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Many women are discovering the advantages of choosing the birth control patch as their preferred method of contraception. The birth control patch is a thin square patch that is adhered to the skin, much like a band-aid. It’s left on for an entire week at which time the patch is replaced with a new one. When it is time to replace the birth control patch it’s placed in a different spot than the previous one. This is done for a period of three weeks. On the fourth week no patch is applied to the skin and the woman has her period.
Just as birth control pills contain hormones, the birth control patch also contains hormones. The hormones are absorbed through the skin’s surface and into the blood stream. The purpose of the hormones is to regulate the reproductive system so that ovulation does not occur. Some women are a bit wary about using the birth control patch because they are concerned that it might come off while they are bathing or swimming. The patch is actually designed to be worn full-time even during activities where the body is wet or exerted.
If the birth control patch does come off it is very important to refer to the literature that came with the product. In it will be suggestions about what to do and also it will strongly suggest that another form of birth control be practiced in the interim. The birth control patch is not a method of treating or preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Its sole purpose is to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Therefore it’s still advisable for a couple to use a condom to prevent the spread of any sexual diseases.
Most forms of contraception that involve the use of hormones have side effects and the same is true with a birth control patch. Some of the side effects can include weight gain, spotting in between periods, headaches and nausea. Other side effects that have been attributed to the use of the birth control patch are difficulty wearing contact lenses and a small rash where the patch was applied. In any case of side effects if they become severe it is important to check with your physician.
Although the birth control patch is not right for every woman it is an effective and safe form of contraception. When you do decide to talk to your doctor about birth control ask him or her what their opinion is on the birth control patch and from there you can make an informed decision about what is right for you.
www.kidshealth.org Read this article to learn what the birth control patch is, how well it works...
www.fwhc.org Birth-Control-Comparison.Info provides empowering pro-choice information comparing various methods of birth control available in the United States...
www.americanpregnancy.org The birth control patch is a form of hormonal contraception...