The Patch?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2003
The Patch?
1
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 6:41pm
Is the patch for birthcontrol much more effective than the pill if taken when supposed to? And i've also wanted to know if its easier to become pregnant before my period or right after my period. Thanks!

Avatar for lucy4980
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: savaeigh
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 7:50pm
In lab tests, the patch has about the same effectiveness as the pill. It is hormonal BC, the delivery is just different - absorbed through the skin rather than through the digestive tract. In practice, I have read that the patch is more effective than the pill because more women use the patch correctly than take the pill correctly. It's more common to miss a pill or take it late than to mess up the patch change day.

As for when it is easier to become pregnant, that it when you ovulate, usually mid-cycle somewhere. You can chart your fertility if you are interested. If you are on hormonal BC and using it correctly, you shouldn't ovulate, so there isn't any time during your cycle when you should get pregnant.