Can You Be Pregnant While On Birth Control Patch

There are so many methods for birth control. You can decide on which method to choose after consulting with your gynecologist.

Some of the birth control methods are; birth control pills, birth control patch (which is changed weekly) and the vaginal rings (which are changed once a month). Cervical barrier methods are also some birth control devices that are affordable and simple to use. The methods involved are latex diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge, female condom and Lea’s shield.

Women prefer different types of birth control methods. The birth control patch or the Ortho Evra is a thin plastic patch which is 4 1/2 centimeters square patch which sticks to your skin to prevent you from getting pregnant. This patch releases hormones to your bloodstream through your skin to prevent pregnancy. It is changed once a week for three weeks in a row and then you have a patch free week.

Possibility of pregnancy while on birth control patch:

No birth control product is 100% effective. It depends on your luck and mainly on how you use it. Whichever type of birth control method you are adopting, the most important factor is that you should follow the instructions correctly, because if you make a mistake, it can result in pregnancy. The birth control patch is a popular method of birth control, preferred by many women today. It is 99% effective, but remember, there is still 1% chance for pregnancy if improperly used.

Factors leading to pregnancy while using the patch:

The chance of getting pregnant while using the birth control patch depends on how correctly you use it. 5-8 out of every 100 women have a chance of getting pregnant in a year of using birth control patch. There are many factors which can lead to improper use of this patch and can increase the risk of pregnancy.

(1) You have to change the patch every week. If there is any delay in this weekly change, the patch can lose its effects and cause pregnancy.
(2) Similarly if you miss the weekly change or remove the patch too early, the patch loses its effectiveness.
(3) The contraceptive patch will be less effective to prevent pregnancy for girls or women who weigh more than 198 pounds.
(4) Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of the patch
(5) Taking certain medications also prevents the patch from working effectively.

The birth control patch has a reversible effect. If you stop using the patch, you will become pregnant.