Contraceptive patch

Means and ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies in our time abound. Which option to choose? In this issue will help a gynecologist. He will appoint the right remedy in accordance with the physiological characteristics, the tolerance of the woman's body to certain preparations.

A contraceptive is a common contraceptive. It is a square patch with rounded corners, 5x5 cm in size. The principle of action is as follows: the adhesive is adhered to the skin of the abdomen, buttock or forearm. After this, hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are released. They are similar to the natural hormones of a woman's ovaries.

Contraceptive patches can be purchased in any pharmacy network without a doctor's prescription. However, a preliminary specialist consultation is required.

Is the contraceptive patch effective?

The effect of using this contraceptive depends on the correct adherence to the instructions for use, the intensity of sex, the age of a woman. The percentage of protection from unwanted pregnancy is very high - 99%, provided that the accompanying annotation is followed. Incorrect use, respectively, significantly increases the risk of becoming pregnant. It should be noted such a factor: women weighing more than 90 kg have a lesser degree of protection.

Principle of action of a plaster

The contraceptive patch refers to hormonal contraception. The necessary dose of hormones penetrates the body through the skin. Their action is similar to the contraceptive pill. There is a process of inhibition of the release of the egg from the ovaries into the uterus. In other words, the process of ovulation stops. In addition, secreted hormones help to form mucus on the cervix. The process contributes to the difficulty of penetration of spermatozoa into the body of a woman. Also, the action of the patch is aimed at thinning the uterine walls, which prevents the attachment of a fertilized egg.

Contraindications to the use of contraceptive

The contraceptive patch has contraindications for use: smoking, age over 35 years, heavy weight, the use of certain medicines, thrombosis, vascular and heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, gallbladder and liver diseases. Therefore, the use of a hormonal patch requires consultation with a doctor.

Contraceptive benefits

The contraceptive patch has its advantages:

• You can stick it only once a week;
• Easy to use, does not cause discomfort;
• Optimizes the menstrual cycle;
• Reduces the risk of diseases of ovarian cancer, uterus;
• Reduces the risk of ovarian cysts, benign breast tumors.

Contraceptive patch. Its shortcomings

In some cases, the use of contraceptive patches can lead to negative reactions:

• Increased blood pressure;
• Irritation of the skin;
• headache;
• Nausea;
• Mood swings;
• Tenderness of the mammary glands.

In addition, he is not able to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Side effects

Side effects when using the contraceptive patch are rare. However, you should read them. A very small percentage of women may develop a blood clot. The risk of thrombosis rises with a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, extra pounds of weight.

It is necessary to see a doctor immediately if symptoms occur: chest pain, coughing with blood, difficulty breathing, weakness, numbness in the extremities, severe dizziness, visual impairment, eye yellowness.

Long-term use of any contraceptive requires specialist supervision. It is often necessary to visit a gynecologist in order to avoid health problems.