The birth control patch, which goes by the brand name Ortho Evra, is an easy and convenient method of birth control. All you need to do is place the thin, square patch somewhere on your body, replacing it once a week for 3 weeks a month to prevent pregnancy. Although the birth control patch does have many benefits, there are also many disadvantages you should consider before determining if the patch is right for you. After reading about the pros and cons of the birth control patch, it is best to talk to your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
Convenience
Instead of spoiling the mood of a sexual experience by stopping to use a barrier method of birth control or having to remember to take a birth control pill at the exact same time every day, the patch frees you up to only worry about birth control once a week.
Ease of Use
Women who use the patch for birth control do so more consistently and correctly than women who use the birth control pill, according to a clinical study conducted by Ortho Women's Health and Urology division of the Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. This is an important advantage of Ortho Evra, since consistent and correct use increases the effectiveness of any birth control method.
Effectiveness
The birth control has about a 1% failure rate when used perfectly, and a failure rate of about 8% with average use, according to Ortho Evra. This makes it just as effective as the birth control pill and more effective than non-hormonal birth control options.
Blood Clots
According to Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the birth control patch, women who use the patch as a birth control option will be exposed to 60% more estrogen than a regular birth control pill containing 35 grams of estrogen. This increased amount of estrogen can increase the chance of side effects, including the serious risk of up to doubling the chances of blood clots.
Side Effects
As with any hormonal birth control option, the birth control patch may cause several side effects. The most common side effect was breast pain, tenderness or swelling, according to the Ortho Evra product information sheet. Other common side effects include headache, nausea, upper respiratory infection, menstrual-like cramping and abdominal pain. In addition to these common side effects, there are also additional serious risks, which include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks. Although these side effects are less common, these risks are increased if you are over 35 years old or smoke.
Skin Irritation
Applying the patch to the skin may be easy, but also can cause skin irritation. Some women may also be put off by the appearance of the patch itself. Some may be uncomfortable with their birth control choice being clearly visible on the body and may prefer a less conspicuous option. Also, the sticky residue of the patch can create a dark rim of fabric particles after a few days, which some women may find unattractive.
STDs
The birth control patch only is designed to prevent pregnancy and does not protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Warnings
The product information sheet for Ortho Evra states that the patch may not be as effective for women over 198 pounds and also recommends women who have had blood clots, strokes, heart problems, high blood pressure, certain types of cancers, diabetes or those who may be pregnant avoid using the product.
