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Birth Control Patch

93% effective

Change it once a week

Costs up to $150, but can be $0

Table of Contents

Description

The transdermal (meaning the medication is absorbed through the skin) contraceptive patch is called both Xulane patch and Twirla patch.

How does the birth control patch work?

It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from joining with an egg (stopping fertilization).

It has both estrogen and progestin which helps prevent ovulation, and thickens the mucus of the cervix. This means there is no egg available for sperm to fertilize and sperm are blocked by the mucus so it could not swim to an egg

How effective is the patch?

The birth control patch is 99% effective if used perfectly. Humans are not perfect though and things can happen, in the real-world it is about 93% effective.

What side effects can occur on the birth control patch?

Some side effects can happen for some people but not everyone, many can use the patch without issues.  Some side effects include headaches, nausea, sore breasts, changes in your menstrual bleeding, skin reactions where the patch goes.  The side effects usually resolve in 2-3 months.

Not sure
which option is right for you?

Our providers can help you choose the method that fits your body and your life. Schedule a consultation today.

Schedule a Consultation Today

FAQ's

Spokane OBGYN

You wear one patch for 7 days, then replace it with a new one on the same day each week for 3 weeks in a row. On the 4th week, you don’t wear a patch and will usually get your period.

You can put the patch on your abdomen, buttocks or back. The Xulane patch you can also place on the outer part of your upper arm.
Do not place it in areas that have a lot of friction from tight clothes (ie underwear lines, the waistband of your pants)
Make sure it is still sticking to your skin each day

Place it on the skin that is clean and dry, do not place lotions, oils or makeup powders for example on the area where you are going to place the patch.

Store your patches at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep the patch in its sealed pouch until right before you are going to place it.

If the patch is off for less than 24 hours, reapply it or put on a new one right away—your protection should still be effective. If it’s off for more than 24 hours, you may need backup contraception (like condoms) for 7 days.

Some people may notice mild side effects like skin irritation where the patch is placed, breast tenderness, nausea, or headaches. These usually improve after a few months. Serious risks are rare, but because the patch contains estrogen, it may slightly increase the chance of blood clots and other health issues. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or ongoing side effects.

You can use the patch while breastfeeding but the estrogen in it can decrease the milk amount for the first 3 weeks of breastfeeding.

If using the Xulane patch you can choose to skip your period at any time or altogether by having a patch on.

Additional Contraception Options

Click below for more information

Emergency Contraception
Birth Control Pill
Birth Control Patch
Birth Control Vaginal Ring
Birth Control Shot
IUD (intrauterine device)
Birth Control Implant
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Construction Notice

The City of Spokane Valley is improving the Pines & Mission Intersection near our Spokane Valley location. 

Starting April 15th, 2024, most of the work will happen between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM, with some daytime work too.

They’ll try to limit traffic disruptions, keeping the intersection open and businesses accessible but please plan accordingly when visiting our Spokane Valley office.

Click below for more details:

We can expect minor traffic changes mostly around the northeast and southeast corners of the intersection. This involves digging for the wall, upgrading traffic and pedestrian signals at Pines & Mission intersection, and improving its northeast and southeast corners.

Traffic revisions involve closing westbound Mission Avenue and the northwest shoulder of Pines Road near the 190 offramp, with ongoing modifications to traffic signals, retaining wall construction, sidewalk improvements along northwest Mission Ave, and prep work for repaving Pines Road and Mission Ave.

Traffic changes will close westbound Mission Avenue and part of the northwest Pines shoulder, limit center lanes on the east side of Mission and the south of Pines, pave parts of Mission Avenue and Pines Road, and reconstruct the traffic island at the Pines Road and Mission Avenue intersection.

Mission Avenue will be fully closed from the Pines intersection westbound to just before Applebee’s parking lot’s west driveway, with center lane restrictions on eastbound Mission. The project involves grinding existing asphalt, paving new asphalt, adding traffic islands, installing new road markings and signs, and landscaping the northwest quadrant of Mission and Pines.

We're Moving!

New office opens Tuesday August 5th!

  • 110 Cliff Drive, Suite 420

Free Parking!

If you have any questions please contact us!

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