Contraceptive Patch: contraindications

Contraindications for use

The use of the contraceptive patch should not be prescribed in the following cases:

Thrombosis, angina pectoris;
Severe hypertension;
Diabetes mellitus with vascular involvement;
Liver disorders, liver neoplasms;
Breast cancer or estrogen dependent tumors;
Hypersensitivity to one or more active ingredients contained in the patch;
Severe, persistent and abnormal spotting;
It is preferable not to take herbal products, supplements or drugs containing St. John's Wort ( Hypericum perforatum ), as they could alter the effectiveness of the contraceptive patch. Again, the concomitant use of some drugs, such as, for example, particular antibiotics, antiepileptics and antidepressants, being potentially able to alter the ability to control births, should be avoided: otherwise, it is advisable to adopt a barrier method and talk about it with your own doctor.

Obviously, the contraceptive patch should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Reflections on hormonal contraception

The doctor's task is to encourage the patient to choose the most suitable hormonal contraceptive model, be it the plaster, the pill, the vaginal ring or the hormonal spiral: taking into consideration the risks deriving from the absence of contraceptive protection is essential. only to take responsibility in the present, but also to take responsibility in the future. It is clear that when a woman does not give weight to the risks that could derive from an unprotected relationship, she should be ready to assume all the responsibilities of the gesture, even in the case of a completely unwanted pregnancy: unfortunately, very often this does not happen because of the lightness with which a relationship is consumed, so the woman uses the emergency contraceptive method (eg morning-after pill).

A responsible woman must evaluate all the risks, therefore the emergency contraceptive is certainly a method "too comfortable", certainly not without side effects, albeit (unfortunately) very used.

Many young women, mistakenly believing that a hormonal-based contraceptive (eg patch) involves unpleasant side effects, risk throwing themselves headlong into a potentially dangerous sexual relationship, which could lead to pregnancy. Not to mention all those mental castles that are established in the mind of the woman after the relationship, distressed and terrified of being pregnant. The so-called pangs of conscience, which always come later, when it is too late now.

In conclusion, the prevention of pregnancies is not a game, just as sex is not: when followed correctly, prophylaxis against unwanted pregnancies is very simple and has very few side effects. The pill, the patch, the vaginal ring for young women and the spiral even for the more mature ones are absolutely recommended hormonal contraceptive methods for women who want to have a quiet, healthy and worry-free life with their partner.

Summary

Contraceptive method	Patch: an innovative hormonal contraceptive method that acts transdermally, releasing a mix of estrogen and progestin hormones.
Action mechanism	The patch prevents ovulation thanks to the gradual and constant release of estrogens and progestins (ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin); The passage of sperm into the uterus is denied thanks to the thickening of the cervical mucus
Application of the patch	The patch should be applied directly to clean, dry, hairless skin, free of wounds, irritation or creams. Area of application: on the buttock, on the shoulder, on the thigh or on the abdomen, but it must never be applied to the breast.
How to use the patch	The contraceptive patch must be applied only once a week, for three consecutive weeks, then leaving 7 days off (during which menstruation will take place)
Accidental release of the patch (2% probability)	Detachment in the first week: if more than 24 hours have passed since the detachment, the contraceptive efficacy is compromised Detachment in the second / third week: only if more than 48 hours have passed since the posting, the contraceptive efficacy is compromised.
Patch and weight gain	The contraceptive patch has no effect on weight gain, nor on the formation / increase of cellulite (it is estimated a possible increase of 300/500 g during the three weeks of application: in the 7 days of suspension, the weight returns to normal)
Benefits of the contraceptive patch	Vomiting and diarrhea do not interfere with contraceptive efficacy; Prevention of unwanted pregnancies equal to 99%; Hormone level released in the blood always constant; Probability of greatly reduced forgetfulness compared to the pill; It doesn't make you fat; Does not generate allergic reactions / intolerances caused by lactose-based excipients; Good ally against acne and hypertrichosis; There are no time restrictions on the use of the patch; Immediate recovery of fertility following the suspension of use of the patch.
Disadvantages of the contraceptive patch	It is preferable only in young women whose body weight does not exceed 88/90 pounds; The risk of incurring cardiovascular disease increases with increasing age; Not recommended for smokers; Possible Candida albicans infections (common occurrence), mood modulations, migraine, nausea, acne, itching, breast enlargement, slight increase in blood pressure, abdominal tension, insomnia, decreased desire (uncommon), contact dermatitis, chloasma, aggressiveness (very rare). It does not offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases; Spotting, metrorrhagia (possible); Oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea following discontinuation of therapy.
Contraindications for use	The patch should not be prescribed in these cases: Thrombosis, angina pectoris Severe hypertension Diabetes mellitus Hepatic changes Breast cancer Hypersensitivity to one or more active ingredients contained Severe spotting Use of products based on Hypericum perforatum Taking antibiotics, antiepileptics and antidepressants (contraceptive efficacy modulation) The contraceptive patch should not be used during pregnancy or lactation