Contraceptive patches are applied to the skin and deliver steady doses of hormones that can prevent pregnancy. While these patches are convenient and remove the possibility that a woman will forget to take a pill or schedule a contraceptive injection, there are side effects. The side effects of contraceptive patches can range from mild to bothersome enough to require a dosage adjustment or change to another contraceptive.
Reproductive System Effects
Contraceptive patches can cause reproductive system side effects. The hormones in these patches can lead to breast tenderness that can cause soreness and sensitivity in one or both breasts. Vaginal yeast infections can also result from the surge of hormones that occurs when a birth control patch is applied. Until the body has adjusted to the hormones in the contraceptive patch, irregular vaginal bleeding can also occur.
Skin Irritation
Since the contraceptive patch is applied to the skin, it can cause skin irritation or a skin rash. This side effect can be prevented by applying a new birth control patch in a different location than the previous patch. This patch can be applied to the skin on the buttocks, upper outer arm, upper torso and abdomen, so the patch can be rotated to several locations before the same skin site is used again.
Headaches
Whenever the body experiences a surge of hormones, a headache can occur. Contraceptive patches contain progestin hormones and synthetic estrogen. When a patch is applied for the first time, it creates a hormone surge. Headaches should go away after the patch has been in place for some time and the body has adjusted to the constant delivery of hormones.
Nausea and Vomiting
Like oral contraceptives, contraceptive patches can cause nausea and vomiting. These side effects are also due to the surge of hormones that is experienced when a contraceptive patch is used for the first time. As the body adjusts to the estrogen and progestin hormones contained in this type of patch, nausea and vomiting should subside.
Bloating
Contraceptives can cause bloating because they promote fluid and sodium retention. This occurs because the estrogen in contraceptive patches, pills and injections stimulates a substance known as renin-angiotensin that is located in the kidneys. This causes water retention. Weight gain is another side effect of the contraceptive patch. This weight gain can be attributed to the water retention caused by the estrogen in contraceptive patches.
Member Comments