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The Birth Control Patch

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When it comes to birth control, women seem to have all the options. Men have the choice of using methods that rely on self-control and awareness, various brands and ?flavors? of condoms, or getting snipped. For women, on the other hand, selecting a methods of contraception can be about as complex and detail-driven as choosing a dress for some formal gathering where she wants to make an impression. There are the pills and patches that release a variety of hormones that make the body think it is already pregnant, which ironically prevents an actual pregnancy from happening. There are a number of devices available for women that function in the same way as condoms do for men, though methods that rely on self-control are much less common. However, recent news may have helped take off at least one option from women's birth control menus.

The Ortho Evra patch, which is basically a patch that releases the same batch of hormones into the body that a pill does, has recently been found to have a potentially fatal side effect. While the Food and Drug Administration has long ignored the possibility that the patch can cause potentially fatal blood clots in some women, there have been a number of reports that appeared to counter this belief. The prominence of some recent cases of this happening has prompted a reexamination of the scientific data. According to a popular urban legend regarding the patch, the hormones that it releases can force blood clots to form in the body. The legend goes on to say that this has led to the death of a number of women, who have all had operations to remove the blood clots in their brains. Supposedly, the clots blocked proper circulation to the brain, and that the hormones kept forming the clots.

The reality is notably different from the legend, but there are enough similarities to constitute a reasonable level of worry. The patch does release hormones that can cause the clots to form, but unlike in the legend, this is not a constant occurrence. The hormones do not continually cause clots to form, which means that women who use them are not always at risk. Another detail is that, while the clots can cause damage to the body, they are not lethal in all situations. Finally, the legend attributes the death of various women to the clots caused by the patch, but this claim is easily disputable. While investigators have found the names of the women in the stories to be real, there is no way to verify what they died of and whether or not they used birth control patches because of medical privacy laws.

However, the recent ruling by the FDA for Ortho Evra patches to have warnings on them stems from a single case, where the doctors did verify that the hormones the patches released could have caused complications. The procedure was a delicate one that required operating on some sensitive areas of the human brain, and that the blood clots increased the risk of a surgical mistake becoming a fatal one. It is noted that the pill does not pose the same risks as a patch, mainly because the patches expose the body to up to 60% more estrogen than the pill would. In theory, this is what causes the increased clot formation.

The Birth Control Patch

There are many forms of contraception available today. Hormonal birth control like contraceptive pills are the most popular but also the most tedious to take. IUDs, although convenient since they can last for five to ten years after insertion, carry serious risks like infertility. Cervical caps and diaphragms, on the other hand, rely on correct placement rather than preventing ovulation and fertilization. If you want to try an effective and convenient form of birth control, you can opt to use contraceptive patches.

The birth control patch is another form of hormonal birth control. It uses the same hormones found in oral contraceptive pills but is administered through the skin rather than the mouth. A week's worth of estrogen and progesterone are contained in the 4.5-centimeter square beige adhesive patch. Sold under the brand Ortho-Evra, the birth control patch's growing popularity is often attributed to several key advantages that make it a viable contraceptive option.

Advantages of using a birth control patch

* Convenience

The patch is good for a week. Since it only needs to be replaced once a week, there is no need to maintain a strict daily schedule similar to pill package cycles.

* Ease of use

The patch is usually attached to the woman's abdomen, upper arms, upper torso, or buttocks by means of a built-in adhesive. The hormones in the patch seep through the skin to the bloodstream without the pain of injections or hassles of taking pills.

* Effectiveness

Using a birth control patch guarantees a 95% success in preventing pregnancies. This means that with correct and consistent use of the patch, only five women out of 100 will get pregnant.

However, as effective as birth control patch is in preventing pregnancy, it still relies on consistent and correct use. Below is a guide on using birth control patches:

Using a birth control patch

1. Apply the patch on the first day of your menstrual cycle.

Like most methods of hormonal birth control, the patch must be used in sync with your menstrual cycle. Stick the patch on any of the following areas: upper arm, abdomen, upper torso, or buttocks. It is advisable to stick the patch to areas that more most infrequently exposed to minimize chances of peeling off. Also ensure that the area to be covered by the patch is free of any cut, lesions, or rashes.

2. Wear the patch even when doing daily activities.

Do not remove the patch unless the week is over and it is time to change it again. You can do normal activities like swimming, bathing, and others without ruining the patch. Just avoid scrubbing the patch-covered area too much.

3. Change the patch weekly for three weeks.

You will need a new patch weekly for three weeks. Do not apply the patch on the spot of the previous patch as this can lead to irritation. Remember to change the patch on the same day every week to ensure a balance cycle. For example, if you applied your first patch on Monday, all succeeding patches must be applied on a Monday too.

4. Go patch-free on the fourth week.

On your fourth week, forego using the patch to allow your body to have a period. Resume using the patch on the first week of your next cycle. Remember not to reposition the patch after you have applied it since doing so loosens the adhesive.

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About Author

Both Harvey D. Ong & Kristine Gonzaga are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Harvey D. Ong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Health and Birth Control. Harvey Ong is a part-time medical researcher and a former Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. He is currently playing blackjack professionally in Reno,Nevada.Choose Variety of High Quality Medicines at. Harvey D. Ong's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.

Kristine Gonzaga has sinced written about articles on various topics from Getting Pregnant, Health and Birth Control. Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. is a reputable online drug store. From. Kristine Gonzaga's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

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