Family Planning

óPregnancy rates may be slightly higher among women weighing 90 kg ormore.Return of fertility after patch use is stopped: No delayProtection against sexually transmitted infections: NoneSide Effects, Health Benefits, and Health RisksSide EffectsSome users report the following:óóóóóóóóóSkin irritation or rash where the patch is appliedChanges in monthly bleeding:– Lighter bleeding and fewerdays of bleeding– Irregular bleeding– Prolonged bleeding– No monthly bleedingHeadachesNauseaVomitingBreast tenderness and painAbdominal painFlu symptoms/upper respiratory infectionIrritation, redness, or inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)Known Health Benefits and Health RisksLong-term studies of the patch are limited, but researchers expect that itshealth benefits and risks are like those of combined oral contraceptives (seeCombined Oral Contraceptives, Health Benefits and Health Risks, p. 3).Medical eligibility criteria (see p. 6), guidelines for when to start (seep. 10), and helping continuing users (see p. 16) are the same for thecombined patch as for combined oral contraceptives.102 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers