The Patch
The best hormonal contraception out there!
Basic Background Info
The birth control patch was introduced in 2002. It is a small square patch that looks like a band-aid. It sticks to the skin and gradually releases hormones to prevent women from becoming impregnated. The women puts on a new patch once a week, for three weeks in a row, and then has one week without a patch. It is highly effective with approximately six of one hundred women becoming pregnant in a year typical use. You must have prescription in order to use the patch. It is very easy to use, making it more desirable to some women who have difficulty swallowing pills. Unlike the pill, you only have to think about the patch once a week. With the patch you can still go in water. You can swim, shower and go in hot tubs.
How does the patch work?
This type of birth control contains the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. When the body absorbs these chemicals, they block the ovaries and prevent the body from having the ability to become pregnant. In addition, they also thicken the cervix mucus in order to keep out sperm.
The disadvantages of the patch
The birth control patch does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. There are also a variety of side effects with the patch including skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, bleeding between periods and tender breasts. The patch also has a risk of causing a stroke or heart attack. The women who commonly have problems with the patch are the women over 35, the women with high blood sugar and cholesterol, and the women with diabetes.