Birth control methods have evolved over the ages to increase in effectiveness and convenience. The birth control patch is yet another kind of birth control method that can prevent unwanted pregnancy.
A birth control patch (or Ortho Evra or Evra patch) is a patch which can be stuck to your body to help in preventing pregnancy.
The Ortho Evra birth control patch has been recently replaced by a Xulane patch due to a change in the manufacturing company.
Please note that there are other birth control methods also available like vaginal patches and birth control pills. If you are looking for an effective birth control option, it is advisable to speak to your doctor who will prescribe the birth control patch which is most suitable for you.
If you’re baffled on how the contraceptive patch works, here’s the answer. This birth control contraceptive patch works by releasing hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) like other birth control methods and preventing pregnancy. The hormones are absorbed through the skin. The patch stops ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix. The thick mucus makes it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.
When you are using the patch, you will not be able to see any change in it, or feel it working. However, rest assured that it is continuously releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into your blood. To keep it working effectively, you need to change the patch each week for three weeks. You also need to remember to start the next cycle of patches after the fourth patch-free week.
To use a birth control patch, you need to first decide where to put the birth control patch on your body. The patch can be stuck on clean, dry skin, like the outer arm, stomach or back.
You should peel half of the plastic liner and avoid touching the sticky side of the patch. The sticky side should be applied to the body part which you have chosen, and then the liner needs to be peeled off. This sums up how to apply birth control patch easily on your own.
Ensure the area of skin you choose is clean and dry. The patch should not be applied if there is any skin irritation.
This patch should be applied on the skin once in a week for three weeks. It should be removed in the fourth week, which is when you have your period. After seven patch-free days, you can apply a new one.
It is important to apply the new patch at the end of the patch-free week, else it increases the risk of pregnancy. You may still be bleeding or spotting by the time you put on the new patch, which is normal. In case you want to skip your periods then you may skip the patch-free week and start a new month of patches.
You may start using the patch any day in the month. However, the effectiveness depends on when you start using the patch, hence initially you may use a backup birth control method. If you start using the patch within the first 5 days of your periods, then it starts working right away and you will not need to use a backup birth control method. You can start using the patch any day of the cycle.
You should put on a new patch on the same day each week. The patch should be checked to make sure that it is in place.
If the patch is applied correctly for the three weeks, it can be more the 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The effectiveness of the birth control patch depends upon the correct application of the patch which allows the release of the hormones in the body in the correct manner.
As per statistics by Planned Parenthood:
This birth control method is less effective for overweight women and for those who are taking other medication or supplements. You should consult your doctor about the medications to see if they will affect the patch. The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections so a condom should be used to reduce the risk of such infections.
Ortho Evra is a contraceptive patch which is a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation. Some side effects of the contraceptive patch are:
Please note that side effects are rare, and not all women experience them. You should consult your doctor if you find any serious side effects like:
Although most women can use the patch, there are some risks associated with this form of contraception. These risks are rare and are mostly caused by other medical conditions or medications that you may be taking.
Women should not use this patch if:
There are a lot of contraception options available today. However, while evaluating the right option for you, you should consider a few things like –
The birth control patch does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Any couple who is having sex must use a condom (male or female) alongside the patch for protection against STDs. The best part of using a condom is that they also prevent pregnancy, so it is like using two methods of birth control.
If you decide to get pregnant, then you have to just stop using the birth control patch. The fertility returns as soon as the patch is removed, typically within a few weeks. In some cases, though, it may take a few months as well.
After discontinuing with the birth control patch, you may start using a condom. It is advisable to wait for one menstrual cycle before you start trying to conceive.
It is important that you consult your doctor before you start trying.
You should also have some dosage of folic acid (400 mg) every day, at least one month in advance, before you start trying.
The patch when used correctly is a highly effective method of contraception. However, its effectiveness can go down if you fail to use it properly.
Following are a few guidelines to help you in case you forget to apply your patch (depending on which week in your cycle you are in):
Here are a few frequently asked questions about birth control patches.
If you are breastfeeding and all is going well for the initial six weeks, it is alright to use the birth control patch. However, if you are not able to produce as much milk as you would like or are facing issues in nursing the baby, then you should avoid using the patch, as this may reduce the amount of milk that you will produce.
If the birth control patch falls off or becomes loose, you should remove it and replace it with a new patch. If the patch has been removed for more than 24 hours, then you are not protected during this time and need to use an alternate form of contraception for the next seven days after the new patch is applied.
If the patch has been removed for more than 24 hours and you have had unprotected intercourse during the time, then you should use emergency contraception to decrease the risk of pregnancy.
Usually a woman gets her periods within two to three days after the patch has been removed. Some experience scanty bleeding.
Some women may skip the period altogether. If you been using the patch as per directions and you still skip the periods, there is no need to panic. You should just apply a new patch as per schedule.
However, if you miss two periods consecutively or miss a period when you have not used the patch correctly, you may be pregnant. You should call your doctor before applying the next patch and use an alternate contraceptive in the meantime.
You can change the area to apply the patch every week. It helps to keep changing the location of the patch.
As long as you do not develop a problem with the patch which would require you to stop using it, there is no medical reason to stop using it or take a break. You may stop using it if you switch to another reliable contraceptive method.
Yes, there are some medications and supplements which may reduce the effectiveness of the birth control patch. Some of them include antibiotics like Rifampin, Rifampicin, and Rifamate and a few anti-seizure medicines. Also, hormonal contraceptives may lessen the potency of other drugs. You should always inform your doctor about the patch when required.
You also need to tell the doctor prescribing the patch about other medications and supplements that you take. Mostly, medications, including routine antibiotics, will not reduce the effectiveness of the patch. However, if you are required to take medication which may interfere with the contraceptive action, then you can opt for an alternate method of contraception.
Yes, you can. The patches are generally waterproof and do not lose their potency in water. They can be used while swimming, bathing or showering and their effect will not decrease.
Birth control patches are effective only when used the right way with proper care and dedication. For the best results, it is best to consult your doctor before making this your primary choice of contraception.