What is it?
For women who have
The contraceptive patch is a 4 x 4 cm beige
patch that sticks to a
woman's skin and
continuously releases
estrogen and a progestin
(two female hormones)
into the bloodstream.
How it works
The patch prevents pregnancy primarily by
stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg,
but it may also thicken the cervical mucus
(making it harder for sperm to get into the
uterus) and make the uterine lining thin. Its
method of action is very similar to the Pill.
How to use it
Unlike the Pill, which has to be taken every
day, each patch is worn on the skin for seven
days. One patch is worn each week for 3
weeks. The patch should be changed on the
same day each week (called the "Patch
Change Day"). The fourth week is patch-
free, allowing a period to occur. The patch
should never be off for more than seven
days. Following the seven patch-free days, a
new cycle is started when you apply a new
patch on your Patch Change Day.
Where to wear the patch
for typical users.
trouble remembering to take a pill every
day, the patch may work better than the Pill.
It may be a bit less effective in women who
Stomach Upper Buttocks Back weigh more than 90 kg (198 pounds).
Arms
Other Benefits
Other benefits to being on the patch include
The patch can be worn on the buttocks,
a regular, lighter period, often with less
stomach, back or upper arms, but not on
PMS and cramping. It is completely
the breasts. It may help to change the
reversible. Once you stop the patch, your
location a bit each week. The patch should
body resumes its natural cycle.
be applied to clean, dry skin. You should not
use any creams or lotions near a patch you're
already wearing, or where you'll be applying Disadvantages
a new one. The patch is very "sticky". You
can exercise, shower, swim or go in a sauna The patch does not protect against sexually
or hot tub and it still sticks 98% of the time! transmitted infections.
How to start When starting the patch, you may notice
side effects such as breakthrough bleeding
(between periods), breast tenderness,
You'll need to visit your doctor or health
headaches, or nausea as your body gets used
clinic to see if this is a good choice for you,
to the hormones. These symptoms usually
and to get a prescription. Ideally, you should
go away in the first three months. You may
apply the first patch on the first day of your
also notice some skin irritation.
period. If you apply the patch more than 24
hours after the start of your period, you will
Women who cannot take estrogen due to a
not be protected from pregnancy for the first
medical condition cannot use the patch or
week. Women switching from a birth
the Pill. See your doctor to decide if the
control pill should also start the patch on
patch is a good choice for you.
their first day of bleeding (not when you
would have started the next pack of pills).
Common Problems
Effectiveness
Check each day to make sure the patch is
Like the Pill, the patch is also more than
still well applied. If the edges come loose
99% effective at preventing pregnancy when
try to smooth it back on by pressing with
used perfectly, with about a 3% failure rate
your hand for 10 seconds. If it does not stick
back on, or comes off completely, apply a Other information
new patch. You would still change it on
your same Patch Change Day and you are The patch may interfere with lactation by
still protected against pregnancy. decreasing the quantity and quality of milk.
Some of the components of the
If the patch falls off for more than 24 contraceptive may be excreted in the milk
hours put a new patch right away, and start which may have adverse effects to the child
a new four-week cycle. You will need to use such as jaundice and breast enlargement
a back up method of birth control for the
next week and you will have a new Patch This drug must not be used with clients with
Change Day. diseases associated to cardiovascular
diseases.
If you forget to change your patch for 1 or
2 days, remove the patch when you The contraceptive effect of the patch may
remember and apply a new patch. You will decrease with the use of anti fungal,
still change it on your next Patch Change antibiotics, and anticonvulsant.
Day - you are still protected against
pregnancy. If you are more than 2 days late
changing the patch, you start a new four-
week cycle with the new patch. You will
need to use a back up method of birth
control (like condoms) for the next week.

If you forget to take off your patch at the References:

start of the Patch-free week, take it off when
MIMS annual Full prescribing information, 17 th ed.
you remember and start the next cycle at the
usual time. Your period may be shorter, or
What is it???
Contraceptive methods(September 5, 2006)
you may still be bleeding when you put on retrieved last August 13, 2010 from
the next patch. http://www.sexualityandu.ca/adults/contraception-
2-2.aspx
If you forget to put on your patch after
your patch-free week (so you have had
more than 7 days with no patch) put it on as
soon as you remember. You need to use
back up birth control for the first week of
the new cycle, and your Patch Change Day
will be different.