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Patch

What am I?

The contraceptive patch is a small square patch that you wear on your skin.1 Each patch lasts for one week, with three patches used in a row, followed by one week without a patch1

Effectiveness2

Perfect useTypical use
99%91%
  • Periods
    • Introducing hormones into the body at a steady pace may make your periods more regular and predictable3
    • Preventing the womb lining from thickening may make your period (withdrawal bleed) shorter and lighter than a natural period3
    • Thinning the womb lining may mean the womb muscles do not have to contract as much when it sheds, alleviating period pain3
  • Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
    • PMS is caused by hormone level changes throughout your cycle. The patch can help regulate hormones and may reduce symptoms of PMS like mood swings, bloating, tummy pain, hunger, tiredness, breast tenderness and headaches3
  • The patch may reduce unwanted hair growth in places like above the lip, on the chin, chest, abdomen or back4
  • The patch may reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and bowel cancer3
  • There is no evidence to suggest a link between the patch and weight gain5
  • Using a skin patch to deliver medicine allows the drug to be released gradually, which could increase effectiveness and may cause fewer side effects6
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling

  • The contraceptive patch can sometimes cause skin irritation, itching, and soreness3

  • There is a slight increased risk of developing breast and cervical cancer by using the patch.5 However, the risk goes back to normal 10 years after you stop taking the patch5

  • There is a slight increased risk of blood clots associated with the patch (10 additional cases per 10,000 female users).5 For context, the risk of getting a blood clot during pregnancy or after a long-haul flight is much higher7,8
  • Some people experience mood changes on the contraceptive patch3
  • Some people may be concerned about weight gain, however there is no evidence linking the patch to this effect5
  • Nausea and headaches are common side effects that often subside over time as the body adjusts to the hormones3
  • The patch doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – condoms should be used as well3

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References

  1. NHS. What is the contraceptive patch. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-patch/what-is-it/ Last accessed May 2025

  2. NHS. How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/ Last accessed May 2025

  3. NHS Inform. Contraceptive Patch. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/contraceptive-patch/ Last accessed May 2025

  4. Up to Date. NHS. Side effects Patient education: Hirsutism. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hirsutism-excess-hair-growth-in-females-beyond-the-basics/ Last accessed May 2025

  5. NHS. Side effects and risks of the contraceptive patch. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-patch/side-effects-and-risks/ Last accessed May 2025

  6. Lopez LM, et al. Skin patch and vaginal ring versus combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30;2013(4)

  7. NHS West Suffolk. DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and travelling. Available at: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/PathologyServices/Haematology/6835-1-Deep-vein-thrombosis-and-travelling.pdf Last accessed May 2025

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