{"id":2850,"date":"2018-07-29T22:40:03","date_gmt":"2018-07-30T02:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=2850"},"modified":"2024-05-20T14:57:37","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T18:57:37","slug":"birth-control-patch-xulane-contraceptive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-patch-xulane-contraceptive\/","title":{"rendered":"What you should know about the birth control patch, Xulane"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for an effective method of birth control that you don\u2019t have to think about every day? If an <\/span>IUD<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>birth control shot<\/span><\/a> feel like too much commitment but popping a daily pill or using a monthly vaginal ring seems like a hassle, the weekly <\/span>birth control patch<\/span><\/a> could be more your speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>CDC<\/span><\/a>, approximately 11% of women have ever used the birth control patch, and while it\u2019s not as well-known as condoms or birth control pills, it\u2019s an effective option for anyone looking to prevent pregnancy. Read on to learn the pros and cons of this form of contraceptive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the birth control patch?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The birth control patch, which is also called the \u201ctransdermal contraceptive patch\u201d or simply \u201cthe patch,\u201d is a generic form of hormonal birth control available under the name Xulane. It\u2019s a thin, beige bandage about 1.5 inches wide that you apply like a Band-Aid to the skin on your stomach, upper arm, buttocks, or back. You put on a new patch once a week, on the same day every week. It was formerly known as Ortho Evra, but that was removed from the market when the generic Xulane was released in 2014.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does the birth control patch work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The birth control patch prevents pregnancy by steadily releasing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin (in the form of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) into your body transdermally, i.e. through your skin. The birth control patch has a similar hormonal makeup to many low-dose birth control pills.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like other forms of hormonal contraception, the patch prevents pregnancy in three different ways. First, it stops ovulation, the time of the month when your ovaries release a mature egg in anticipation of fertilization. Then, the hormones in the patch thicken your cervical mucus, making it much more difficult for sperm to fertilize any wayward eggs. Last, it thins the uterine lining, so it\u2019s much more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How fast the patch begins to work after it is applied depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Typically, after the first contraceptive patch is applied, you must wait seven days before it can be fully protective against pregnancy. In the meantime, use a backup method, such as a condom. The patch is 99% effective if it\u2019s used exactly as indicated; in reality, it\u2019s around 91% effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I use the birth control patch?<\/b><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll first need to talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of the birth control patch, as well as any health risks. The patch is only available by prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After receiving a prescription, you\u2019ll apply the first patch during the first 24 hours of your period. It will become effective immediately with no need for backup contraceptive methods (however, protection against sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, is still needed). Another option is to apply the first patch on the first Sunday after your period has started, which will require using a backup method for the next seven days. The first day you apply the transdermal patch will become your patch change day, so mark it on your calendar!<\/span><\/p>\n

Talk to your doctor about your options if you are switching from a different birth control method to the patch, or are beginning the patch after an event such as childbirth or miscarriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Application<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your healthcare provider should give you step-by-step information on how to apply the patch correctly so it\u2019s effective. The sticky side of the patch must be placed on certain areas of your body in order to deliver the hormones to your system properly. It can be placed on your upper outer arm, abdomen, buttocks, or back in a location where it will not be easily rubbed or irritated by straps or clothing, such as on your breasts. Be sure to apply your patch to clean, dry skin\u2014any sort of makeup, lotion, or oil can cause the patch to loosen, fall off, or otherwise interfere with the patch\u2019s function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you first apply your patch, apply pressure for 10 seconds to make sure it fully adheres, and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, keep it on continuously for seven days, without taking it off to bathe or exercise. When replacing the patch each week, you must place the new patch in a different location from the old patch. You can get off any residual stickiness with lotion or oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

Removal<\/b><\/h3>\n

Check your patch every day to make sure it\u2019s firmly affixed to your skin. If you notice it\u2019s come off or isn\u2019t on perfectly and it has been less than one day, try to reapply it. If the patch does not stick completely, replace it immediately with a new patch. No backup contraception is warranted. If it\u2019s been off for longer than a full day or you\u2019re not sure how long it\u2019s been off, reapply a new patch ASAP and use a backup birth control method for at least a week. You\u2019ll also need to start a new four-week cycle with a new day of the week designated to change your patch.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you forget to change your patch but are only one or two days late in changing it, reapply a new patch immediately. Maintain your previous \u201cpatch change day.\u201d However, if you are later than two days in applying a new patch, you\u2019ll have to use a secondary form of contraception for a week and start a new 4-week cycle. Remember that the day on which you apply the new patch is considered the first day of your new patch application cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can either change your patch each week for three weeks and take the fourth week off, which will mean you\u2019ll menstruate as usual. You can also opt to use the patch every week and skip your period altogether. It\u2019s up to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xulane side effects<\/b><\/h2>\n

The potential side effects of the patch are similar to that of other hormonal contraceptives such as the <\/span>birth control pill<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>NuvaRing<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n