Know Everything About Ortho Evra Patch: All thanks to modern medicine and its wonders, humans can now boast of a plethora of choices when it comes to contraceptive use and birth control. Perhaps taking the everyday pill is up to your alley. Maybe you are more inclined towards using the IUD. Be that as it may, the doctors have revealed that there is one birth control method that might not be very popular among most women and which they might want to consider adopting: the patch.
The patch, sold under the brand name of Ortho Evra is contraceptive available in the United States as Xulane. The patch is a thin plastic that looks like a Band-Aid and is stuck on the skin once every seven days for a total of 21 days. Considerably, the patch should be removed immediately after the 21 days elapse to allow for the menstrual flow to take place. This birth control contains progestin and estrogen hormones.
The patch prevents pregnancy through the release of hormones into the bloodstream consequently keeping the ovaries from ovulation (egg release). Ortho Evra patch also thickens the mucus of the cervical wall to keep the sperms away from fertilizing the egg.
1- Why Ortho Evra Patch is recommended
Above all, the patch is used in preventing unplanned pregnancy. That aside, the birth control method has some benefits that make it edge over other birth control methods:
- You don’t need the permission or cooperation of your spouse or partner to use it
- You don’t need to interrupt your love-making schedules for contraception
- You don’t have to remember taking pills every day
- It supplies a steady hormonal dose
- It makes work easier for women with issues swallowing pills
- It can be interrupted any time if a return to fertility is to be ensured
2- Exceptions to Using this Birth Control Method
Despite its suitability as a birth control method, Ortho Evra patch has a few exceptions that must be taken into consideration. The doctors strongly advice against the use of this birth control among people who are:
- Aged between 35 years and above and smoking
- Known to have blood clotting history
- Known to have a recorded history of liver, uterine or breast cancer
- Overweight or weighing more than 90 kilograms
- Diabetic or have a related diabetic complications such as nerve, kidney or blood vessels
- Jaundiced during pregnancy or on previous experience while taking other hormonal birth controls
- Taking any herbal or medical supplements
- Sensitive to the Ortho Evra patch
- Depressed
3- Risks Attached to Ortho Evra Patch
Relative to the oral contraceptives, at most one out of a hundred women, get pregnant in the first year of the Ortho Evra patch use. The other risk is that the patch does not protect against STIs yet it can lead to irresponsible sexual behavior.
4- Other risk factors include:
- Increased blood clotting complications, stroke, heart attack, gallbladder disease, and high blood pressure.
- Skin irritation
- Abdominal pains
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Acne
- Breast pains and tenderness
- Spotting
- Weight gain
- Menstrual pains or cramps
- Mood swings
5- What to Expect
- On the first day of use, the Ortho Evra Patch is inserted on the first day of the next menstrual flow. You should wait until your period starts as it should be placed on the first day of your period. This is why it is essential to talk to your OB-GYN doctor in one of our Manhattan location about the start date
- Where to apply the patch should also be a factor of consideration. The patch can be placed on the buttocks, the lower abdomen, or on the upper arm or the upper body. It should never be placed on the breasts as bra straps can remove it.
- Sharp chest pains, persistent pains or signs of blood clots in the eyes are not ruled out in this article. In case you experience any of these, be sure to consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
Though proven to be the best among the popular birth control methods, the Ortho Evra patch should be prescribed by your healthcare provider for use. Caution must be taken to ensure that the patch is put into responsible use as it does not protect against STIs. Additionally, before patching, it is essential to let your healthcare provider know if you are breastfeeding or have recently given birth.