Why I love the contraceptive patch

Like many teens, I was prescribed the contraceptive pill before I was even sexually active, as a way of controlling painful periods. Unfortunately, my time on the pill was nothing short of a living hell. I couldn’t sleep, my mood swings were intolerable, and I gained weight, despite feeling too nauseous to eat most of […]

Em Richardson
8th November 2019
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) on Wikimedia Commons
Like many teens, I was prescribed the contraceptive pill before I was even sexually active, as a way of controlling painful periods.

Unfortunately, my time on the pill was nothing short of a living hell. I couldn’t sleep, my mood swings were intolerable, and I gained weight, despite feeling too nauseous to eat most of the time.

When I eventually stopped taking the pill, my weight and sleep patterns returned to normal almost immediately.

Whilst researching alternatives to the pill, I came across the contraceptive patch: a small adhesive patch which is placed on the skin, and releases hormones into the body, preventing pregnancy. Each patch is worn for a week, then replaced, on the same day each week. After three weeks of wearing patches, the patch is removed for a week, allowing users to have a period.

I walked out of my local sexual health clinic with three months’ worth of patches, and I’ve never looked back

In October 20919, I walked out of my local sexual health clinic with three months’ worth of patches, and I’ve never looked back.

I haven’t had a single adverse side effect from the patch, apart from occasional, very light spotting. My weight and blood pressure have stayed constant, and my periods are significantly lighter, with much less cramping.

I even find remembering to change my patch much easier than remembering to take the pill. I think it’s because it only happens weekly, rather than daily. I just pop a reminder on my phone, making sure I change on Sunday morning.

Don’t let thoughts of walking around with an ugly plaster stuck to your arm deter you

I love how discreet the patch is, too - it’s small, nude, and can be placed on your bottom, so don’t let thoughts of walking around with an ugly plaster stuck to your arm deter you from trying a great form of contraception.

Most of all, remember that the pill isn’t the only form of contraception available, and don’t be afraid to experiment, until you find something that really works for you. After all, contraception is a very personal issue.

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