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):
The city’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme for stray dogs is a farce, claimed an animal rights’ activist who filed a Right to Information (RTI) query on the subject.
Seven in 10 Filipinos would defy the powerful Roman Catholic church and elect a president who supported the use of condoms and pills for birth control, according to survey released Friday.
While previous studies had pointed out several complications with birth control pills, a new study says these pills can extend the lives of women taking them.
Taking "the pill" won't increase a woman's risk of death -- in fact, oral contraceptive users may live longer, researchers say. Birth control - Health - Reproductive health - Hormonal Contraceptives - Oral
March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Birth-control pills may lead to longer lives for women, according to a 40-year study that showed users were less likely to die of heart disease, cancer or a range of other medical ailments.
March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. , the world’s largest generic-drug maker, sued Mylan Inc. to prevent it from selling copies of the LoSeasonique and Seasonique birth-control pills.
A Canadian law firm has expanded its array of class-action lawsuits against the maker of the widely prescribed birth-control pill known as Yaz or Yasmin, alleging the drug caused serious health complications for some of the women who took it.
A Saskatchewan-based law firm has launched class-action lawsuits against the maker of the widely-prescribed birth control pills known as Yaz and Yasmin, but Bayer Inc. maintains the drugs are safe.