The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that you stick to your skin and it releases hormones into your body. It is very effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly.
Each patch lasts for a week. You replace the patch every week for three weeks, then you have a week off without a patch. You’ll be protected against pregnancy during the weeks you are wearing the patch and the patchfree week, and you do not need to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.
The patch does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To do this, you need to use condoms as well.
What is the contraceptive patch?
It is a small (4cm x 4cm) beige patch you stick on your skin. It releases oestrogen and progestogen (the same hormones that are in the combined oralcontraceptive pill) into your body to prevent pregnancy. Unlike the contraceptive pill, you do not have to remember to take a pill every day because each patch lasts for a week.
Who can use it?
The patch is used by women (and some transgender men). But contraception is the responsibility of both partners. It is important for everyone to support their partner to use the contraceptive method that is right for them – it is also a way to show you care.
You may not be able to use the patch if:
you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
you are breastfeeding a baby less than six weeks old
you smoke and are aged 35 or over
you are very overweight
you have certain health conditions such as blood clots in a vein or artery, a heart problem, high blood pressure, some blood conditions, breast cancer, some migraines and disease of the liver or gallbladder.
Certain medications, such as some HIV treatment and antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis and meningitis, can make hormone contraceptives less effective. Check with a healthcare professional about whether the patch is the right contraceptive for you.
Where can you get the contraceptive patch?
From a healthcare professional, either at a sexual health clinic or your local health facility. You might also be able to get it from a communitybased programme. For example, some youthclubs work with youthfriendly nurses to provide sexual health services.
How does the patch work?
The patch contains the hormones (chemicals made by your body) oestrogen and progestogen which are released into your body through the skin and stop an egg being released (known as ovulation). The hormones also thicken the mucus on your cervix (which joins the vagina to the womb). This blocks sperm so it can’t swim to fertilise an egg.
If you start using the patch during the first fivetoseven days of yourmenstrual cycle, you&39;ll immediately be able to prevent pregnancy. If you have it after that, you should use condoms for seven days.
How do I use the contraceptive patch?
You stick the patch directly onto your skin – choose somewhere that is clean, dry, not very hairy, and is not likely to get rubbed off by clothing.
You wear the patch for seven days. On day eight, you change the patch to a new one. You do this every week for three weeks, then you have a week without wearing a patch. After the patchfree week, you put a new patch on and begin the cycle again (three weeks with a new patch each week; then a week without a patch).
During your patchfree week you will probably get some bleeding, like a period, but this doesn’t always happen.
Do I still need to use condoms if I use the patch?
Condoms are the only type of contraceptive that protect you and your partner fromHIVandSTIs, so it is worth using them even if you are using the patch.
Will using the patch harm my chances of getting pregnant later on?
No. Once you stop using the patch, you’ll be able to get pregnant straight away.
