Contraception information – the patch

Patch

Benefits

Doesn’t interrupt sex
You don’t need an examination before use
May reduce heavy or painful periods
You only need to replace it once a week
You don’t have to remember to take a pill everyday
Usually makes periods regular, lighter and less painful
Fertility returns to normal when removed.

A small sticky patch that sticks to your skin and releases artificial copies of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone which are absorbed through your skin and into your blood stream.They are being increasingly used in the UK, and available for free on the NHS.

*for typical use (effectiveness for perfect use 99%)

How it works

How to use it

Stick the contraceptive patch to clean dry skin that will not rub against tight clothing.

Change the patch every week for three weeks, then have a week without a patch to have a period / withdrawal bleed.

Why it works

The hormones prevent pregnancy by:

Preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
Thickening the mucus in the neck of the womb, so it is harder for sperm to penetrate the womb and reach an egg
Thinning the lining of the womb, so there is less chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb.

Things to consider

It can be seen by other people, and may cause skin irritation in some women.It is common to experience some temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes and spotting.

The patch does not protect you against STIs, so you may need to use condoms as well.

Questions?

How quickly does the patch start to protect me against pregnancy?

If you start using the patch within the first five days of your cycle, then you will be protected from pregnancy from that day. If you start at any other time then you should use additional contraception for 7 days.

Can I use the patch after having a baby?

If you have just had a baby and are not breastfeeding, you can start the patch on day 21 after the birth. You will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you start the patch later than 21 days after giving birth, you will need additional contraception (such as condoms) for the next seven days.

If you are breastfeeding a baby less than six months old, using the patch can reduce your flow of milk. It is recommended that you use a different method of contraception until you stop breastfeeding.

What should I expect if I go to get the contraceptive patch?

When you first start using the patch you will usually be given three months' supply to see how it suits you. After that you should go back to the doctor or nurse to get new supplies and to have your blood pressure checked. If there are no problems, you can be given up to one year’s supply of patches.

What do I do if the patch comes off?

If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours:

Stick your patch back on as soon as possible (if it is still sticky)
If it is not sticky, replace it with a new patch (do not try to hold the old patch in place with a plaster or bandage)
Continue to use your patch as normal and change your patch on your normal change day.

If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours before you replace it, you will still be protected against pregnancy as long as the patch was on properly for 7 days before the patch came off. If this is the case, you do not need to use additional contraception.

If you have had a patch on for six days or less before it falls off, you may not be protected against pregnancy and should use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days.

If the patch has been off for 48 hours or more, or you're not sure how long it has been off:

Apply a new patch as soon as possible and start a new patch cycle (this will now be day one of your new cycle)
Use another form of contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days
If you had unprotected sex in the previous few days, you may need emergency contraception.

What do I do if I forget to take the patch off?

The patch will not release sufficient hormone to continue to protect you from pregnancy after 7 days so you should consider emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex during this time.

What are the possible long term side effects of using the patch?

A small increased risk of some serious health conditions, such as breast cancer, which reduces with time after stopping the patch.

A very small number of women may develop venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, heart attack or stroke. If you have ever had a thrombosis, you should not use the patch.

See a doctor straightaway if you have any of the following:

Pain in the chest, including any sharp pain which is worse when you breathe in
Breathlessness
You cough up blood
Painful swelling in your leg(s)
Weakness, numbness or bad ‘pins and needles’ in an arm or leg
Severe stomach pains
A bad fainting attack or you collapse
Unusual headache or migraines that are worse than usual
Sudden problems with your speech or eyesight
Jaundice (yellowing skin or yellowing eyes).

Who is the patch suitable for?

Most women can use the patch, but your GP or clinician will ask about your family and medical history to determine whether or not the patch is the best method for you.

The patch is not suitable for women who:

Are pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Weigh over 14 stone
Are taking certain medications - ask your GP
Smoke (or stopped smoking less than a year ago) and are 35 or older
Are over 45 years old
Have or have had a heart abnormality or heart disease or stroke
Have a blood clot in a blood vessel (thrombosis)
Have or have had migraines
Have or have had diabetes for more than 20 years / complications
Have or have had disease in the gallbladder or liver
Are immobile for long periods of time or use a wheelchair
Have systemic lupus erythematosus.

Can I cover the patch with make up?

No. This is not recommended. You should also avoid covering the patch with body cream or lotions, such as sun tan lotion. This may cause the patch to become loose.

Do I always have to stick the patch in the same place?

When you first start using the patch, you can vary the position every time you use a new patch to reduce your risk of irritation.

What can make the patch less effective?

Medicines used to treat epilepsy, HIV and TB, other antibiotics and the herbal medicine St John’s Wort can lessen the effectiveness. Ask your GP, clinician or pharmacist and read the information that comes with your medicine.

Always tell your doctor that you are using a patch if you are prescribed any medicines.

Not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea
The patch may not be so effective for women who weigh 90kg (14 stone) or over, an alternative method may be advisable.

Can I miss out the patch-free week?

Some people do this when they want to put off bleeding, for example if they are going on holiday or want to have sex. You can miss out the patch-free week by using another patch straight away. This isn’t harmful and you will still be protected against pregnancy. Sometimes you will still get bleeding.

Does the patch cause weight gain?

Research has not shown that the patch causes weight gain. Some women may find their weight changes throughout their cycle due to fluid retention. The patch may increase your appetite but should settle over the first few months.

Where can I get it?

The patch is available for free on the NHS. It can be given by most sexual health clinics and some GPs. Talk to your clinician about whether it’s right for you. Your clinician will be able to tell you where you can get the patch nearby, if they don’t offer it themselves.