• Birth Control Patch For Endometriosis

The birth control patch is a prescription and must be obtained from your healthcare provider. The patch is worn for one week at a time and it is placed directly on the skin of your buttocks, stomach, upper arm or upper torso. The patch is replaced once a week on the same day each week for three weeks in a row. Some birth control methods work better than. Couples who do have sex need to use birth control properly and every time to prevent. Birth Control Patch.

Ortho Evra®, more commonly known as the patch, is the first and only transdermal birth control system. The thin patch is worn on the body and contains hormones similar to birth control pills.

It continuously releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. A new patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks. During the fourth week a patch is not worn and a period occurs. After the fourth week, the cycle is repeated. We will provide you with a prescription if you and your doctor decide that the patch is right for you. The cost of Ortho Evra® can vary depending on where you buy it and your insurance coverage.

You will need annual exam from your physician to continue your prescription. Effectiveness Ortho Evra® is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It uses the same hormones as the pill, releases them in a more constant dose and the patch’s effectiveness does not rely upon your remembering to take it at the same time everyday like the pill. There may be some delay in becoming pregnant after you stop using the patch (similar to the pill), especially if you had irregular menstrual cycles before you used Ortho Evra®. If pregnancy is desired, it usually takes about one to three months for periods to return to the cycle you had before using the patch. It can take several months after resuming normal cycles to become pregnant.

Advantages Ortho Evra® has some unique advantages. It is convenient to use, since it is applied only once per week. The steady release of hormones also eliminates some of the problems caused by daily hormone fluctuation seen with the pills. Since it is not taken by mouth, it is not affected by other medications or by being ill.

Otherwise, since the hormones contained in it are similar, the advantages of the patch are similar to the birth control pills:. More regular periods. Less menstrual flow. Less menstrual cramping.

Less iron deficiency anemia. Fewer ectopic (tubal) pregnancies. Less pelvic inflammatory disease. Less acne. Less premenstrual tension The hormones in Ortho Evra® and birth control pill offer significant risk reduction for ovarian and endometrial cancers. They may also offer some protection against osteoporosis. Disadvantages & Side Effects The 2 most common reasons that women stop using he Ortho Evra® patch are skin irritation from the patch itself and the patch falling off frequently.

Since the Ortho Evra® uses the same hormones as the birth control pills, the side effects are similar. Usually the more common side effects disappear after several months. These include:. Bleeding between periods. Weight gain or loss.

Breast tenderness. Nausea – rarely, vomiting. Changes in mood or sex drive If side effects persist or are severe, discuss the problem with your physician. The two of you may decide that a different form of birth control is better for you.

Birth Control Patch For Endometriosis

The Ortho Evra® does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. A condom can reduce the risk of infection.

Risk Factors Like the birth control pills, Ortho Evra® users have a slightly greater chance of developing certain serious problems that can be fatal in very rare cases. These include blood clots in the veins or lungs, and liver tumors. The chance of developing some of these problems are increased by:.

Aging. Smoking. Diabetes. High cholesterol in the blood.

Certain inherited conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting.

Please be advised: Our Fact Sheets are currently under review. If you have any questions about a contraceptive method please contact our Sex Sense Line at 1-800-SEX-SENSE or book an appointment with an Opt clinic. General rules for using the patch. The patch works on a 4 week (28 day cycle). Use the stickers in the package, a calendar, or your cell phone to help remind you of what day to change your patch. Only wear one patch at a time. Place the patch on one of four areas: buttock, abdomen, upper body (NOT the breasts), or upper outer arm.

When you change the patch, put it on a different area of skin to avoid irritation. Do not decorate or cut the patch in any way.

Do not use tape or glue to keep the patch in place. You can exercise, swim, sweat and shower with the patch on. The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections How do I use the patch? A new patch is worn every week for the first 3 weeks and is changed on the same day each week.

This day is called the Patch Change Day (e.g., if you apply your first patch on a Monday, all of your patches should be applied on a Monday) Week 1: Put patch on and leave on for 7 days (1 week). Week 2: Take off old patch, put on new patch. Leave new patch on for 7 days. Week 3: Take off old patch, put on new patch. Leave new patch on for 7 days. Week 4: Take off patch.

Do not apply another patch for 7 days (1 week). Your period should start this week. Week 5: Start the next 4-week cycle at week 1 and continue. How soon after starting the patch will I be protected against pregnancy?. If you apply your first patch during the first 24 hours of your menstrual period, you will not need to use additional contraception. If you put the patch on at any other time of the month, you must use back up such as condoms or not having sex for the first week (7 days) The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. What about side effects?

The possible side effects of the patch are the same as for combined birth control pills, and may include skin irritation where the patch is placed. How do I remove and dispose of the patch? When removing the used patch, simply lift one corner and peel off.

Dispose in the garbage out of the reach of children and pets. See if you have missed a patch or the patch comes off. RS 403 Revised March 2009.