Two of the most popular methods of preventing pregnancy are birth control pills and patches, primarily modern inventions. But how do these two differ from one another? Considering birth control pill vs. patch, both share some similarities and some differences.
The similarities revolve around how they work by releasing hormones into the body to prevent ovulation.
While both of these can be considered effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, their effectiveness differs from person to person. A thorough reading through this article will enlighten you more on the debate concerning contraceptive patch vs. pill.
What is a birth control pill?
Birth control pills, commonly known as contraceptive pills, are a kind of medication used by women daily to prevent unwanted pregnancy. These pills come with synthetic hormones progestin and estrogen that prevent ovulation (egg release from ovaries).
How does the birth control pill work?
A birth control pill works by restricting the process of ovulation, which refers to the egg release from the ovary. Ovulation is essential for fertilization, that ultimately leads to pregnancy.
The presence of synthetic hormones in a birth control pill represses the natural hormone production in the body leading to an unfavorable environment for the release of the egg. Moreover, these pills prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to make a successful journey to the egg.
Benefits of the pill
- Effective prevention of unwanted pregnancy
- Regulating menstrual cycle
- Lowering the risk of endometrial or ovarian cancer
- Prevention of frequent breakouts of acne
- Managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Non-contraceptive advantages such as lowering the risk of bone thinning or anemia.
Side effects of the pill
The common side effects of birth control pills are as follows:
- Headache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Mood swings
- Decreased libido
- Fluid retention or weight gain
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Spotting between period or irregular bleeding
- Vaginal discomfort and unusual discharge
What is a birth control patch?
A birth control patch is a thin small patch that one needs to wear on the skin to prevent pregnancy. Just as birth control pills come with synthetic hormones, patches contain synthetic progestin and estrogen that prevent ovulation and make cervical mucus thicker to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
These patches are worn on the upper body, buttocks, and lower abdomen for three consecutive weeks and are replaced once every week. The fourth week is typically a gap during which women experience withdrawal bleeding or menstrual bleeding. The birth control pill and birth control patch effectiveness are the same, with only 1% risk.
How does the birth control patch work?
When worn on the skin, the patch delivers synthetic hormones involving progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream through the skin. These hormones work by repressing ovulation and making the cervical mucus thicker, preventing the reach of the sperm to the egg.
Benefits of the patch
- More convenient as one doesn’t need to take it daily
- Help in the regulation of the menstrual cycle
- Come with high effectiveness, similar to birth control pills
- Reduced risk of developing endometrial and ovarian cancer
- Effectively managing PCOS
- Providing relief against acne problems
Side effects of the patch
Below are some common birth control patch side effects that you must know:
- Irritation of the skin
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Vomiting and nausea
- Changes in menstrual bleeding
How to choose between the the pill and patch
The decision of whether to go for birth control pills or patches ultimately depends on the preference and health requirements of the user. Considering birth control patch vs. pill side effects vary from one individual to the other.
To make the right choice, one must consider factors such as convenience, hormone levels, sensitiveness, or allergies to the ingredients present in birth control and one’s medical history. The best idea would be to seek advice from a healthcare professional to ensure the utmost safety.
Conclusion
Therefore, to sum up, birth control pills and patches offer optimum effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. The only difference is that a pill needs daily dosing while, on the other hand, patches need weekly changing. Choose according to your comfort and convenience.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.