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Contraceptive transdermal system.

Dr Zofia Polska

You can read this text in 6 min.

The contraceptive transdermal system is one of the most modern, hormonal forms of pregnancy prevention in the form of a patch.

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Undoubtedly, one of the advantages of the patch is the route of administration of the hormones, It allows the first-pass effect through the liver that occurs when using oral hormonal contraception to be avoided. It prevents increased stimulation of hepatic protein synthesis by reducing the activity of the coagulation system. They bypass the gastrointestinal tract, so that any gastrointestinal disturbances do not pose any risk of an insufficient supply of the correct dose of hormones to the body, thus weakening the contraceptive action. They can therefore be used without hesitation by women suffering from frequent gastrointestinal indisposition, which is very common in various diseases of the digestive tract accompanied by vomiting or diarrhoea, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome and others.

The hormone-releasing hormone patch reduces or even completely eliminates premenstrual symptoms. They also reduce the risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as the occurrence of uterine myomas and ovarian cysts. They also alleviate the discomfort of endometriosis. They also have no effect on weight gain and increase the comfort of sexual intercourse.

The contraindications and side effects of the patch are similar to those of oral hormonal contraception. The most common complaints are headaches, nausea or breast tension and pain and a slight decrease in libido. During the first three months of using the patch, spotting or bleeding during the cycle may also occur. This is the body's reaction to changes in hormone concentrations. In addition to this, the patch may occasionally cause local allergic changes to the skin. Hormonal methods, including the patch, should not be used by women with a history of thrombosis, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, hormone-dependent tumours or liver disease. They are also contraindicated in women suffering from anaemia, clotting disorders or hypertension. The patch is not recommended for women who smoke or weigh over 90 kg.

It is also important to remember that each pack of patches always comes with an information leaflet, which should be read. This will enable you to use the patch correctly and also dispel any doubts by answering many questions.