Contraceptive Patch, Weight Gain, Advantages and Disadvantages

Birth control patch and weight gain

The belief that the use of the birth control patch would make you fat must be debunked: the contraceptive patch does not affect either weight gain or the formation / increase of cellulite. It is estimated, approximately, a possible weight gain of just 300 / 500 grams during the three weeks of application of the patch: an almost fictitious increase, if we consider that during the seven days of suspension the weight returns to the same as before. This fluctuation seems to be due both to the presence of the “innovative” progestin, norelgestromin, and to the particularly low hormone dosage.

It is no coincidence that it is said that the birth control patch "it is not a burden for the woman": The" statement is ambiguous, and the key is twofold. Metaphorically speaking, the patch it is not a burden because it is simple to use, practical, advantageous and safe; even from a physical point of view, however, the patch it is not a burden for women, since this does not affect either weight gain or the composition of the adipose tissue.
It is estimated that, on average, about 40% of European women abandon the use of a hormonal-based method of contraception for fear of gaining weight, preferring "natural" contraceptive methods absolutely without scientific guarantee, therefore potentially dangerous. percentage increases (60-75%) even more in those areas where overweight and obesity represent a real problem (eg USA), an eating disorder that mainly depends on incorrect lifestyle habits, regardless of the use of contraceptives.
Many users of birth control patches blame the contraceptive method for their weight gain: in reality, weight gain could depend on many different factors, which have nothing to do with the patch. Obviously, it is always advisable to practice sports and follow a balanced diet.
Apart from this unfounded anxiety, protection from unwanted pregnancy should make women reflect, making them responsible for the importance of contraception.

Benefits

The birth control patch has taken hold in Italy a few years ago and represents the choice of excellence for many women of childbearing age who want a safe, peaceful and carefree sex life. The birth control patch offers many advantages, listed below:

Same mechanism of action as the pill, but even easier to use;
99% prevention of unwanted pregnancies;
Vomiting and diarrhea do not interfere with contraceptive efficacy, since, unlike the pill, the patch does not pass through the gastrointestinal tract;
By avoiding a possible gastrointestinal absorption, the hormone level released in the blood always remains constant;
The problem of hormone "losses" caused by hepatic metabolism does not arise (the drug is absorbed transdermally);
The patch remains applied for three weeks, replacing it only three times: in this way, the probability of forgetting is considerably reduced;
It does not make you fat;
Unlike the pill, the patch does not generate allergic reactions / intolerances caused by lactose-based excipients, being devoid of it (many women are allergic / intolerant to milk). In any case, it would be advisable for the woman to contact the doctor if she is allergic / intolerant to some particular substances, which could be the excipients of the patch;
The contraceptive patch is defined as a good ally against acne and hypertrichosis;
There are no time limitations regarding the use of the patch, thanks to the particularly low hormonal dosage, although it is advisable to undergo constant gynecological checks, to ascertain the state of health of the woman;
The recovery of fertility following discontinuation of use of the patch is immediate and the woman regains the ability to support a pregnancy.

Disadvantages

The birth control patch, like all contraceptive methods, has some disadvantages. First of all, it is preferable only in young women whose body weight does not exceed 88/90 kilos, because the hormones contained in the patch would probably be insufficient to ensure maximum contraceptive effect. In adult women over 35/40 years of age. , the patch is contraindicated, because the risk of incurring cardiovascular disease increases with increasing age.
Furthermore, the use of the patch is also not recommended for smokers: in fact, smoking, in conjunction with the hormones released by the patch, could promote the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The use of the patch could generate unpleasant side effects: infections from Candida albicans (common event), mood changes, migraine, nausea, acne, itching, breast enlargement, slight increase in blood pressure, abdominal tension, insomnia, decreased desire (uncommon), contact dermatitis, chloasma, aggression ( very rare).
Not being a barrier method, the patch offers no protection from sexually transmitted diseases (HIV / AIDS, etc.).
Another undesirable effect is represented by possible abnormal and unexpected uterine losses (eg spotting, metrorrhagia), particularly in the first months of application: when these symptoms persist even after three months from the start of hormonal therapy, it is advisable to contact a doctor.
However, even after discontinuing the use of the contraceptive patch, some women complain of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea.