Now the popular replacement for contraceptive pills is the combined hormonal contraceptive patch Evra. It needs to be changed once in 7 days, which allows talking about protection with minimal effort. The percentage of reliability of the contraceptive effect of the patch is 99.4%.
Plaster for protection from pregnancy: the principle of action
The contraceptive hormonal patch every day gives the body 20 μg of ethinylestradiol and 150 μg of norelgestromine, due to which ovulation is blocked. Due to the fact that the ovary does not release the egg cells, the onset of pregnancy becomes impossible. In addition, due to a change in the structure of the mucus of the cervix, sperm entering the uterus becomes difficult. This explains the high reliability of the plaster.
It is worth considering that this type of contraception , like a band-aid, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. This method of contraception is suitable only for women who have a regular sex life with one partner, as well as the absence of infections in both of them.
How to use a contraceptive patch?
It is recommended to start the plaster on the first day of the menstrual cycle - that is, on the first day of menstruation. Additional methods of contraception will not be needed in this case.
Alternatively, you can choose any day of the week: for example, the first Sunday after the start of menstruation. And in this case, the first 7 days must use barrier or other contraceptives.
You can paste the patch in a convenient zone for you: on the scapula, buttock or over the chest. Carefully study the instruction, it contains illustrations. Remember: for the adhesive to stay and be effective, it is important to glue it exclusively on clean, dry skin, which must not be applied beforehand with oils, creams or lotions and other means. The area chosen for gluing should not contain any irritation or damage.
The next time you paste a patch, either select a different zone, or move it slightly away from the point at which it was fixed last time. The scheme for replacing the plaster is simple:
- 1 day (for example, Wednesday) - attach a plaster;
- Day 8 (Wednesday) - replacement;
- Day 15 (Wednesday) - replacement;
- Day 22 (Wednesday) - remove the patch for a week break.
Contraceptive plaster: benefits
The patch has several advantages over hormonal tablets, although in general the principle of their effect is the same. The main advantages of the plaster Evra:
- Change the patch only once a week, it's easier than taking pills every day at one time;
- even if you forgot to replace the band-aid, within 48 hours after the due date the contraceptive effect continues to function;
- the plaster is securely attached to the body and does not peel off either in the sun, during water procedures, or during sports and sauna.
In addition, the use of the patch reduces menstrual pain and removes the effect of PMS , like other hormonal drugs.
Plaster for protection: contraindications and side effects
Like all hormonal drugs, the patch of Evra is contraindicated in the following diseases:
- thrombosis;
- experience of stroke or myocardial infarction;
- cancer (established or suspected);
- period of pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- active smoking (more than 15 cigarettes a day).
The side effects of the patch are the same as those of hormonal tablets: nausea, headaches, pain in the mammary glands, depression, bleeding from the genital tract, unspecified genesis, sudden mood jumps, irregular uterine bleeding, decreased or absent libido, and several others.