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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
Important
The patch is usually a light beige colour so it will be more visible on some skin tones than on others.
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.
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 get pregnant from as little as three weeks after giving birth.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 become pregnant from two weeks after an abortion or miscarriage.You can start using the contraceptive patch straight after an abortion or miscarriage and you will be protected immediately from pregnancy.
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 need to do depends on how long it has been off.
Stick the patch back on as soon as possible. If it does not stick – you will need to replace it with a new patch. You can now continue to use your patch as normal and change to a new patch on your usual change day. No additional contraception is required providing there has been consistent and correct use for seven days prior to the patch coming 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.
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 only comes in one colour so it is more visible on some skin tones compared to others.
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