Birth Control Pill Vs Patch

In 1960, the approval for birth control pills became a reality for millions of women in the United States, where the “Pill” was developed. Birth control pills are basically a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which are naturally present in a woman’s body. When administered properly and taken daily, they help women by preventing pregnancy.

The oral contraception pills can prevent the process of ovulation, which is the fusion of sperm cells and eggs by preventing the release of hormones called gonadotropins. Some birth control pills also help in the thickening of cervical mucus in women that restricts the sperm cells from going through the reproductive tract to reach the eggs. As with most prescription drugs, some side effects may appear with a select group of users. Some of the side effects of contraceptive pills are bleeding, weight gain and depression. Other side effects may include mastalgia (which is tenderness of breasts and an increase in breast size), nausea, increased blood pressure, and reduced acne breakouts.

Another form of contraceptive, the “Patch”, is a new method of birth control which came into existence very recently. It works similar to the contraceptive pills, by combining two hormones progestin and estrogen. These hormones have the same effect as contraceptive pills by preventing ovulation and the thickening of cervical mucus. They also prevent implantation of the egg making the lining of the uterus thinner.

The major difference between pills and the contraceptive patch is the method through which these hormones enter into blood stream. The pills are consumed orally and the hormones enter through the gastro-intestinal system, whereas in case of the patch, they are absorbed through the skin. Although the patch is considered an effective method, its efficiency with women can be varied based on the usage. For women weighing more than 200 pounds, the patch may have a reduced effect, as the absorption of hormones through skin is difficult because of fat content in skin.

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