How does the birth control patch work
Others prefer the pill or the ring. It might take some trial and error to find the best birth control method for you. Find out if this method of preventing pregnancy is right for you. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Why Is My Period Late?
Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. What Is the Birth Control Patch? Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News.
Smoking cigarettes while using the patch can increase a girl's risk of certain side effects, which is why health professionals advise women who use the patch not to smoke. The side effects that some women have while using the patch are similar to those experienced with the birth control pill.
These may include:. The birth control patch may be a good choice for sexually active young women who weigh less than pounds 90 kilograms and find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day or who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Not all women can — or should — use the birth control patch. In some cases, medical or other conditions make the use of the patch less effective or more risky. For example, it's not recommended for women who have had blood clots, severe high blood pressure , some cancers, certain types of migraine headaches , or diabetes with certain problems. Girls who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding bleeding that's not during their periods or who think they may be pregnant should talk to their doctors, discontinue using the patch, and use another form of birth control in the meantime.
Girls who are interested in learning more about the possible health benefits and risks of different types of birth control, including the patch, should talk to a doctor or other health professional. A doctor or a nurse practitioner must prescribe the patch. He or she will ask questions about health and family medical history, and may also do a complete physical exam, including a blood pressure measurement and a pelvic exam.
If recommending the patch, the doctor or nurse practitioner will write a prescription and give you instructions on how to use it. Those who start using the patch may be asked to return within a few months for a blood pressure measurement and to make sure that there are no problems.
After that, a doctor may recommend routine exams once or twice a year or as needed. Check your health insurance plan and what programs are available such as Planned Parenthood to get the best price. Reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD. Adolescent Medicine at Nemours Children's Health. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is the Birth Control Patch? Using the Patch It's important to apply a new patch on the same day every week to make sure that it keeps working effectively.
The patch may not prevent pregnancy if you weigh pounds or more. The patch has side effects similar to those experienced by users of oral or other hormonal types of contraception including:. Additional side effects may include yeast infections , contact lens problems, and depression. This increased level of estrogen can lead to risks such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:. Women who wish to use the birth control patch should seek additional consultation with their physician if they are experiencing any of the following medical concerns :. Ovulation usually returns within three menstrual cycles after discontinuing the patch. Pregnancy is possible when you stop using the birth control patch. The birth control patch should NOT be considered as a means for protection against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
The patch begins to work immediately, but the second form of birth control should be used during the first seven days of the first month the patch is used. It may either be the first day after your period ends or the Sunday following the start of your period. When you change your patch each week, it should be worn in a different approved location.
This keeps your skin from getting dry or irritated. If you have recently been pregnant or if you are breastfeeding , it is best to consult your physician for the best time to start using the patch.
If the patch comes off, it is best to replace it with another patch right away. If you do this within 24 hours, no backup method should be necessary. The patch should not be trimmed or altered in any way, and additional adhesives including tape should not be used to keep the patch in place.
Birth Control Patch. How does the Birth Control Patch Work? The patch prevents pregnancy in one of three ways: First, it prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries Second, it thickens the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from reaching the egg Third, it changes the lining of the uterus preventing implantation.