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The contraceptive patch is a small beige 5cm by 5cm patch that is applied to the skin like a plaster. It prevents pregnancy by releasing two hormones through the skin; oestrogen and progestogen which are similar to those produced naturally in the ovaries.
Contains oestrogen and progestogen
Usually helps with feeling low or anxious
No protection against STIs
Visible although you can place it in more discreet areas
Usually makes periods regular, lighter and less painful
Lasts as long as you use it
Can reduce acne
More than 99% effective if used without mistakes
Requires a prescription from a doctor or nurse. You may have to use additional contraception for seven days depending where you are in your cycle when you first start using the patch.
Remembering to change the patch each week and add a new patch after the patch-free week
The contraceptive patch prevents pregnancy in three ways:
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.
The brand that is currently available in the UK is Evra.
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.
When you go to get the patch, an appointment will typically include:
You will not be required to have a vaginal or breast examination for the patch.
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.
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 start using it after day five of your period, you must use a barrier method of contraception (such as condoms) for the first seven days.
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).
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.
You can start the patch on day 21 after the birth if you aren’t breastfeeding and you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If any later than day 21, you will need to use additional contraception for seven days.If you are breastfeeding, you will be advised to wait at least six weeks after the birth before using the patch as it can reduce the flow of milk. You will need to use alternative contraception while you wait to start on the patch.
You can start using the contraceptive patch straight after an abortion or miscarriage and you will be protected immediately from pregnancy. You can become pregnant from two weeks after an abortion or miscarriage, so if you are wanting to prevent pregnancy, you will need to use contraception from 14 days after.
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.
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.
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 do will depend on where you are in the four week cycle, and how long the patch has been off for.
Stick the patch back on as soon as possible. If it does not stick – you will need to replace it with a new patch.
Continue to use your patch as normal, changing it on your normal change day.
If you have used the patch correctly for the previous 7 days, you won’t need to use any additional contraception and you are protected against pregnancy.
If you are in week 1-2 of your cycle, continue to use your patch as normal, changing it on your normal change day.
If you are in week 3 of your cycle, you should start a new cycle (wait another 3 weeks until your patch-free week).
You will need to use another form of contraception e.g. condoms for the next 7 days. You should talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or nurse about emergency contraception if you have had sex after the patch came off.
Put on a new patch as soon as you remember – this is now the beginning of your new four-week patch cycle. You will need to use another form of contraception e.g. condoms for the next 7 days. You should talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or nurse about emergency contraception if you have had sex since you last wore the patch.
The hormones from the patch will usually leave your body within a couple of days – no matter how long you have been using the patch for.
This will vary, and will depend on when ovulation (releasing an egg) starts up again. It may be a matter of days or weeks, for others it may take up to three months. But fertility levels should return quite rapidly.
If you find you have irregular periods after stopping using the patch and are worried, or if it’s taking a long time for your periods to start again, you can ask your doctor or nurse for advice.
Everyone reacts slightly differently when they stop using the patch. Some people may find they have skin problems initially, although as your hormone levels self-regulate over the course of a few weeks or months, symptoms may subside once again. If symptoms persist or worsen please see your doctor or nurse for help and advice.
It’s a good idea to move where you put the patch to a different area to avoid skin irritation
Unfortunately the patch currently available in the UK only comes in one colour so it is more visible on some skin tones compared to others.
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