Contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is a small, sticky patch, like a plaster, that you stick on your skin. It slowly releases two hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) to stop pregnancy.
The patch works in three main ways:
- It prevents you from releasing eggs (ovulation), so there’s no egg for sperm to fertilise.
- It thickens the mucus at the entrance to your womb (uterus), making it harder for sperm to get through.
- It thins the lining of your womb, so if an egg did get fertilised, it wouldn’t be able to attach and grow.
You wear the patch for a week at a time, and it’s a simple way to prevent pregnancy without having to think about it every day.
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The patch contains the same hormones as the combined pill – oestrogen and progestogen.
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You change the patch every 7 days. After using three patches (21 days), you can take a 7-day break — or you can choose to skip the break and keep using patches continuously. You can find out more about breaks here.
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If a patch falls off, you should use extra contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days.
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Like other contraception methods that use hormones, the patch has great benefits, but it’s not suitable for everyone. You’ll need a health check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist before starting it.
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If you have heavy periods, the patch can help you choose when you bleed — every month, every three months, or even not at all.
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The patch can sometimes help improve acne.
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When you first start using it, you might get some side effects, like sore breasts, feeling sick, or spotting between periods. These usually settle down within the first three months.
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The patch does not protect against STIs, so you’ll still need condoms for protection.
- If your patch falls off, see our missed contraceptive guide.
You can get the contraceptive patch from:
- Sexual health clinics
- Some GPs
To find contraception services near you, search by your postcode using our find a service tool.
