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Birth Control Patch is one of the hormonal methods of contraception. It is a 4-' Cm square plastic patch. This patch is placed directly on the skin of the woman, which in turn releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream in order to prevent pregnancy.

Function

Birth Control Patch works on the basis of hormones. Basically it contains two female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation. It does not allow the eggs to being released from the ovaries. So, if there is no egg, what sperm will fertilize, and that prevents pregnancy. It also thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm cannot reach the eggs.

Use

Like other hormonal contraceptives such as ring or pill, a birth control patch is also used on the first day of women's menstrual period or the first Sunday after beginning of her menstrual period. Women place the patch once a week for 3 weeks at the same day to make it effective. There is no patch for fourth week to allow her menstrual cycle during this week.

Effectiveness

If the patch is placed correctly and consistently, it is effective for more than 99%. But if a girl weighs more than 90 Kilograms, it is less effective in preventing pregnancy.

Advantages

' If placed correctly, it is highly effective.
' You need not give any daily attention like taking pills etc.
' It is very easy to use. It does require any trained doctor or nurse to implant.
' It has very less side effects.
' It does not disturb your sexual life.
' It starts working immediately. But it is recommended that you must take a backup method of contraceptive for first week of the first month the patch is placed.
' While wearing patch you can take bath, swim or exercise.
' Fertility returns within 3 menstrual cycles after discontinuing this patch.

Disadvantages

' You require a doctor's prescription to buy this patch.
' It does not give you protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS/HIV.
' You have to apply it weekly.
' It can increase exposure to estrogen that can cause other side effects.
' Main points to keep in mind
' While replacing your patch every week, place it on different location so that it does not harm your skin.
' If the patch comes off, replace it with another patch. If it replaced within 24 hours you need not any backup method of contraception.
' Once you placed the patch, it should not be moved for one week.
' You should not apply the patch over any kind of skin product like cream, powder, lotion etc.
' It is not recommended for the women who are suffering from high blood pressure, migraine, uncontrolled diabetes, depression, high risk of heart disease, liver disease and certain types of cancer.

You must consult your doctor if you feel any pregnancy symptoms, chest pains, and pain in your legs or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Overall, women weighing less than 90 kilograms and sexually active may consider the birth control patch as a good option to prevent themselves from pregnancy.

Find more information visit: http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/birth-control-patch.htm