Who uses the transdermal contraceptive patch?

A transdermal contraceptive patch is used by a girl.

What is a transdermal contraceptive patch?

It is a beige square (4,4 cm X 4,4 cm) thin and supple that you wear on your skin. A transdermal contraceptive patch contains two hormones: oestrogen and progestin. These hormones are absorbed through the skin and then prevent you from having an unintended pregnancy.

Tell me, how does it work?

You must use a transdermal contraceptive patch in the following way: apply a new patch every week (same day of the week) for 3 weeks running. You don’t have to put a new patch on the 4th week. Your period should start on that week without a patch. The hormones that the patch releases are absorbed by the skin, get into the bloodstream and make a triple action to prevent unintended pregnancy. When you use a transdermal  contraceptive patch, your ovaries stop ovulating. If there’s no ovulation, it’s impossible for you to become  pregnant. The patch also changes mucus of the cervix which makes it hard for the sperm to come through the fallopian tubes. Finally, the patch changes the lining of your uterus which harms nesting.

Do you think the transdermal contraceptive patch is an efficient method to prevent unintended pregnancy?

Research shows that the transdermal contraceptive patch is 99% effective when used correctly.

Do you think the transdermal contraceptive patch protects against STIs(1)?

No.

Can you tell me more about the contraceptive patch?

Avantages

• The contraceptive patch is handy, because you only have to change it once a week.

• The contraceptive patch is easy to use.

• The contraceptive patch is very effective to prevent unintended pregnancy. Its effectiveness can be compared to that of the contraceptive pill.

• You can continue your lifestyle routine and activities when you use a transdermal contraceptive patch. You can swim, take a bath, have a shower, or do exercises. Humidity, from any sources, should not have an effect on the contraceptive patch sticking onto your skin.

Inconveniences...and possible solutions

• You can have side effects such as irregular bleeding, breast sensitivity, headaches and nausea. These effects usually disappear after a couple of cycles. If it continues after the first few months, consult your physician.

• You can have a skin reaction where you’ve applied the contraceptive patch. You should avoid putting the patch on red, inflamed or cut skin. Also, you can apply a new patch in a different place. If the skin is still inflamed, you should consult your physician.

• The patch could come off of your skin, although is very rare. To make sure it sticks correctly to your skin, be sure to put it on a clean and dry area. Do not apply cream, lotion, oil, powder or make-up on the patch or around it.

More information

• You must meet your physician to get a contraceptive patch prescription.

• You must use a contraceptive patch as prescribed to increase its effectiveness.

• Even if you use a contraceptive patch, you and your partner should use a condom to be protected against most STIs.

• You must store contraceptive patches at a specific temperature (between 15°C and 30°C) and in their protective pockets.

• You should never wear more than one contraceptive patch at a time (take off the used patch before applying a new one).

$$$

The transdermal contraceptive patch costs about 37 $ for a use of 3 weeks (3 patches). However, most public or private medical insurance assume the costs of this contraceptive.

Hey you , lover!
Hey you, partner!

Even if you don’t stick this beige square on your skin, know that you are two on this journey and you can be involved in many ways to make YOUR contraception and YOUR protection against STIs inclusive:

• Remind your partner to remove her contraceptive patch every 7 days.

• If your partner has to pay for her prescription, suggest to share the cost.

• Suggest to your partner to use a condom. Don’t forget, the transdermal contraceptive patch doesn’t protect you against STIs. Your partner will think you are respectful and responsible by suggesting this proposal.

• If you and your partner don’t have condom around, suggest the COCO method, an exciting and riskless method.

PLEASURE IS GUARANTEED!

N.B. This text has been inspired from JENSSENORTHO INC. Ce que vous devriez savoir sur Evra. Questions et réponses concernant le timbre contraceptif, feuillet explicatif et promotionnel, 2004 and from Italic texts are inspired by or a reproduction of the SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS OF CANADA. Sex sense. Canadian contraception guide, 2nd ed., 2006, p. 48-51.

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections, like AIDS.