The Patch- Everything You Need to Know

If you’re here and you’ve heard of the patch, the first question that popped up in your mind might have been: “How on earth would that stop pregnancy?” Whether or not you’ve heard of the patch, it’s definitely a contraceptive method worth learning about and exploring. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Patch, from what it’s made of and how it works to where to get contraceptive patches in Nigeria. Let’s get it!

What Is The Patch Exactly, and How Does It Work?
The patch is a contraceptive method that's been gaining popularity over the past few years. It's a small, sticky patch that you wear on your skin to prevent pregnancy. It may look small and unassuming, but it's actually a hormonal powerhouse.
Each patch contains two hormones - estrogen and progestin - that are released into your body through your skin. These hormones then work together to prevent pregnancy in a few different ways, typically by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs.

1. No Egg: Without an egg, there's nothing for sperm to fertilize, which means you can't get pregnant. It's like putting a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your ovaries, telling them to take a break from their usual routine. But that's not all.

2. The hormones in the patch also thicken the mucus in your cervix. Now, I know what
you're thinking - "Mucus? That sounds mildly disgusting!" - but bear with me. Cervical
mucus may not be the most glamorous part of your body, but it plays an important role in fertility. Normally, it's thin and watery, which makes it easier for sperm to swim through and reach an egg. However, when you're using the patch, the hormones make your cervical mucus thicker and stickier, creating a bit of a viscous barrier between the sperm and the egg. It's like a bouncer at a club - only the VIP (meaning: egg) gets to pass through. No sperm allowed.

3. Finally, the hormones in the patch can also affect the lining of your uterus. They make it thinner and less hospitable to a fertilized egg. If, by some fluke, an egg does get released and fertilized, it's less likely to be able to implant in the uterus and develop into a pregnancy. Think of it like trying to build a house on a foundation of sand - it's not going to be very stable. These mechanisms work together to make the patch a highly effective form of contraception. It's like a well-coordinated team, with each member doing their part to ensure no unwanted pregnancies occur.

How Do You Use The Patch?

If you’re wondering whether the patch is for you or if it’s convenient, using the patch is pretty simple.

First things first, you'll need to talk to a healthcare provider to get a prescription. Once you have the patch in your hands, it's time to start using it.

• - Step  one: Find a spot to stick it. The patch is designed to be placed on your skin, but not just anywhere will do. You want to choose a spot that's clean, dry, and relatively hairless- otherwise, the patch might not stick very well.
  Popular spots include your stomach, upper outer arm, or butt. Just ensure you don't put it on your breasts, as the constant pressure can be uncomfortable.
  - Step two: Clean the area. Use soap and water to clean the area where you'll be sticking the patch. Make sure to dry it thoroughly, too - any moisture can make it harder for the patch to stick.
  -  Step three: Apply the patch. Peel off the backing and stick the patch onto your skin,pressing down firmly for a few seconds to ensure it sticks. You'll want to change the location each time you put on a new patch to avoid irritation to your skin.
  - Step four: Keep track of time. The patch must be changed once a week for three weeks, followed by a week off (or using a new patch) before starting the cycle again. The patch is effective when you put it on, but it's important to change it on time to ensure maximum effectiveness.
  -  Step five: Enjoy the freedom! Once the patch is on, you're good to go. You can swim,
  exercise, and go about your daily life without worrying about it falling off or getting in the way. And because it's a discreet little patch, you don't have to worry about anyone else knowing you're using birth control.

Is The Patch Effective For Birth Control?
When it comes to contraceptives, efficiency is relative and will vary based on many factors.
When used correctly, the patch is a highly effective form of contraception. In fact, when used perfectly - meaning that you always apply the patch on time, never forget to
change it, and use backup contraception if you miss a patch - it's over 99% effective. That's some seriously impressive protection!
But let's be real - life can be hectic, and we don't always use things like medication or birth control perfectly. When used typically, meaning that some patches are applied late or missed altogether, the patch is still around 91% effective.

That's still pretty good, especially when you compare it to other methods like condoms (which are around 85% effective when used typically) or the pill (which is around 91% effective when used typically). Of course, it's important to remember that no form of contraception is 100% foolproof. There's always that small unshakeable chance of getting pregnant, even when using the patch correctly.

However, that chance is significantly reduced when you use the patch as directed. It's also worth noting that the patch doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, if you're at risk of STIs, it's important to use condoms or other forms of protection in addition to the patch.

Pros and Cons of Using The Patch as Birth Control
Pros:
-  Easy to use: Unlike other forms of contraception that require you to remember to take a pill every day or use a barrier method every time you have sex, the patch only needs to be changed once a week. Stick it on, forget about it for seven days, and you're good to go!
- Highly effective: As we mentioned earlier, the patch is over 99% effective when used perfectly and still around 91% effective when used typically. That's some serious peace of mind, wouldn’t you say?
-  It can help with menstrual symptoms: The hormones in the patch can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms like cramping, bloating, and acne.
- It may be more discreet than other methods: Some people find the patch more discreet than other forms of contraception since it's not as visible as a condom or an IUD.

Cons:
- Requires a prescription: You'll need to see a healthcare provider to get a prescription for the patch. This can be a barrier for some people who don't have easy access to
healthcare.
-  Can cause side effects: Like any hormonal contraception, the patch can cause side
effects like headaches, nausea, mood changes, and changes in libido. However, many
people find that these side effects go away after a few months of use.
-  May not be as effective for people with higher body weight: Some studies suggest that the patch may be less effective for people with higher body weight. If you're concerned about this, talk to your healthcare provider about other options.
-  Doesn't protect against STIs: As we mentioned earlier, the patch doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you're at risk of STIs, you'll need to use condoms or other forms
- Skin irritation: Because the patch is applied directly to the skin, some people may
experience skin irritation or itching at the application site. This is usually mild and goes away on its own, but for some people, it can be more severe.

FAQs
1. Who Can Use The Patch?
The patch is a great option for many people who are looking for an effective and
convenient form of contraception. It's generally safe for people who are over the age of 18 and who don't have any underlying health conditions that would make it unsafe for them to use hormonal contraception.

-The patch can be a good choice for people who:
- Want a form of contraception that's easy to use and doesn't require daily
attention
- Have trouble remembering to take medication at the same time every day
- Want to reduce symptoms of PMS or painful periods Have heavy or irregular periods
- Don't want to use a form of contraception that requires insertion, like an
IUD or implant
- Are looking for a hormonal form of contraception that's not a pill
2. Who Can’t Use The Patch?
While the patch is safe for many people to use, there are some people who may not be
able to use it safely. The following groups of people may need to consider other forms of contraception:
- People who smoke: Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, and using
hormonal contraception like the patch can further increase that risk. If you smoke
and are over the age of 35, the patch may not be a safe option for you.
-  People with a history of blood clots: If you've had a blood clot in the past or if you
have a family history of blood clots, using hormonal contraception like the patch
can increase your risk of having another clot.
- People with certain types of cancer: Hormonal contraception can increase the
risk of certain types of cancer, like breast cancer. If you have a history of cancer
or are at high risk for certain types of cancer, your healthcare provider may
recommend against using hormonal contraception.
-  People who are overweight or obese: Hormonal contraception may be less
effective in people who are overweight or obese. If you're over a certain weight
(usually around 198 pounds), the patch may not be as effective at preventing pregnancy.
3. Where Can I Get The Patch In Nigeria?
Unfortunately, the contraceptive patch is not as widely available as some other forms of contraception in Nigeria. However, it can still be obtained from certain healthcare
providers. Here are some options to consider: asking your doctor, checking nearby
pharmacies or online pharmacies like OneHealthNg, MedPlus, or even healthcare
services like Marie Stopes. And that’s all you need to know about the contraceptive patch. Would you use a contraceptive patch? I’m curious to know your thoughts. Make sure to share in the comments and see you in the next article!