Sexual Health

Sources: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/sexual_health/contr_patch.shtml
NOTES: Contraceptive patch
FPA

This is a contraceptive that works like the pill but with the advantage that you don't have to remember to take it every day.
Dr Gill Jenkins last medically reviewed this article in May 2011.
On this page
* What is the contraceptive patch?
* How does it work?
*How reliable is the contraceptive patch?
* How to use the contraceptive patch
* Advantages and disadvantages
* Can anyone use it?
* Where can I get the contraceptive patch?
* Advice and support
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What is the contraceptive patch?
The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige, sticky skin patch that contains the same hormones as the combinedcontraceptive pill - oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the hormones women produce in their ovaries.
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How does it work?
The patch delivers a constant daily dose of hormones into the bloodstream through the skin. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) each month. The patch also:
* Thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach anegg.
* Makes the lining of the womb thinner so it's less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
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How reliable is the contraceptive patch?
Effectiveness depends on how carefully it's used. The patch is more than 99 per cent effective when used according to instructions. This means that, using this method, fewer than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year. It is less effective in womenweighing 90kg (14st) and over.
Myths about the contraceptive patch:
* It's more reliable than the pill. Not true - the effectiveness of the patch is the same as the combined contraceptive pill.
* It patch falls off easily. Not true - it's very sticky.
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How to use the contraceptive patch
The patch is used for three weeks out of every four. A new patch is used each week.
The patch can bestarted up to and including the fifth day of a period. If used at this time, it's effective straight away. If started at any other time, additional contraception has to be used for seven days.
After 21 days you have a break of seven days, when you have a bleed. This withdrawal bleed is usually shorter and lighter than normal periods.
You can use the patch on most areas of the body as long asthe skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. You shouldn't put it on skin that is sore or where it can be rubbed by tight clothing. Don’t put it on your breasts.
The patch is very sticky and should stay on in the shower, bath or sauna, during swimming and exercise. However, in some cases it may fall off.
If the patch has been off for fewer than 48 hours, just reapply it as soon as possible or use anew one, then continue as normal.
If it has been off for more than 48 hours, start a new patch cycle by applying a new one as soon as possible. Use additional contraception for seven days. Seek advice about emergency contraception if you had sex in the previous few days and didn't use a condom.
Initially, you'll be given three months' supply of the patch. If there are no problems such as anincrease in your blood pressure, you will then be given up to a year's supply
You don’t need a cervical screening test or an internal examination to have the patch
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Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the contraceptive patch include:
* You only need to remember to replace the patch once a week
* It doesn’t interrupt sex.
* Unlike the combined contraceptive pill, the hormonesdon't need to be absorbed by the stomach, so the patch isn't affected if you vomit or have diarrhoea
* The patch usually makes your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful
* It may help with premenstrual symptoms
* It may reduce the risk of cancer of the ovary, womb and colon
* It may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease
Disadvantages of...