Contraceptive Patch
This is a small, thin patch that contains two hormones: oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones are absorbed through your skin. There is only one type available at the moment, called Evra.
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The contraceptive patch does NOT protect against sexual infections.
Patches can be worn on most parts of the body (upper arms, shoulder, bum) but be careful not to use it on sensitive areas like the breasts. It is 99% effective and you replace the patch every seven days with one patch-free week every month.
Advantages of the contraceptive patch:
- You don't have to remember to use it every day. You only need to replace the patch once a week.
- It's easy to use.
- If you are vomiting or have diarrhoea it doesn't affect the contraceptive, unlike the pill. You can wear it when swimming, exercising or showering.
- It has the same advantages as the combined contraceptive pill.
However:
- It doesn't protect against sexual infections.
- You might have temporary side effects like headaches, feeling sick, tender breasts, bleeding between periods or putting on or losing weight but these shouldn't last long. If the side effects continue talk to your doctor.
- It might cause skin irritation in a small number of women.
- Some medications might prevent the patch from working properly.
- If the patch falls off you need to put on a new one immediately.
- It has the same disadvantages as the combined contraceptive pill.
- The contraceptive patch is more expensive than taking a contraceptive pill.
How to use the contraceptive patch:
- The first patch should be applied on the first day of your period. You keep the patch on for seven days.
- After seven days the patch is taken off and you apply a new one immediately. You continue to wear the second patch for seven days before changing again for a new one.
- After three weeks of this cycle you have a patch-free week. During this time you'll get a bleeding like your period.
- After the patch-free week, a new cycle begins. It's important to remember to put on a new patch after the seven days.
- If the patch falls off (it shouldn't as it's very sticky) then put on a new patch right away. If it has been off for less than 24 hours, you are still protected. If it's been off for more that 24 hours than another type of contraception (like condoms) is needed for the next seven days.
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