• How Does Birth Control Patch Work?
Types of Birth Control Methods: Birth Control Patch
How Does the Birth Control Patch Work?
The birth control patch contains the same female hormones that are in most birth control pills—estrogen and progestin—and it works in much the same way. The main difference between the birth control pill and birth control patch is how the medicine is delivered. Instead of getting the medicine in a pill, it is absorbed through your skin.
The hormones released by the patch prevent pregnancy in three ways:
- Inhibit ovulation to prevent pregnancy
- Thicken your cervical mucus to block the sperm from fertilizing your egg
- Thin the lining of your uterus to make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant itself in your uterus
The birth control patch won't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The best way to …show more content…
prevent STDs is to use a condom every time you have sex.
How Do I Use the Birth Control Patch?
During a single month you wear three patches, one for each of three weeks, and then you have a patch-free week. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to start wearing your first patch. Most women start the patch within the first five days after their period begins.
Stick one of the three patches on your stomach, upper outer arm, upper back, or buttocks every week for three consecutive weeks.
During this time, the patch will release hormones that will prevent you from getting pregnant. Once the patch is in place, you don’t have to think about it again for another week. You can shower, swim, and work out with the patch on.
When you change your patch, don’t use the same location as the last patch. Instead, vary the site where you stick each new patch. Also, never put a patch on your breasts or on cut or irritated skin.
After using the three patches for three weeks you will have a week where you don't wear a patch. This is when you will have your period. After your patch-free week, you will start over with a new patch on your regular start day.
Keep the skin where you wear your patch free from oils, lotions and powder. They can reduce the stickiness of the patch. Check your patch every day to make sure it is not loose. If you forget to replace your patch; if it falls off by accident; or if you have any concerns about its effectiveness, use a backup form of birth control such as a condom, and call your healthcare
provider.
How Does the Birth Control Patch Work?
The birth control patch contains the same female hormones that are in most birth control pills—estrogen and progestin—and it works in much the same way. The main difference between the birth control pill and birth control patch is how the medicine is delivered. Instead of getting the medicine in a pill, it is absorbed through your skin.
The hormones released by the patch prevent pregnancy in three ways:
- Inhibit ovulation to prevent pregnancy
- Thicken your cervical mucus to block the sperm from fertilizing your egg
- Thin the lining of your uterus to make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant itself in your uterus
The birth control patch won't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The best way to …show more content…
prevent STDs is to use a condom every time you have sex.
How Do I Use the Birth Control Patch?
During a single month you wear three patches, one for each of three weeks, and then you have a patch-free week. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to start wearing your first patch. Most women start the patch within the first five days after their period begins.
Stick one of the three patches on your stomach, upper outer arm, upper back, or buttocks every week for three consecutive weeks.
During this time, the patch will release hormones that will prevent you from getting pregnant. Once the patch is in place, you don’t have to think about it again for another week. You can shower, swim, and work out with the patch on.
When you change your patch, don’t use the same location as the last patch. Instead, vary the site where you stick each new patch. Also, never put a patch on your breasts or on cut or irritated skin.
After using the three patches for three weeks you will have a week where you don't wear a patch. This is when you will have your period. After your patch-free week, you will start over with a new patch on your regular start day.
Keep the skin where you wear your patch free from oils, lotions and powder. They can reduce the stickiness of the patch. Check your patch every day to make sure it is not loose. If you forget to replace your patch; if it falls off by accident; or if you have any concerns about its effectiveness, use a backup form of birth control such as a condom, and call your healthcare
provider.