Contraceptive patch
What is it and how does it work?
Worn by the woman, the Evra Contraceptive Patch is a thin, beige, sticky patch, which releases a constant daily dose of hormones into the bloodstream through the skin (oestrogen and progestogen). Worn somewhere on the body which is clean, dry and not hairy (commonly the arm, buttock or lower abdomen). The patch should not be worn on the breast, on sore or irritated skin, or anywhere that can be rubbed by tight clothing. The position of each new patch can be changed in order to help to lessen skin irritation.
The contraceptive patch works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg every month.
How are they used?
Each patch lasts for 7 days, after which it is removed and a new one applied immediately. This is called the "change day" and takes place on days 8 and 15 of the cycle. After 3 weeks you have a patch-free week, starting on day 22. During this week you will have a withdrawal bleed (period). After 7 patch-free days, the cycle begins again.
The patch is very sticky and should stay on during bathing, swimming, saunas and exercise. If it does slip, or come off, it should be reapplied a.s.a.p (if it is still sticky), or a new patch used. If the patch has been off for less than 24 hours no additional contraception is required. If the patch has been off for more than 24 hours then another method of contraception is needed for the next 7 days, and emergency contraception should be considered if appropriate.
What are the advantages of it?
You only have to remember to change it once a week, it is easy to use, and does not interfere with sex.
Possible side effects
Some of the disadvantages are:
- it may be visible
- it can occasionally cause skin irritation
- it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
There are also some possible side effects of using the patch (similar to the side effects of using the combined contraceptive pill), but these should stop within a few months:
- headaches
- nausea
- tender breasts
- bleeding between periods
- mood changes
- weight gain or loss.
Where can you get them from?
The contraceptive patch is available on the NHS.
How effective is it?
If used correctly and according to the instructions the contraceptive patch is over 99% effective.
Research has shown that the effectiveness of the patch is reduced in women who weigh over 90kg (14 stone). Some prescription drugs and complementary drugs (e.g. St John's Wort) can affect the effectiveness of the patch.
If the patch comes off for more than 24 hours another method of contraception is needed for the next seven days, and emergency contraception should be considered if appropriate.
Contacts
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Other forms of contraception:
Adapted from information produced by the FPA - www.fpa.org.uk
