Finding the right birth control method is an important decision for many.
If you are considering using the birth control patch (or Ortho Evra), the following will help answer many questions most women have.
This patch looks similar to a plastic band-aid and is able to stick to your skin.
It is used as contraception; therefore its purpose is to assist in avoiding pregnancy.
The patch is placed on the skin once every week for up to three weeks.
After three weeks, the following week is patch-free.
This patch releases additional hormones into the body.
It contains estrogen as well as progestin (similar to the pill).
What makes the patch a good method is its ability to stop eggs from being released within the ovaries; it basically stops a woman from ovulating.
Pregnancy is impossible when the egg is unable to link with the sperm.
The patch also works to make the walls of the uterus thick to keep the egg from joining with the sperm.
The Statistics Less than 1 percent will end up getting pregnant while using the birth control patch, however, 8 percent will get pregnant when the patch is not used.
Also, the more weight you have (over 200 pounds), the less effective this product is in regards to stopping pregnancy.
There are several medications that interfere with the usefulness of the patch and they are as follows: various HIV medications, St.
John's wort, different yeast infection products, some antibiotics and various seizure medications.
And of course it doesn't protect against the HIV virus.
The Benefits The patch doesn't only prevent pregnancy, but it also provides several documented benefits: helps reduce acne; lighter menstrual flow; reduces menstrual cramps; reduces risk of ovarian cysts; reduces premenstrual symptoms such as depression and headaches.
Possible Side Effects With different birth control options, there are different side effects as well.
The side effects in regards to the patch are as follows: tender breasts, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in between periods.
The best way to determine if the patch is the right method for you is to contact your doctor and discuss your options based upon your needs.