Please explore the following sections for more information:
If 100 sexually active women don’t use any contraception, 80 to 90 will become pregnant in a year.
The contraceptive patch is over 99 per cent effective if used according to instructions. Less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
It works by stopping an egg being released (ovulation), thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting.
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You don’t have to think about it every day
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It still works if you vomit or have diarrhoea
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It can make your periods regular, lighter and less painful
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It is easy to use
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It may improve acne
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It is not suitable for very overweight women
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It not suitable for smokers over 35 years
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There is a low risk of serious side-effects such as blood clots, breast and cervical cancer
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Side-effects can include increased vaginal discharge, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings but these are usually temporary
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Not suitable whilst breastfeeding
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Not suitable for some medical conditions e.g. diabetes with complications, migraine suffers
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It may cause skin irritation
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It may be seen by others
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Some medicines can make it less effective
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Breakthrough bleeding and spotting is common in the first few months but this usually improves.