A contraceptive patch is a birth control product that women constantly keep applied to the skin. It is a smooth, thin and square patch with a 4 cm side; It works by releasing hormones in the body that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent possible conception. It should be changed once a week, always on the same day, for three consecutive weeks; then a week of suspension is respected, during which menstruation occurs. To make sure it works effectively, you need to adhere to some specific guidelines on the package or indicated by your gynecologist.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a specific day of the week to apply the contraceptive for the first time
In the following weeks, you must always replace the patch on the same day; therefore choose one that is comfortable enough according to your commitments and that you can remember easily
Step 2. Identify a clean, dry part of your body to apply it to, making sure it is not subjected to friction from clothing and is not disturbed
If you place it on the abdomen, butt, front or back of the torso, or deltoid, the contraceptive efficacy is greater; do not put it on the breast
Step 3. Open the package, being careful not to remove the transparent film that protects the adhesive area
Typically, the protective film is split in half to simplify the application process
Step 4. Remove part of the protection without touching the adhesive with your fingers, place the patch on the area of clean and dry skin you prepared earlier
Step 5. Peel off the second half of the foil and make the contraceptive adhere perfectly to the body
Step 6. Apply some pressure and hold it for at least 10 seconds with the palm of your hand
Step 7. Gently slide your finger around the perimeter of the square to make sure it fits snugly against your skin
Step 8. Wear it for seven consecutive days without ever taking it off
It needs to stay in place when you wash, do strenuous exercise, swim, and during all other activities
Step 9. Remove it on the seventh day, the one you have designated for this operation, by peeling it off the skin and folding it on itself, so that the sticky part remains inside
Step 10. Throw it away immediately by putting it in the trash
Step 11. Apply the new patch to a different spot on the body, choosing from the abdomen, butt, upper torso or deltoid area
Step 12. Repeat the process for three consecutive weeks on the same day
Step 13. Do not apply it during the fourth week when you are menstruating
Step 14. If you forget to change it on the due date, carefully follow the instructions that your gynecologist has given you or that are listed on the package, to avoid unwanted pregnancy
- If you forget to replace it during the first week, put on the new patch as soon as you remember and keep that day as the "designated" day for the change; also use another method of contraception for the next seven days. If you forget during the fourth week, follow the same protocol, but keep the original one as the "changeover day".
- If you do not change the patch for one or two days during the second and third week, do so immediately as soon as you know it and always keep the original change day. In that case, you must not use another method of contraception, unless more than two days have passed since the one designated for replacement.
