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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.