THE PATCH
THE STICK-ON SOLUTION.
SETTLE INTO A WEEKLY ROUTINE
The patch looks just like a shiny plaster. It sticks to the skin and releases hormones – both a progestin and estrogen – that enter the bloodstream through the skin. The hormones stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, and also thicken the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to move.
You simply peel off the back of the patch and apply it directly to your skin – on your lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or even your back. You wear it for a week and then replace it with a new one. After 3 weeks you take a week off, and during that week where you don't wear the patch, your period should start. Then you repeat that routine. If your patch becomes loose or falls off while you are wearing it, you should refer to the Patient Information Booklet that came with it, or consult your doctor or nurse.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
HORMONES
Yes. The patch continuously releases hormones – estrogen and a progestin – throughout the entire body.
EASE OF USE
The patch needs to be changed weekly in order to be fully effective.
YOUR PERIOD
The patch may cause disrupted periods, either in the form of irregular bleeding, or regular, lighter periods.
HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WEAR THE PATCH BEFORE IT IS EFFECTIVE?
The patch must be applied within the first 24 hours of your period. If it is not applied within this time, you should use another method of contraception, such as a condom or a diaphragm, for the first week you wear the patch.
WHAT IF I DECIDE TO HAVE A BABY?
After you stop using the patch your fertility will return to your normal level, or to what it was before you started using birth control methods; even if you have been using the patch for a long time. Of course, fertility decreases with age.
HOW CAN I TELL IF THE PATCH IS WORKING?
It isn't possible to see if the patch is working by looking at it, and you won't feel it working. When it is applied to the skin it constantly releases hormones – both a progestin and estrogen – into the bloodstream. If you are concerned that you may be pregnant, please speak to your doctor or nurse.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FORGET TO REPLACE MY PATCH EACH WEEK?
The patch must be changed on the same day each week for three weeks, followed by one patch-free week. The patch needs to be changed on this schedule to ensure the correct levels of hormones are released into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. If you forget to change the patch for one or two days past the patch change day, remove it and replace it with a new one as soon as possible. This new patch should be changed on your normal patch change day to maintain the original schedule. If you are more than two days late in changing the patch, you should begin a new four-week cycle with a new patch. In this case you will also need to use another method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next week. Changing your patch schedule may shorten your period, or bleeding may continue when you put on the next patch. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet for more information.
HOW DOES THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH WORK?
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases hormones into your bloodstream that prevent pregnancy. When used perfectly, it’s more than 99% effective.
HOW MUCH DOES THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH COST?
Public and private healthcare programs vary around the world, covering some or all of the cost depending on where you live.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1
PER WEEK
How frequently you need to change the patch three weeks out of every month.
21
DAYS
How long you use the patch every month in total.
2
HORMONES
Progestin and estrogen are continuously released directly through the skin.
- It’s self-administered.
- It requires tracking of the number of weeks it has been used, and must be changed on time to be most effective.
- Allows spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex.
- Most women find it easy to use.
- It requires tracking of the number of weeks it has been used, and must be changed on time to be most effective.
- It is visible, and there is a chance it can come loose or fall off, which affects its effectiveness.
- Some women experience headaches, mood swings, and itching and redness at the application site.
- It does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
