No need to worry, it is most likely just bits of dust and dirt catching in the adhesive that makes the patch stay on your skin. While the patch is in place, there is not too much you can do. Try not to remove the patch or pick at the edges because it can make the patch not stick. Once you take the patch off, try rubbing a little bit of oil on the marks. They should come right off with a little scrubbing.
\nStill not working? If the sticky stuff bothers you and you want a contraceptive method you do not have to remember every day or every time you have sex, you may want to check out the implant, the IUD, the ring, or the injectable.
\nTry a different method: implant, IUD, Ring, injectable.
Any method is better than no method when it comes to the environment.
\nSome of the hormones from the patch will enter the environment through a woman’s urine. But it is smaller than other sources of estrogen in the environment. Estrogen from industrial and manufacturing processes, fertilizers and pesticides, and the drugs given to animals all enter the environment in larger amounts than the estrogen in a woman’s urine from the patch. If you do not want to add hormones to the environment or your body, there are options for you. Natural latex condoms and the copper IUD are both good options. Whatever you decide, pick a method and keep using it.
\nStill not working? If would like to use a very effective method without any hormones, try the non-hormonal IUD.
References:
\nUse the patch for a couple of months. The side effects may settle in that time frame.
\nStill not working? You may not get the same side effects with other hormonal methods. If things do not get better with time, consider using the ring, injectable, IUD , or implant.
\nTry a different method: implant, Ring, injectable.
Some women do experience irritation from the adhesive.
\nTry this: move the patch to another recommended spot. It might lessen the effect. If you have been moving it around, try keeping it in one spot. If your skin is still irritated, try using a little bit of cortisone cream. It will probably get better quickly. Still not working? If it does not get any better, consider a method without adhesive. Here are some options that you have to think about even less than the patch: injectable, the implant, an IUD , ring
\nTry a different method: implant, IUD, Ring, injectable.
References:
\nTry this: set a reminder on your phone.
\nStill not working? If you use a reminder system and you are still having trouble remembering, you might want to consider a method that you can forget about for several months or several years. Maybe some types of injectable, an implant or an IUD .
\nTry a different method: implant, IUD, injectable.
References:
\nPatches do not fall off very often. But if the patch falls off do not worry about it. You can stick the same patch back on if it has been less than 24 hours, and the patch is still sticky. Or you can use a new patch.
\nDO NOT use bandages, tape, or adhesive to make a non-sticky patch stick. The hormones that keep you from getting pregnant are mixed with the adhesive, so if it will not stick, it is also not going to be an effective method.
\nTry this: make sure you do not use any lotions, oils, powders, creams, or medications on your skin where you put the patch. Using lotion or oils after bathing can interfere with the patch sticking as well. Still not working? If it keeps falling off, maybe you want to try a method that goes on the inside. Maybe implant, an IUD, or ring
\nTry a different method: implant, IUD, Ring.
References:
\nAsk Myka our chatbot.
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