My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
The Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is a thin beige strip that you stick to your skin once a week. The hormones in the patch are released into your body through your skin. You change patches once a week for three weeks, and then you don't wear a patch for one week. Your period commonly comes during the week you are not using a patch.
Some studies have shown that the levels of hormones are higher with the patch, which in rare cases may lead to higher risks for serious side effects such as blood clots. Currently there is only one type of patch available known by its brand name Ortho Evra.
Risk of pregnancy
This is a very effective method of birth control. The risk of pregnancy if you use the patch is about 1 percent.
Advantages
- Highly effective method of birth control.
- Regular, lighter, and more predictable periods.
- Lessens pain, cramping, and flow with periods.
- Decreases chance of breast and ovarian cysts.
- Helps protect against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Decreases amount of acne and facial and body hair.
- Lowers risk of cancer of the uterus and ovary.
- Safe to take with antibiotics.
- You don't have to remember to take a pill every day.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted disease (STDs).
- May not be as effective when taken with certain kinds of medications like St. John's wort, seizure medications, and rifampin.
- May cause increased nausea, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding.
- You should not use the patch when you are breastfeeding.
- Skin reaction.
Most women can use hormonal methods safely but some women should not. We should discuss your options if:
- You are over 35 and smoke
- You have had blood clots or a stroke
- You have high blood pressure or diabetes
How to use the patch
The patch can be worn on the skin of your stomach, buttocks, upper back or the outside part of your upper arm. Wherever you decide to put it, you must leave it there for 7 days.
Some women have trouble getting the patch to adhere to their skin. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply the patch. Do not apply lotion. You can also clean your skin with an alcohol pad to help the patch stick.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.