All About the Patch Birth Control and Depo Provera

Added: 11/30/2005

If you are sexually active, learning about birth control is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and your partner. Birth control is more accessible than ever before. There is no excuse not to study your options carefully and use it responsibly. Especially if you are female, birth control is something that you will need to become intimately familiar with in order to have a safe and more pleasurable, sexual experience.

You've decided to use birth control, but what type should you choose? With so many choices out there, it could make your head spin. One of the best ways to learn about the options available to you is to visit your doctor or gynecologist. Most people don't enjoy going to the doctor, but visiting a women's clinic or your gynecologist can help you choose the best birth control method for your particular body. If you're responsible enough to use birth control, then consider yourself responsible enough to visit a doctor.

One of the most popular forms of birth control methods is the patch birth control. What exactly is the patch birth control method? The patch birth control method is a thin, flesh-colored patch that is applied directly to the skin. Most women wear their patch birth control to the skin of their abdomen, outer arm, buttocks, or torso. The patch birth control method works by delivering hormones to your body that reduces significantly your chances of becoming pregnant. The patch birth control delivers two specific hormones: progestin and estrogen. These synthetic hormones help prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. When ovulation is stopped, there are no eggs for sperm to fertilize, and pregnancy is difficult to achieve. The patch birth control method also helps prevent pregnancy by increasing the amount of cervical mucus. The thicker your cervical mucus, the more difficult it is for sperm to reach your uterus, and fertilize any eggs that may have been released.

So just how effective is the patch birth control method? It is estimated that, when used properly, the patch is approximately more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you miss a weekly application, or remove a patch too early, pregnancy can occur.

How do you use the patch birth control? The patch is applied on the first day of your menstrual period. The patch is applied to your skin, and is kept there for exactly one week. The patch should be replaced on the same day of the week, for three weeks after the first application. Once it has been applied, do not remove or alter the location of the patch, for this may reduce its effectiveness. If the patch is not applied correctly, it may loosen or fall off. If this should happen, carefully reapply the patch. Press down on the patch for approximately ten seconds, then run your fingers along the edge of the patch to ensure it has bonded securely.

The patch can be worn through almost all strenuous activities. You can bathe, swim, shower, and exercise while wearing the patch.

Another popular form of birth control is commonly referred to as "the shot." What is "the shot"? The shot usually refers to Depo Provera, the common brand name of the shot (also sometimes referred to as DMPA). Depo Provera is an injectable form of birth control. The injection contains a hormone that replicates the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries.

One shot of Depo Provera can prevent pregnancy for approximately twelve weeks. Used effectively, the shot is one of the most effective forms of birth control.

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