Birth Control Patch is one of the hormonal methods of contraception. It is a 4- Cm square plastic patch. This patch is placed directly on the skin of the woman, which in turn releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream in order to prevent pregnancy.

Function
Birth Control Patch works on the basis of hormones. Basically it contains two female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation. It does not allow the eggs to being released from the ovaries. So, if there is no egg, what sperm will fertilize, and that prevents pregnancy. It also thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm cannot reach the eggs.

Use
Like other hormonal contraceptives such as ring or pill, a birth control patch is also used on the first day of women’s menstrual period or the first Sunday after beginning of her menstrual period. Women place the patch once a week for 3 weeks at the same day to make it effective. There is no patch for fourth week to allow her menstrual cycle during this week.

Effectiveness
If the patch is placed correctly and consistently, it is effective for more than 99%. But if a girl weighs more than 90 Kilograms, it is less effective in preventing pregnancy.

Advantages
If placed correctly, it is highly effective.
You need not give any daily attention like taking pills etc.
It is very easy to use. It does require any trained doctor or nurse to implant.
It has very less side effects.
It does not disturb your sexual life.
It starts working immediately. But it is recommended that you must take a backup method of contraceptive for first week of the first month the patch is placed.
While wearing patch you can take bath, swim or exercise.
Fertility returns within 3 menstrual cycles after discontinuing this patch.

Disadvantages
You require a doctor’s prescription to buy this patch.
It does not give you protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS/HIV.
You have to apply it weekly.
It can increase exposure to estrogen that can cause other side effects.
Main points to keep in mind
While replacing your patch every week, place it on different location so that it does not harm your skin.
If the patch comes off, replace it with another patch. If it replaced within 24 hours you need not any backup method of contraception.
Once you placed the patch, it should not be moved for one week.
You should not apply the patch over any kind of skin product like cream, powder, lotion etc.
It is not recommended for the women who are suffering from high blood pressure, migraine, uncontrolled diabetes, depression, high risk of heart disease, liver disease and certain types of cancer.

You must consult your doctor if you feel any pregnancy symptoms, chest pains, and pain in your legs or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Overall, women weighing less than 90 kilograms and sexually active may consider the birth control patch as a good option to prevent themselves from pregnancy. For more articles like this, visit www.ThePatchBirthControl.com

By: Amanda Johnson

A Rundown On The Birth Control Methods
by: Robert Thatcher

ThePatchBirthControl.com offers the following article regarding the variety of birth conrol methods available.  Discuss these options with your physician to know what is best for you!

With the population boom in recent years, many countries have pushed for the use of birth control to help curb the increase in population. There are many types of birth control methods that families can use, depending on what the couple are most comfortable with.

Hormonal Methods

One of the methods of controlling birth that is available in the market is the hormonal method, which targets hormones and their effects on the body’s fertility. Some of the most common hormonal methods are the use of birth control pills and birth control shots, skin patches and the vaginal ring. This method actually works quite as it prevents the production of eggs. As a big bonus, these methods can also help relieve pain and cramps during monthly periods and can relieve heavy flows.

There are also Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that contain hormones called Minera. IUDs, however, are more expensive as they can last for years, sometimes lasting for more than 5 years. IUDs , although expensive, is highly recommended as these have 99 percent success rates. And because you only have to pay once over a period of five to 10 years, the total cost of birth control is actually much cheaper compared to other forms of birth controls. Another thing that adds to its appeal is that IUDs do not interrupt foreplay during sexual intercourse or foreplay and they do not require the cooperation of the sexual partner. It has also been found that IUDs can also be used while breastfeeding.

One disadvantage though of hormonal method besides the cost is you have to take the pills or the medications religiously. One relapse can mean ineffectiveness of the birth control method. They are also not ample protection against sexually-transmitted diseases unlike condoms and other barrier method instruments. Another disadvantage is that it can react differently when taken in with other medications. This is why people should first consult the gynecologists for medications that may affect its effectiveness.

Barrier Method

Barrier methods, on the other hand, are generally less effective than the hormonal methods although they seem to be the most widely-used especially among the younger set. Among the devices that belong to these group of birth control instruments are condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. There are also Lea’s shield and spermicides, which when used with any of the barrier devices can help increase the effectiveness by killing the sperms. Still, one advantage of barrier method is that it protects both individuals from sexually-transmitted diseases. In fact, some people use condoms not to prevent pregnancy but to prevent the spread of diseases.

Calendar method

Natural birth control methods can also be done through the calendar method. This can be tough work though for the couple. The woman must first determine the fertile periods of the month. The couple must then avoid having sex on the days that the woman is most fertile to avoid conceiving. This however is not reliable and must be calculated to the letter before it can be effective. The calendar method is actually the only method supported by the Catholic Church, which takes a pro-life stand.

Sterilization surgery

Permanent birth control methods such as vasectomy and tubal litigation surgery are also options for the couple but they must remember that they can no longer have children when they have these procedures performed on them. These methods are actually for couples who are old or those who already have children and feel that they should not have anymore.

About The Author

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides birth control resources on http://www.aboutbirthcontrol.info.

This article was posted on February 27, 2006