Ortho Evra
The Ortho Evra birth control skin patch is a weekly hormonal contraceptive that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. The skin patch is worn for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. No skin patch is required for the fourth week. The skin patch releases progestin (synthetic hormone) and estrogen (female sex hormone) through the skin and into the bloodstream.
The Ortho Evra skin patch helps prevent ovulation (eggs released by the ovary for fertilization). The hormones cause a thickening of the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The patch impedes the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus.
Application of the Patch
The Ortho Evra skin patch can be placed on four areas of the body. Women can apply the patch to the upper outer arm, upper torso (front or back, excluding the breasts), abdomen, and buttocks. The patch can be worn in a different area of the body each week. The patch should not be placed on areas of the skin where makeup will be applied or on irritated or cut skin.
Three separate Ortho Evra skin patches should be applied during a menstural cycle. To ensure protection, the patch should be changed on the same day of each week. If the patch is applied after the designated day, then additional contraception is recommended prior to intercourse.
Ortho Evra Side Effects
The skin patch side effects are similar to other synthetic hormonal contraceptives. Side effects include breast discomfort, painful menstural cycles, headaches, and nausea. The discomfort in the breasts will reduce after each completed skin patch cycle. Females will notice an increase in their menstural bleeding. The intensity of the menstural bleeding will decrease over time. All side effects should clear up after three consecutive patch cycles.
Women missing their period for consecutive patch cycles should consult their gynecologist. The user may be pregnant or suffering from amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is an absence of the menstural cycle. The treatment can range from lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, or stress reduction) to surgery (removal of vaginal or uterine obstruction).
Ortho Evra Complications
Reports indicate women who wear the Ortho Evra skin patch are exposed to a higher level of estrogen than women using birth control pills. Higher levels of estrogen in the bloodstream have been linked to blood clots in the legs and lungs. These blood clots can lead to heart attack and stroke. The Ortho Evra blood clot risk is increased by women who smoke, and have family history or blood disorders.
A blood clot occurs when blood is converted from a liquid to a solid state. The clot can limit or stop the flow of blood to important organs, such as the heart or brain. The blockage can cause a heart attack or stroke. A heart attack occurs during blockage of blood vessels in the heart and a stroke occurs during blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain. Medication can be used to break up the clotting in the blood vessels.
Although, young women have a low risk for blood clot related conditions, reports indicate patch users suffering from blood clots are dying at a higher rate than women using birth control pills. The majority of the women are in their late teens to early twenties.
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