Contraceptive patch

The contraceptive patch is a small beige patch applied to the skin like a plaster. It is 5cm by 5cm in size and releases hormones through the skin that prevent pregnancy by controlling your fertility.

Some key facts:

• The patch is over 97% effective when it is used correctly
• You wear each patch for one week, and change it every week for three weeks. You then have a patch-free week
• It protects against pregnancy but not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect against STIs you will also need to use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms
• You don’t have to think about it every day, you only have to replace the patch once a week
• You can wear the patch in the bath or swimming pool
• You usually experience a monthly “withdrawal bleed”
• It can help with heavy periods and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
• It can help with acne
• The patch is not affected by diarrhoea or vomiting because the hormones don’t need to be absorbed by the stomach
• Some medicines can affect how well the patch works
• It contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which are similar to the hormones produced naturally in women’s ovaries

Contraceptives are available for free from Umbrella clinics, and your GP can prescribe contraceptives.