Contraceptive patch

What is a contraceptive patch?

The contraceptive patch is a thin sticky patch that releases a daily dose of oestrogen and progestogen into your blood stream.

The patch lasts for 7 days, after which time a new patch should be applied, and then another new one after another 7 days. After 3 consecutive weeks, there should be a one week patch-free break. The patch can be applied up to and including the fifth day of your period and protects immediately against pregnancy. If started on any other day, another method of contraception must also be used for 7 days. If your patch falls off it is important to replace it as soon as possible. If the patch is off for more than 24 hours you should use another form of contraception for the next 7 days.

How does it work?²

The contraceptive patch works in the same way as the combined contraception pill:

• It works mainly by stopping your ovaries from releasing an ovum
• Thickening the mucus of the cervix to act as a barrier to sperm
• Stopping a fertilised ovum from settling by keeping the lining of the womb thin

How effective is it?²

The contraceptive patch is over 99% effective when used correctly.

What are the benefits?²

• Doesn’t interrupt sex
• You only need to remember to change it once a week
• Hormones do not have to go through the stomach so it is not affected by sickness or diarrhoea
• May help with pre-menstrual symptoms
• It may reduce cancer of the ovary, womb and colon
• Reduced risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and breast disease that is not cancer

What are the drawbacks?²

• It can be seen
• It may cause skin irritation
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
• It may increase your blood pressure
• You may get temporary side effects when you first start using the patch but these should stop after a few months
• Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are also common in the first few months

Are there any side effects?¹

Short term side effects:

• Breakthrough bleeding
• Can increase the chance of breast tenderness, headaches and nausea
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood changes

Long term side effects:

• May increase blood pressure
• Rare chance of an increase in the risk of blood clots
• Very small increased risk of breast cancer/cervical cancer

You should not use the contraceptive patch if you are/have had any of the following:¹

• You might be pregnant
• Over 35 years old and stopped smoking less than a year ago
• Have had blood clots in any vein or artery
• Have had circulatory disease or a heart abnormality
• Suffer from migraines with aura (migraines with bright or flashing lights)
• Have diabetes complications or have had diabetes for over 20 years
• Have had breast cancer within the last 5 years
• Have active liver disease
• Take certain medications that interfere with the efficacy of the patch

What if I forget to take the patch off?²

At the end of week one or week two? Or if the patch has been on for less than 48 hours:

• Remove the old patch and put a new one on
• Continue to use your patch as normal, changing it on your normal change day
• No additional contraception needs to be used, as you are protected against pregnancy

If the patch has been on for more than 48 hours:

• Start a new patch cycle by applying a new patch as soon as possible. You will now have a new day of the week as your start day and change day
• Use another method of contraception for the next 7 days
• If you have had sex in the previous few days, ask your health professional for advice

What if I forget to take the patch off at the end of week?³

• Take the patch off as soon as your remember
• Have a patch free break and start a new patch on your usual start day – this will mean you have a shorter number of patch-free days
• You do not need to use another method of contraception, as you will be protected from pregnancy

What if I forget to put a new patch on at the end of the patch-free week?

This is the most risky time to forget to put on a patch.

• Put on a patch as soon as you remember – this is now the beginning of your patch cycle
• If you put on a new patch 48 hours or more after the usual start day, then you may need to use additional contraception as you may not be covered against pregnancy

What do I do if I want to become pregnant?²

Ideally you should stop using your patch at the end of the patch cycle. It helps to wait for a natural period after stopping the patch before trying to get pregnant. This means the pregnancy can be dated more accurately and you can start pre-pregnancy care such as folic acid and stopping smoking.

1. NHS direct. Health encyclopedia – contraceptive patch

2. fpa. Sex/sexual health – contraception – the contraceptive patch