The Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige coloured patch approx 5cm x 5cm in size. You stick it on your skin and it releases 2 hormones into your body. These are similar to the natural hormones that women produce in their ovaries and like those used in the combined pill.
If used correctly and according to instructions the patch is over 99% effective. Less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
The patch releases a daily dose of hormones through the skin and into the bloodstream. It works in the same way as the combined pill by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month; it also thickens the mucous at the neck of your uterus, making it difficult for sperm to move through it and by thinning the inner lining of you uterus.
The patches have to be prescribed by a doctor or contraception nurse, you don’t have to have a vaginal examination or a smear test when you are first prescribed the patch.
Not everyone can use the patch, so your doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your own and your family’s medical history to make sure the patch is suitable for you. Some of the conditions, which may mean you should not use the patch, are:
- You think you may be pregnant
- You smoke and are 35 or over
- You are 35 or over and stopped smoking less than a year ago
- You are breastfeeding
You have now or have in the past:
- Had blood clots in any vein or artery
- A heart abnormality or circulatory disease including raised blood pressure
- Current breast cancer or breast cancer within the last 5 years
- Migraines with disturbance of vision or loss of sensation
- Disease of the gallbladder
- Diabetes with complications
If you are healthy, don’t smoke and there are no medical reasons for you not to use the patch, you can use it until your menopause.
Advantages
- You don’t have to think about it every day; you only have to remember to replace the patch once a week
- It is easy to use
- Unlike the pill, the hormones do not need to be absorbed by the stomach, so the patch in not affected if you vomit or have diarrhoea
- As with the combined pill, it usually makes your bleeds regular, lighter, and less painful
- It may help with premenstrual symptoms
- It may reduce the risk of cancer of the ovary womb or bowel
- It may reduce the risks of fibroids, ovarian cysts and breast disease that is not cancer
Disadvantages
- Can be seen
- May cause skin irritation in some women.
- Does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well
- May increase your blood pressure
- You may get temporary side effects when you first start using the patch, these should stop within a few months
- You may have some unexpected vaginal bleeding in the first few months whilst using the patch. If you are using the patch correctly, this is nothing to worry about. You will still be protected against pregnancy.
The patch does not give any protection against STIs so therefore condoms should be used as well, in order to protect you from both pregnancy and infection.
Are there any Risks?
Very low risks, but serious side effects may include and increase in the risk of developing breast cancer, blood clots and cervical cancer.
Always discuss your concerns with your doctor or nurse.
How do I use the patch?
You apply a new patch once a week, every week for 3 weeks (21 days). You then stop using the patch for 7 days (patch free week). This is called a patch cycle.
Where do I put the patch?
You can use the patch on most areas of the body apart from your breasts. It is a good idea to change the position of each new patch, to help reduce the chance of any possible skin irritation.
If you forget to change your patch or if it becomes dislodged, please visit the Family Planning Association website.
Can anything make the patch less effective?
There are a few medicines that make the patch less effective if you are unsure please discuss with your doctor or nurse. If you are using common antibiotics – continue using your patch as usual and use an extra method of contraception, such as condoms while taking the antibiotics and for seven days after. If you come to the end of your last patch week while still taking the antibiotics then put on a new patch straight away. Do not have your usual 7-day break. You will then still be protected against pregnancy.
The contraceptive patch will give you no protection against sexually transmitted infections, we therefore recommend the use of condoms as well.