Advantages
it is easy to use and does not interrupt sex
you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day, just change your patch once a week
you are in control of whether you get pregnant or not
the hormones are not absorbed through the stomach, so it works even if you are sick (vomit) or have diarrhoea
it can stop heavy or painfulperiodsand periodrelated mood swings (premenstrual syndrome)
you can stop using the patch at any time, and your natural fertility will return quickly
you can use the patch any time after giving birth if you are not breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, the patch can normally be used six weeks after giving birth.
Disadvantages
you need to remember to change the patch every week
depending on where you stick the patch, people may be able to see it
it can make your skin itchy or sore
it doesn’t protect you or your partner fromSTIs, includingHIV– only condoms prevent pregnancy and STIs
in the first few weeks of using the patch you might get side effects, such as tender breasts, mood changes and light bleeding between periods
some people using contraceptives involving the hormone oestrogen – which includes the patch – have a small chance of getting more serious side effects, including blood clots, but this is rare
some medication can make the patch less effective. This includes some HIV treatment and antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis and meningitis. Check with a healthcare professional about using the patch if you’re taking any other drugs.
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