Contraceptive Patch
Hormonal Method
A skin patch that adheres to the skin and releases highly effective hormones for preventing pregnancy.
DETAILS
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases a daily dose of the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, through the skin into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation), thickening the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus, as well as thinning the lining of your uterus so it is less likely that a fertilised egg will attach.
Each patch lasts for a week. When used correctly, it is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
HOW TO
The patch is applied directly to the skin on almost any area of your body, as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. The patch is very sticky and should stay on.
Apply the patch and leave it in place for one week (7 days). On day 8, replace it with a new one. Do this every week for 3 weeks, and then have a patch-free week in the 4th week. During this week, you may have a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen.
If your patch comes loose or falls off, or you forget to replace it, read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes in the box with your patches to find out what you should do. If you are in doubt or have any questions, speak to your healthcare provider.
PROS
- A very effective form of contraception if used correctly
- You don’t have to remember to take it every day – you only have to remember to change it once a week
- It does not interrupt sex
- It may make your periods more regular, lighter and less painful
CONS
- It may be visible
- You need to remember to change it every week
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV), so you may need to use condoms as well
- Some women may experience mild temporary side effects such as headaches, sickness (nausea), breast tenderness and mood changes when they first start using the patch
- Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods) and spotting (very light, irregular bleeding) may be common in the first few cycles of using the patch
- It may cause skin irritation and itching
SIDE EFFECTS
You may experience:
Skin irritation or rash where the patch is applied
Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns, including:
Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent bleeding
No monthly bleeding
These changes in bleeding are normal and are not harmful. If you find them bothersome, speak to your healthcare professional.
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Painful and tender breasts
Stomach pain
Flu-like symptoms
Irritation, redness, or inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The contraceptive patch stuck to the skin releases hormones. It is highly effective at stopping pregnancy.
You cannot see any change in the patch or feel it working, but it continuously releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream. You just need to ensure you change the patch each week for three weeks and remember to start the next cycle of patches after the fourth patch-free week.
Always apply your contraceptive patch to clean, dry skin. Do not use lotions, creams, oils, powder, or makeup where you intend to put the patch or on top of or near a patch you are wearing. These products may cause the patch to fail to stick or become loose.
The patch is very adhesive and rarely comes off. You can go in the shower, swim and exercise whilst wearing. Apply the patch to clean, dry skin. Avoid using creams or lotions near a patch you’re already wearing to ensure it sticks as much as possible. The contraceptive patch works by releasing estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream.
Contraceptive patches adhere to the skin for a week, but if it does detach, you need to replace them as soon as possible as they will become ineffective as birth control if more than 24 hours pass. If more than 24 hours have passed between the patch falling off and its replacement, then the additional use of a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, will be required for one week.
Contraception Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
FEMALE CONDOM
FEMALE CONDOM
FERTILITY AWARENESS
FERTILITY AWARENESS
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
MALE CONDOM
MALE CONDOM
PULL-OUT METHOD
PULL-OUT METHOD
SPERMICIDES
SPERMICIDES
SPONGE
SPONGE
STERILISATION
STERILISATION
THE PILL
THE PILL
join the VIYA community
Be a Part of the Global Change for Sexual Health and Wellness
Together, we can make a difference by normalising the conversation around sexual health and pleasure. Join VIYA’s global mission to shape a world where every woman’s pleasure, wellness and health are prioritized.
