Contraceptive patch

What is the contraceptive patch?

The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige, sticky skin patch that contains the same hormones as the combined contraceptive pill - oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the hormones women produce in their ovaries.

How does it work?

The patch delivers a constant daily dose of hormones into the bloodstream through the skin. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) each month. The patch also:

• Thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
• Makes the lining of the womb thinner so it's less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

How reliable is the contraceptive patch?

Effectiveness depends on how carefully it's used. The patch is more than 99 per cent effective when used according to instructions. This means that, using this method, fewer than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year. It is less effective in women weighing 90kg (14st) and over.

Myths about the contraceptive patch:

• It's more reliable than the pill. Not true - the effectiveness of the patch is the same as the combined contraceptive pill.
• It patch falls off easily. Not true - it's very sticky.

How to use the contraceptive patch

The patch is used for three weeks out of every four. A new patch is used each week.

The patch can be started up to and including the fifth day of a period. If used at this time, it's effective straight away. If started at any other time, additional contraception has to be used for seven days.

After 21 days you have a break of seven days, when you have a bleed. This withdrawal bleed is usually shorter and lighter than normal periods.

You can use the patch on most areas of the body as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. You shouldn't put it on skin that is sore or where it can be rubbed by tight clothing. Don’t put it on your breasts.

The patch is very sticky and should stay on in the shower, bath or sauna, during swimming and exercise. However, in some cases it may fall off.

If the patch has been off for fewer than 48 hours, just reapply it as soon as possible or use a new one, then continue as normal.

If it has been off for more than 48 hours, start a new patch cycle by applying a new one as soon as possible. Use additional contraception for seven days. Seek advice about emergency contraception if you had sex in the previous few days and didn't use a condom.

Initially, you'll be given three months' supply of the patch. If there are no problems such as an increase in your blood pressure, you will then be given up to a year's supply

You don’t need a cervical screening test or an internal examination to have the patch

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the contraceptive patch include:

• You only need to remember to replace the patch once a week
• It doesn’t interrupt sex.
• Unlike the combined contraceptive pill, the hormones don't need to be absorbed by the stomach, so the patch isn't affected if you vomit or have diarrhoea
• The patch usually makes your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful
• It may help with premenstrual symptoms
• It may reduce the risk of cancer of the ovary, womb and colon
• It may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease

Disadvantages of the contraceptive patch include:

• It's visible
• It may cause skin irritation in a small number of women
• Like the combined contraceptive pill, temporary side effects may include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes
• Breakthrough bleeding (unexpected bleeding while using the patch) and spotting can be common

The patch can have some serious side effects, but these aren't common. They may include:

• Raised blood pressure
• A very small number of women may develop a blood clot, which can block a vein (venous thrombosis) or an artery (arterial thrombosis, heart attack or stroke)
• Possible increase in risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer
• Possible increase in risk of cervical cancer if used continuously for more than five years

The patch doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

Can anyone use it?

The patch may not be suitable for all women. But for most women, the benefits of the patch outweigh the possible risks.

It may be unsuitable for you to use the patch if you:

• Think you might be pregnant
• Smoke and are over 35, or are over 35 and stopped smoking less than a year ago
• Are very overweight
• Take certain medicines - always check
• Have had a previous thrombosis
• Have a heart abnormality, circulatory disease or high blood pressure
• Have very severe migraines or migraines with aura
• Have breast cancer now or within the past five years
• Have active liver or gall bladder disease
• Have diabetes with complications, or have had diabetes for more than 20 years

Where can I get the contraceptive patch?

The patch is free on the NHS from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics or general practice.

Advice and support

Call the FPA helpline on 0845 122 8690.