Birth Control Patch – When Pregnancy Is Not (Yet) an Option

What is a birth control patch?

 

The birth control patch is one of the most convenient, safe and surest way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. But what is it? A birth control patch is a beige-colored patch sized 4 1/2-centimeters. It can be placed either on your upper torso, upper outer arm, buttocks or abdomen. The patch works with your menstrual cycle so it is best to place it on the first day you have your period. Keep it on for seven days and then replace the patch weekly. When you have your period again, keep the patch off but remember to put one on again the following week.

The birth control patch prevents pregnancy in three ways:

First, it releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen into your system and as such prevents ovulation. Second, it thickens the cervical mucus so sperm finds it more difficult to penetrate the uterus. Lastly, it changes the lining in the uterus. So in the unlikely event that an egg does get fertilized, it will find it difficult to implant itself on the wall of the uterus.