Contraceptive Patch

What is the contraceptive patch?

This thin patch contains estrogen and progestogen. It sticks to the skin and can be put on the stomach, thigh, buttocks or upper arm. It is not transparent, so this method is visible. The hormones are released continuously into the bloodstream through the skin. You wear a new patch each week for three weeks, followed by a week’s break.

Would the contraceptive patch suit me?

The patch provides an alternative form of combined hormonal contraception to the combined pill, as the patch is only changed once a week. It can cause similar hormonal type side effects as you would experience with the combined pill but you may also experience skin irritation. The contraceptive patch has very high reliability when use properly.