tránh thai an toàn khác trong vòng 7 ngày
7. Side effects of the patch
The most common side effects usually appear during the first 2 to 3 months of use and may gradually disappear. These include:
Spotting or bleeding between periods Breast tenderness or swelling Skin reaction where you applied the patch Headache Nausea or vomiting Bloating and abdominal discomfort Mood changes or depression Chloasma (dark skin) ), especially if you got chloasma during pregnancy. Get medical help right away if you have a severe skin rash, feel itchy all over, notice a lump in your breast, feel depressed, or have severe mood swings.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference source: babycenter.com
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