Contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch, a bit like a plaster, that slowly releases hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy. The patch contains oestrogen and progestogen, the same hormones as the combined pill and works by preventing the release of an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens cervical mucus which makes it harder for sperm to pass through and thins the lining of the uterus (womb).
You wear the contraceptive patch for 21 days, replacing it every 7 days, before taking a 7 day break and then starting the cycle again.
How effective is the contraceptive patch?
The contraceptive patch is 99% effective when used properly. The effectiveness can be reduced if you are taking medication or if you weigh more than 14 stone (90kg).
Who can use the contraceptive patch?
If you are healthy, don’t smoke and don’t have any medical conditions then you should be able to use the contraceptive patch. However there are some situations where it isn’t suitable, such as if you:
- are overweight
- are breastfeeding
- smoke
- have heart problems
- have had breast cancer
- have had a blood clot
- have lupus
- have diabetes
- get migraines
- are taking certain medication
We can help you select the best form of contraception for you based on your sexual history and lifestyle. Book an appointment via telephone or online by registering for a Personal Health Record (PHR) and come and have a chat with us at one of our clinics.
Where can I get the contraceptive patch?
You can get the contraceptive patch free of charge from a Devon Sexual Health clinic near you.
Are there any side effects to the contraceptive patch?
Some women can get headaches, sickness, sore breasts, bleeding between periods and experience moodiness when they first start using the contraceptive patch. This will usually calm down after a couple of months.
A very rare complication would be a blood clot in a vein or an artery, particularly if you already have some health problems. There is also some research to indicate a very slightly increased risk of getting breast or cervical cancer if you use the contraceptive patch.
If you are concerned about any of these side effects or would like to find out if the contraceptive patch is a good option for you then contact a Devon Sexual Health clinic near you.
If you are admitted to hospital or have an operation, make sure that you tell the Doctor/Nurse that you are using the patch as you may need to stop using it to reduce the risk of thrombosis (blood clots).
How to use the contraceptive patch
Apply the patch to an area of bare, unbroken dry skin in a place where it won’t get easily rubbed off or dislodged. Do not apply the patch to your breasts.
Wear the patch for 7 days and on the 8th day (change-day), replace it with a new patch in a different place on your body. This can be done at any time during the day.
Use this patch for 7 days and then change again on the 8th day.
After you have used three patches for 21 days, you can then take a 7 day break.
You may get a bleed in this patch-free week – this is not a period but withdrawal bleeding caused by not taking the hormones. The bleeding may be lighter and less painful and less painful than a normal period or you may not bleed at all.
After 7 patch-free days, you can then put a new patch on the 8th day and start a new cycle. If you have more than 7 days without a patch, then you will not be protected and you will need to use another method of contraception for another 7 days. If you have already had sex in the last few days, you may need emergency contraception.
If the patch falls off then apply a new one. If you’ve just started using it, or it’s been off for longer than 48 hours, you should use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days.
If you forget to take the patch off at the end of week one or two, if the patch has been on for less than 48 hours extra: take off the patch and replace it with a new one. Continue as normal, changing it on your normal change day. You are still protected against pregnancy.
If the patch has been on for more than 48 hours extra: start a brand new patch cycle. Put a new patch on and this becomes week one of the patch cycle and you now have a new day for your change day. You need to use additional contraception for the next seven days. If you had any sex without a condom in the previous few days you may need emergency contraception so contact us for advice.
Pros & Cons
- It’s easy to use
- When the patch is in place you don’t have to think about contraception for 7 days.
- It still works even if you are sick or get diarrhoea
- It can make periods lighter and less painful
- It may help with premenstrual symptoms
- It can help with acne
- It doesn’t protect you against STI’s
- It can cause itching or a sore patch where the patch goes
- There are some side effects such as nausea, sore breasts and moodiness
- You can see it
Frequently asked questions about
Contraceptive Patch
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Will the contraceptive patch make me gain weight?
Some women using the contraceptive patch have reported weight gain but there is no clinical evidence to support this.
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Will the contraceptive patch protect me against STIs?
No a contraceptive patch will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. If you have a new partner or are unsure about your partner’s sexual history, then you need to use a male or female condom. You could also book a check-up for you both.
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How soon after having the contraceptive patch can I have sex?
If you start using the patch on the first day of your period then you are protected against pregnancy straight away. Otherwise you should wait or use additional forms of contraception for 7 days.
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What age can I get the contraceptive patch?
As soon as you are sexually active. If you are under 16 and visit us, we will talk to you about the different types of contraception you might want to consider and give you advice about having a healthy sex life. We won’t tell anyone unless we think that you are at risk of harm in some way.
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Will having a contraceptive patch affect my fertility?
No. Fertility returns as soon as you stop the patch
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Does the contraceptive patch make your boobs get bigger?
Studies have shown that some women can experience soreness and temporary breast enlargement as a result of using the contraceptive patch. This is usually temporary.
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Does the contraceptive patch stop your periods?
The contraceptive patch can affect your periods. You may experience bleeding on some days when you are using the patch especially during the first 3 months although this should settle down. Typically you will experience your period after a few days during your patch-free week but you may also miss a bleed altogether. If this happens and you’ve been using the patches correctly then continue with the cycle. If you are at all worried then please contact your nearest Devon Sexual Health clinic.
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Can I swim or shower with the contraceptive patch?
Yes. The patch is waterproof and very sticky so it shouldn’t come off. Take care when rubbing yourself with a towel and it should be fine. If the patch has come off, replace it with a new one and continue the cycle as normal.
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Do I need to wear the contraceptive patch in the same place each time?
No, it will work just as well anywhere on your body, although you should apply it to an area that doesn’t have much body hair and you should also avoid applying it to your breasts. It will help to stop it becoming sore if you apply it to a different area each time.
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Can I use the contraceptive patch after giving birth?
You can use the patch from 21 days after giving birth – if you start it on day 21 you are protected straight away.
If you start it after day 21 then you need to use additional contraception for another 7 days. For some people, particularly if you are breastfeeding, it may not be the best method so we would advise you to speak to a Doctor or Nurse about your options.
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Can I use the contraceptive patch after an abortion or miscarriage?
Yes, you can use the patch immediately after an abortion or miscarriage and you will be protected immediately if you start within 5 days.
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Am I protected during the 7 day patch-free week?
Yes, as long as you have used the previous three patches correctly, you start the next patch at the right time and you are not taking any medication that may affect the patch.
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What if a patch falls off?
If the patch has been off less than 48 hours: if it still sticky, put it back on as soon as you can. If it is not sticky, apply a new patch. You are still protected against pregnancy and continue to use it as normal and change it on your normal change day.
If the patch has been off more than 48 hours: start a brand new patch cycle. Put a new patch on and this becomes week one of the patch cycle and you now have a new day for your change day. You need to use additional contraception for the next seven days. If you had any sex without a condom in the previous few days you may need emergency contraception so contact us for advice.
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What if I forget to take a patch off at the end of week 3?
Remove the patch, have a patch-free break and start a new patch on your normal start day – even if you are still bleeding. You will have fewer patch free days than normal. You will be protected against pregnancy.
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Can I miss out a patch-free week?
Yes, if you want to you can miss out the patch free week by using another patch straightaway. This is not dangerous however you may get some bleeding on days you are using a patch.