THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
WHEN and HOW?
The contraceptive patch is applied once a week, for 3 weeks in a row and then left off for the 4th week. The contraceptive patch has an efficacy of 93% with typical use.
How to use the contraceptive patch?
- Peel off the back and apply the patch directly to your skin on your lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or back.
- Leave the patch in place for a week and then replace with a new one.
- You put on a new patch and take off the old patch once a week for 3 weeks, 21 total days.
- Each 4th week you go without a patch at all.
Your menstrual period should start during this patch-free week. Then you repeat the same process again. If the patch comes loose or falls off, have a look into the Patient Information Booklet provided with the patch pack. In case of doubt, ask your healthcare provider.
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Contraceptive Patch PROS:
- Highly Effective
- It´s easy to put on and to remove
- It doesn`t require daily attention
- It permits sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex
- You don’t have to remember to take it every day
- Easy to use
Contraceptive Patch CONS:
- It´s visible and may come loose or fall off
- It requires keeping track of the number of weeks used
- It may cause some itching and redness at the application site
- It may cause some people to suffer headaches and mood swings
- It may cause weight gain
- It may cause disrupted periods
- It is rare, but some women may suffer blood clots, heart attacks and strokes
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
All important details about the Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch is just that, a patch that looks just like a shiny plaster and sticks to the skin, highly effective to prevent you from getting pregnant by releasing hormones. The hormones estrogen and progestin are released continuously, entering the bloodstream through the skin, where they stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken the cervical mucus which keeps the sperm from getting to the egg. The patch isn’t transparent, so this method of contraception is visible.
Questions & Answers about the Contraceptive Patch
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The patch is designed to adhere to the skin for a week, but if it does become detached you need to replace it as soon as possible as it 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 it being replaced, then additional use a back up method of contraception, such as condoms, will be required for one week.
The patch is very adhesive and rarely comes off. You can go in the shower, swim and exercise whilst wearing. The patch should be applied to clean, dry skin and you should avoid using any creams or lotions near a patch you’re already wearing to ensure it sticks as much as possible. The contraceptive patch works by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream.
No, it may actually help to change the location a bit each week. The patch can be worn on the buttocks, stomach, back or upper arms, it must not be worn on the breasts.
You cannot see any change in the patch, or feel it working, but it is continuously releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin 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 on skin where you are going 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.
