Birth control is always a hot topic these days, and I thought you guys might like a little background information about the birth control patch, another method of contraception. Editor
Advantages of the Birth Control Patch
Many women are discovering the advantages of choosing the birth control patch as their method of
contraception.
What does the birth control patch look like?
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.
How does it work?
Just as birth control pills contain hormones, the birth control patch does as well. 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 doesn’t occur.
Some women are a bit wary about trying 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 patch does happen to fall off it’s really important to refer to the literature that came with it. 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.
Attention:
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 illness.
Most forms of contraception that involve the use of hormones have side effects. The same is true with the 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’s important to check with your physician.
Although the birth control patch isn’t 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.
Random excerpt from other pregnancy articles on this site (click the link to read the full article):
Birth Control info on Yahoo:
Birth Control Messes With Monkey BusinessThe powerful hormones in birth-control drugs change how lemurs smell, radically altering the subtle chemical cues that guide their attraction and communication.
Should Birth Control Pill Be Sold Over Counter?The FDA approved a prescription-only birth control pill for women 50 years ago, and some women no feel it should be available without prescription.
Hormonal Birth Control Alters Scent Communication In PrimatesHormonal contraceptives change the ways captive ring-tailed lemurs relate to one another both socially and sexually, according to a Duke University study that combined analyses of hormones, genes, scent chemicals and behavior.Contraception alters the chemical cues these scent-reliant animals use to determine genetic fitness, relatedness and individuality. And, as a sort of double whammy to birth ...
FDA Approves New, Permanent Birth Control MethodUntil recently, women looking for permanent birth control had to have surgery to have their tubes tied. But a new technique just approved by the Food and Drug Administration offers permanent birth control without an operation, CBS station KCNC-TV reports.
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Interest Groups Lobby For, Against Inclusion Of Birth Control On List Of No-Cost Preventive ServicesInterest groups are seeking to influence the Obama administration's decision on whether to include birth control on the supplemental list of women's preventive services that health insurers will be required to cover without out-of-pocket costs for the consumer, CQ Weekly reports (Ethridge, CQ Weekly, 7/26). The new health reform law (PL 111-148) requires insurers to provide coverage of a range ...
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A leap forward in addiction awareness and controlA study by a team of researchers at Bangor University has designed and tested two programs that help problem drinkers curb their alcohol abuse. The study shows positive results after drinkers have followed either the Alcohol Attention-Control Training Program or the Life Enhancement and Advancement Program.
Anne Rice leaves ChristianityNEW YORK - AUTHOR Anne Rice has had a religious conversion: She's no longer a Christian. 'In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control,' the author wrote on Wednesday on her Facebook page. 'In the name of... Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.' Ms Rice, 68, is best known for 'Interview With a Vampire ...
Should health plans offer free birth control?This fall, the health care overhaul will require new health plans to begin providing a range of preventive health services at no cost to patients. Should contraception be included? Birth control - Health care - United States - Health - Politics
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