The contraceptive patch

View all 114 topics

Special reports

Child health

Men's health

Women's health

The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch measuring 5cm x 5cm (rather like a nicotine patch), which delivers oestrogen and progestogen into your body through your skin. Find out how the patch prevents pregnancy, and how it might affect your periods.

A woman can get pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova). Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart or by stopping egg production. One method of contraception is the contraceptive patch.

Each patch lasts for one week. You wear them for three weeks, then have a week off without a patch.

In the UK the patch's brand name is Evra.

How does the patch work?

The contraceptive patch should be stuck to clean, dry skin where it's unlikely to be rubbed off.

It contains the same hormones as the combined pill, and it works in the same way. This means that the patch:

prevents ovulation (the release of an egg)
thickens cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to travel through the cervix
thins the womb lining, which makes it unlikely that an egg will implant itself there

How effective is the patch?

When used correctly, the patch is more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than one woman in 100 who use the patch will get pregnant in one year.

Added benefits?

You don't need to think about it every day, and it's still effective if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
Because the patch prevents ovulation, you don't have a period. Instead you have a monthly 'withdrawal bleed', which can be lighter and shorter than a period. So if you have heavy periods or painful periods, the patch can help.
The patch may protect against ovarian cancer, womb cancer and colon cancer.

What else should I know?

The patch can increase blood pressure, and some women get temporary side effects, such as headaches.
The patch has to be changed every week.
You can wear the patch in the bath, in the swimming pool and while playing sports.
Some women develop a blood clot when using the patch, but this is rare.
The patch may not be suitable for women who smoke and who are over 35, or who weigh 90kg (14 stone) or more.

By using condoms as well as the patch, you'll help to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Further information

Find out about the 15 methods of contraception

Using contraception after having a baby

Find sexual health services near you

Where to get contraception

Find out where you can go for confidential access to the contraception that's right for you.

Last reviewed: 09/09/2011

Next review due: 09/09/2013

Ratings

How helpful is this page?

Average rating

Based on 10 ratings

All ratings

1 ratings

0 ratings

4 ratings

Add your rating

Comments

5 Comments about ‘The contraceptive patch’

Our rules:

Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Charliewarlie said on 29 November 2011

I was on the patch just over a year ago and it suited me well. There was a "manufacturing issue" and my doctors told me I wouldn't be able to get hold of it again. I went on the implant and have had this removed this month because I went up two dress sizes, felt depressed and developed acne. I wish to try and go back on the patch but there are still manufacturing problems my doctor says. Where are you getting it from?!?!!
I have searched online and there is nothing about issues with the patch.

Does anyone know where the patch has gone?

MG1989 said on 22 November 2011

Hello Girls!

I have just started to use patch, but find it NOT very mine method...

I started to use it on the first day of my period and now it's 10 day of my period and it still does not stop. Bleeding not so strong as first days, but I am bleeding for 10 days now. Also, at some points I am finding that I have been feeling sick and not very well - although rarely.
It's not good on shoulder - keeps peeling at the edges... best place to use: buttocks - sits there for whole 7 days!
+ the chances of having blood clot any other symptoms are much higher than even with Mini-pill or implant.

I have read many info about Implant and thinking to try it, but my GP suggested to try Mini-Pill to make sure that it suits me. if Mini Pill suits you - implant will have the same symptoms and effect.
And Girls, implant is effective for 3 years and if everything works fine - you'll forget about it for 3 years! Now, I am checking patch couple times a day (just to make sure). Will start Mini Pill these days.

Constant Bleeding drives me mad. If you are bleeding Non stop (even not heavily) - it's better to use normal condom and forget about all the fuss!

Thanks

slimgirl said on 20 August 2011

I am a slim, well propotion, 29year old with an active sex life and do not plan to have children yet. I am also very forgetful.
I have read about the various female contraceptive methods and believe the patch would suit my lifestyle. My only concern is that I may gain weight.
Does anyone have any experience concerning the Patch and weight gain.

joc89 said on 05 April 2011

Hi,

I'm thinking of changing contraception now in a few months but not sure what to choose. I was thinking the pill but I am a very forgottable person!

My implant is due to come out now in June but I have had a few problems with it so am thinking of changing to these patches.

Does anybody recommend them? and is there any pills to take on ur week off e.g. if you have to go away on a holiday, is there a pill to take on your 'withdrawl week' ?

Gillian1988 said on 05 April 2010

I had been on the pill for years but as my life gets busier I struggle to take it at the same time everyday (even though I set a daily reminder on my phone).

I saw the patch and thought it was worth a try as I didn't like the idea of being on my period for a long time till I settled, like with other contraceptions.

First off no withdrawal week. This did mean I had spotting in my first week, so I suggest if your going on to it, time it around holidays etc. Everything has been fine (I'm now on my 3rd week) the only problem is ... it does peel along the edges. This means you do get fluff stuck to it, which doesnt look nice. On the other hand its better than getting pregnant