Contraceptive patch

The contraceptive patch prevents pregnancy in three ways:

1. It stops eggs being released from the ovaries (ovulation)
2. It makes it harder for the sperm to reach the egg
3. It makes the uterus (or womb) lining thinner so that a fertilised egg cannot implant.

During your patch-free week you will get a bleed. This isn’t a proper period, but is called a ‘withdrawal bleed’ and is caused by you not taking hormones in the patch-free week.

This can happen at any point during this patch-free week, and you should start your next pack on time whether or not you are still bleeding.

Sometimes you may not bleed during the patch-free week. While this is generally nothing to worry about, speak to a GP or nurse if you miss more than 2 bleeds.

It is also possible to skip the patch-free week meaning you are unlikely to get a withdrawal bleed. Speak to your doctor or nurse to see what is right for you.

It is common to experience irregular bleeding when you first start on the patch. This is generally nothing to worry about, you’ll still be protected from pregnancy and it should settle down within three months. Speak to a nurse or doctor if you are concerned.

The contraceptive patch is available free of charge from a range of services including contraceptive clinics, your GP and Brook. Find your nearest using our find a service tool.

Contraception and sexual health services such as Brook are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16. Health professionals work to strict guidelines and won’t tell anyone else about your visit unless they believe you’re at serious risk of immediate harm. Find out more about Brook’s confidentiality policy.

At the appointment

When you go to get the patch, an appointment will typically include:

• A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what would suit you best.
• You’ll discuss other medicines you are taking in case they make the patch less effective.
• The doctor or nurse will take your blood pressure and they will weigh you.

When you first start the patch you will usually be given a three month supply. Follow up appointments and reviews can be up to every 12 months.

The brand that is currently available in the UK is Evra.

You will not be required to have a vaginal or breast examination for the patch.

• If you start using it after day five of your period, you need to use a barrier method of contraception (such as condoms) for the first seven days.
• You can start the patch at any time in your menstrual cycle. If you put the first one on in the first five days of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away.
• If you have a short menstrual cycle, where your period normally comes every 23 days or less, you will need to start taking the patch in the first four days to be immediately protected (because you might ovulate early).

Starting the patch after pregnancy

It’s possible to start on the patch after giving birth, a miscarriage or abortion but when it is safe to start on this method does vary.

1. Wear the patch continuously for seven days
2. On the eighth day it should be changed
3. Remove and throw the patch away using the disposal sachet provided
4. Immediately put a new one on
5. The patch should be changed every week for three weeks (21 days)
6. After three weeks you don’t wear a patch for seven days
7. After the break, apply a new patch and start the four-week patch cycle again

Some people choose to use the patch continuously and miss the patch-free week. It’s best to talk to your doctor or nurse before using the patch continuously.

Where to wear the patch?

Patches can be worn discreetly on most areas of the body, including the upper arm, shoulder or buttocks, but should not be applied to the breasts or to broken or irritated skin.

Avoid placing the patch anywhere that may be rubbed by tight clothing, and change the position of each patch to help reduce the chance of skin irritation.

The patch is really sticky so it should stay on in the shower, bath or sauna. But you should also avoid covering the patch with body cream or lotions, as these may cause it to become loose.

Factors impacting its effectiveness

Some medicines e.g. those used to treat epilepsy, HIV and TB and the complementary medicine St John’s Wort can reduce its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.

Commonly used antibiotics do not reduce effectiveness, but it is best to check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist

The patch should stay on as it is very sticky. However, if it does fall off, what you need to do depends on how long it has been off.

If you forget to take the patch off or put a new patch on, what you do will depend on where you are in the four-week patch cycle and how long you have forgotten to take the patch off or put a new one on.