Hormonal Methods of Birth Control (cont.)
Contraceptive patch: Ortho-Evra
An adhesive patch has been developed that will provide a contraceptive
through the skin. This method is called a transdermal (through the skin)
delivery system. The patch is about the size of a half-dollar and can be worn on
the arm, abdomen or buttocks. A woman wears the patch for a week and then
replaces it with a new patch.
These patches, called Ortho-Evra, are similar to the pill in that it contains
both estrogen and progesterone. Ortho-Evra should be just as effective in
preventing pregnancy as the pill. Ortho-Evra is similar to the pill in that it
suppresses ovulation. Because the hormone in Ortho-Evra is delivered in a
continuous steady flow, much like the Norplant implants, the cyclical "peak
and valley" aspects of the pill are largely avoided. In general, a woman
should not experience side effects such as nausea or vomiting with Ortho-Evra
because the hormones from the patch enter the body through the skin rather than
the digestive system. However, women who have medical reasons why oral
contraceptives are not recommended may find that their prescribing physician
also recommends against Ortho-Evra, because of the similarity in the hormone
ingredients of both types of contraceptives.
A woman only needs to remember to replace the patch once a week instead of
being required to remember taking a pill every day. The patch is stopped for 1
week every 4 weeks, to allow for a menstrual flow to occur.
It is important to ensure that the patch makes good contact with the skin.
The patch could be a problem for those women who sweat a lot and/or take
frequent showers because moisture can interfere with the patch's contact with
the skin. Some women may also experience skin irritation at the site of the
patch.
The Ortho-Evra patch, approved for use by the FDA in 2001, is similar in
effectiveness to Norplant or progesterone IUD.
As with all other hormonal methods of birth control, the Evra patch will not
protect a woman against sexually transmitted infections.
Vaginal ring (Nuvaring)
A ring-shaped device that contains the female hormone estradiol can be placed
in the vagina. It remains in place for 3 weeks continuously, then it is removed
for 1 week to allow for a menstrual period. It continuously releases low levels
of the hormone into the bloodstream for the entire 3 weeks.
There is currently one brand available, called NuvaRing. It is about 99%
effective in preventing pregnancy, the same high effectiveness as the other
hormonal methods of contraception.
NuvaRing does not protect against sexually-transmitted infections. As with
other non-oral forms of contraception, it is not known whether the same side
effects or risks apply to NuvaRing as for oral contraceptives. It is probably
safest to assume that contraindications are the same for patches and vaginal
rings as for oral contraceptives.
Last Editorial Review: 10/3/2003
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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