Women who are looking for an alternative to a daily
birth control pill may benefit from the birth control patch. The patch is also a form of hormonal birth control, but only needs to be applied once a week. One new patch is applied each week for the first three weeks of your menstrual cycle, followed by a week with no patch. The patch can be worn on the:
- Upper outer arm
- Upper torso (the front or back, but not on the breasts)
- Abdomen (stomach)
- Buttocks.
Although the drug is generally well tolerated, it is not suitable for everyone. Before using the birth control patch, make sure your healthcare provider has up-to-date information on your medical history and a list of your current medications.
In particular, let your healthcare provider know if you are a smoker or have problems such as
depression, cancer,
diabetes, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Headaches, breast tenderness, and nausea are among the potential side effects.
(For detailed information on how this product works, what to expect, and how to use it, click Birth Control Patch.)
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