Contraceptive patches: effect, application and safety

Effect of the contraceptive patch

The contraceptive patch is a hormonal contraceptive method. It looks like an ordinary, skin-colored patch that is stuck to the skin. It releases hormones that continuously enter the bloodstream through the skin, preventing pregnancy. Therefore, the contraceptive patch is also called “hormone patch”.

The patch works through a combination of artificial estrogen and progestin. This prevents ovulation on the one hand and the implantation of a possibly fertilized egg cell on the other. The hormones cause the mucus in the cervix to thicken, preventing the man’s sperm from penetrating.

Application of the hormone patch

The skin-colored contraceptive patch is 20 cm² in size and is placed once a week on the upper arm, stomach, back or buttocks – it can be placed anywhere except on the chest. In addition, the skin at this point should be dry, clean, healthy and hairless. You should make sure that no clothing can rub against your contraceptive patch. In the beginning you should also check daily whether it is still sticking properly.

It stays on the part of your body you have chosen for a week and is changed on the eighth day, after which you stick a new plaster on a different part of the skin to avoid skin irritation. After three weeks, there is a one-week patch break, during which you are still protected against pregnancy – but this break should not be longer than seven days.

First application of the hormone patch

When you first start using the contraceptive patch, it is usually put on between the first and fifth day of your cycle. Thus, if it is placed on the body on the first day of the period, there is immediate contraceptive protection. However, if you only stick it on between the second and fifth day of your cycle, you should also use a condom.

Contraceptive patches: safety and benefits

The contraceptive patch is comparable to the pill in terms of safety when used correctly: there is a risk of pregnancy of 0.3 to one percent with perfect use. If you deviate from “perfect application,” the risk is roughly 2.4 to 9 percent. The greatest risk is only when the application is interrupted for too long – for example after the patch break or if it falls off unnoticed. The latter rarely happens, however, as it adheres very securely to the skin.

The safety of the contraceptive patch is definitely one of the great advantages of this contraceptive method. In addition, it is very easy to use without much difficulty. In addition, in contrast to the pill, the effectiveness is not interrupted or inhibited by diarrhea or vomiting. Another plus point is the hormone absorption through the skin, which means that the liver is not stressed, as is the case with taking the pill.

Disadvantages of the contraceptive patch

Despite its safety and ease of use, there are downsides to this birth control method. Some women may find it bothersome that the patch is visible. In addition, the adhesive strips can cause skin irritation. In addition, the usual patch loses its safety with a body weight of more than 90 kg. Similar to other contraceptives, side effects such as bleeding between periods, nausea, dizziness, mood swings or sexual apathy can occur at the beginning.

The contraceptive patch also slightly increases the risk of thrombosis, individual cancers, heart attacks or strokes. If you are also taking other medications, such as antiepileptics, in addition to this contraceptive method, the contraceptive security could be reduced. If you decide to use the contraceptive patch, a consultation with your doctor is very important.

Costs

The cost of the contraceptive patch is around 40 euros for a three-month pack.