The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, square (5cm x 5cm) and is beige in colour. You stick the patch on your skin and replace it every week for three weeks (21 days), then stop using the patch for seven days (patch-free week when you will experience a light breakthrough bleed). This is called a patch cycle.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.
