Your choices: a guide to contraception1

There are a wide range of contraceptive choices available but perhaps you aren't aware of, or fully understand, all of them?
This guide aims to strip away the jargon to show you the different contraception options available. You might be surprised at the choices out there and want to take a fresh look at which one might suit you and your lifestyle best.

The Patch

What is it?

The Patch looks like a small plaster which you place directly on the skin. Each patch lasts for seven days and is used for three weeks followed by a patch free week.

How does it work?

The patch contains two female hormones, oestrogen and progestogen and these hormones are slowly absorbed through the skin. They protect against pregnancy in three ways:

  • It stops you from producing an egg
  • It helps your body to form a barrier against sperm
  • It helps prevent any eggs that you may produce from settling in the womb

How effective is it?

The patch is over 99% effective, if properly used.

Advantages

Does not interrupt sex

  • Easy to use: you just change your patch once a week for three weeks
  • Fertility returns quickly as soon as you stop using it
  • It may help with pre-menstrual symptoms (PMT)
  • It may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and breast disease that is not cancer
  • Regular, lighter and less painful periods

Disadvantages

  • It can be seen on the skin
  • Certain medications can interfere with its effectiveness.
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
  • Not advised for smokers over 35 or women who are breast-feeding
  • You may get some side effects. These can include:
    • Skin irritation
    • Increase in your blood pressure
    • Breakthrough bleeding
    • Temporary increased chance of breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and mood changes
    • Very small increased risk of blood clots

Can anyone use it?

Most women can use this method. However if you have some pre-existing medical conditions you might not be able to use the patch. These include: if you are over 35 years old and stopped smoking less than a year ago; are overweight (BMI of 30 kg/m or over); have had blood clots in any vein or artery; have had circulatory disease or a heart abnormality; suffer from migraines with aura; have diabetes complications or have had diabetes for over 20 years; have breast cancer or have had it within the last five years; have active liver or gallbladder disease.

References

  1. http://www.fpa.org.uk