The contraceptive patch works like the traditional pill, but in this case the estrogen and progestogen hormones are absorbed through the skin, protecting up to 99% against pregnancy, as long as it is used correctly.
To use correctly, simply glue the adhesive to the skin on the 1st day of the period and change after 7 days, pasting another in another location. After using 3 consecutive adhesives one should take a 7 day interval, to then put a new adhesive on the skin.
Some brands of this type of contraceptive are Evra and Lisvy that can be bought at any conventional pharmacy with the gynecologist's prescription. This product can be purchased with the average price of 50 and 80 reais per box of 3 stickers, which is enough for one month of contraception.
How to use the sticker
To use the contraceptive patch, the back of the patch should be peeled off and glued to the arms, back, lower belly or butt, and it is recommended to avoid breasts, as absorbing hormones at this site can cause pain.
When gluing the adhesive it is also important to ensure that it is in an easily accessible and visible location to allow it to check its integrity every day. This type of adhesive has a good implantation and, therefore, does not usually loosen easily, even during the bath, but it is good to be able to see it daily. You should avoid placing it where there are skin folds or where the clothes tighten more so that it does not get wrinkled or wrinkled.
Before gluing the adhesive on the skin make sure that the skin is clean and dry. No cream, gel or lotion should be applied over the adhesive so it will not loosen. However, he does not go out in the bath and it is possible to go to the beach, pool and swim with him.
How to put the 1st sticker
For those who did not use any other contraceptive method should wait the 1st day of menstruation to stick the adhesive on the skin. But whoever wants to stop taking the contraceptive pill can stick the patch on the next day after taking the last pill in the pack before menstruation.
Menstruation may be altered within the first 2 months of use of this contraceptive patch, but tends to normalize from there.
How it works
The contraceptive patch is very effective because it releases hormones in the bloodstream that prevent ovulation, in addition to making the cervical mucus thicker, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus, greatly reducing the chances of pregnancy.
Menstruation should go down during the break week when no patch is used.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of using contraceptive patch is that you do not need to take a medicine every day and the main disadvantage is that women who are overweight should not use because the accumulation of fat under the skin makes it difficult for hormones to enter the patch, compromising its effectiveness. See the table below:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Very effective | Can be seen by others |
| It is easy to use | Does not protect against STIs |
| Does not prevent sexual intercourse | May cause skin irritation |
What to do if the sticker takes off
If the patch peels off the skin for more than 24 hours, a new patch should be immediately applied and a condom worn for 7 days.
What to do if you forget to change the sticker on the right day
The adhesive does not lose its effectiveness before 9 days of use, so if you forget to change the adhesive on the 7th day, you can change it as soon as you remember not to exceed 2 days of the day of the exchange.
Possible side effects
The effects of the transdermal patch are the same as the pill, including skin irritation, vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, dark spots on the skin, nausea, vomiting, sinus pain, cramps, abdominal pain, nervousness, depression, dizziness, hair loss and increased vaginal infections. In addition, like any hormonal therapy, the patch can cause changes in appetite and hormonal imbalances facilitating weight gain and making the woman gain weight.
