The Advantages and Disadvantages of Birth Control Patches

Patches have hit the health scene like a tidal wave. The latest fads in health have been attributed to these clear or dark stickers neatly stuck on a certain part of the body. There are patches that stop the advancement of cellulite, those that help stop smoking urges, and more. Included in the arsenal of birth control remedies (pills, condoms, vasectomies galore) are birth control patches. It pretty much works like a standard contraceptive pill except that its baby preventing magic enters your bloodstream through your skin instead of through the mouth.

Birth control patches are rather inconspicuous, neatly fitting on the abs, shoulders, arms, or butt. Most packs come with a 28 day usage and has three patches. For the first three weeks, a new patch is added to a different part of the body every week. In the fourth week, no patch is added to let your period occur, like the placebos provided and taken in the fourth week with regular birth control pills.

There are many advantages to taking a birth control patch. For starters, remembering to take a pill each day can be stressful, especially when a tight schedule keeps you on your toes. Patches are removed once a week, which is easier than remembering to take a pill every day at the same time. In addition, it is highly effective with the slightest downside that it is less effective for overweight women. In addition, injectibles don't hold a candle to birth control patches. The elements contained in the patch are removed from your system by natural toxin removers a day after you stop using them. If you want to get pregnant right after taking a patch, it will come quickly and naturally without waiting seven months like your last injection may require you to.

As with all things, there are also disadvantages to taking the patch. In scientific studies, 1 out of every 5 patch users experienced excessive bleeding through their first couple of cycles which is significantly more than those who use the pill. In addition, breast tenderness has been a problem with a few people even choosing to opt out of using patches altogether because of irritation on the patch area. Plus, there is always the risk of the patch falling off, although it is fine if you replace it within a day. Otherwise, a new 28 day cycle of patches must be taken in addition to pills.