What is the contraceptive patch?
The patch, also known as a patch, is a hormonal method of weekly use. It is made up of hormones (estrogen and progestogen) that are released daily through the skin into the bloodstream. These hormones are identical to those found in the oral contraceptive pill.
Comfortable and easy to apply, the patch sticks to the skin and releases the hormones needed to inhibit ovulation every day.
How does the contraceptive patch work?
The patch inhibits ovulation by transferring a daily dose of hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) through the skin into the bloodstream. Its mechanism of action is identical to that of the combined oral pill.
Thus, it acts in two ways:
- inhibits ovulation: egg release
- thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus
How effective is the contraceptive patch?
A effectiveness of the contraceptive patch is 99%.
How do you use the contraceptive patch?
The transdermal patch is easy to use. The patch should be placed once a week, using three patches per month. If it is your first time using the patch, you should wait until the day your period appears and put the first patch on within the first 24 hours of your period.
If you don't want to wait for the first day of your period, you can put the patch on another day of your cycle, but to avoid unwanted pregnancy, you should use a non-hormonal method of contraception (condom) during the first week of using the patch, and when replacing it with a new patch.
A placement of the sticker is done as follows:
- choose the place where it will be placed
- make sure the skin is clean and hair-free
- Press the transdermal patch with the palm of your hand firmly for 10 seconds to make sure the edges are securely glued and then check every day if the edges are still glued
How regular is the adhesive application?
Patch application is weekly. One pack has three stickers, so they should be placed once a week (always on the same day), for three consecutive weeks, followed by a week apart. In this week, withdrawal bleeding, known as menstruation, appears.
After a period of 7 days without the patch, a new cycle starts again and the new patch is applied on the 8th day.
What should I do if the adhesive peels off completely or partially?
If the adhesive has partially peeled off or fallen off, you should try to stick it again or, if it doesn't work, apply a new adhesive immediately, in less than 24 hours.
If more than 24 hours have passed, or if you don't know how much time has passed, there is a risk of pregnancy. We advise you to consult your treating doctor.
Where on the body can I put the sticker?
You can apply wherever is most convenient for you. In general, the patch is placed on the buttocks, abdomen, the outside of the arm or upper back. Avoid places where there is contact with tight clothing and never put the patch on the breast or breast.
Why should the adhesive application site be changed weekly?
The reason has to do with the possibility of causing some irritation to the skin at the site of application.
What are the advantages of the contraceptive patch?
As main advantages of the sticker are:
- very easy to use and especially suitable for women who don't like to take pills
- doesn't require a daily commitment, so it's less likely to be forgotten
- You only have to think about contraception once a week
- usually makes bleeding (menstruation) regular, shorter, and less painful
- effectiveness does not decrease in case of vomiting or diarrhoea
- does not interfere with the spontaneity of relationships
- This is an option for women with diseases of the digestive system (diseases of absorption and after surgery to treat obesity – bariatric surgery)
- is a reversible method
What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive patch?
The main disadvantages of using the contraceptive patch are:
- does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
- Skin irritation may occur at the application site
- is visible and can be seen by others
- less effective in women over 90 kg
- Its effectiveness may be affected by some medicines as well as other hormonal contraceptives (oral, vaginal, implant and injectable)
Can I do all my daily activities?
Yes. You can carry out your daily activities such as bathing, showering, swimming pool or sauna, physical exercise without having to take any special precautionary measures.
What precautions should I take with the contraceptive patch?
Although this is a practical method that does not require special measures of use, you should pay attention to the following:
- should not be applied to the breast
- where you are going to apply it, the skin should be clean and dry
- Do not use creams, oils, lotions or make-up in areas where you will be applying a patch or near a patch you are already using. This may cause the adhesive to peel off
- Not to be applied to red, irritated or bumpy skin
- avoid putting it in the exact same place every week
- apply only one adhesive at a time – remove the used one before applying the new one
- should be pressed firmly against the skin until the edges adhere well
Where can I buy the contraceptive patch?
You can buy the contraceptive patch at pharmacies with a prescription. In the Family Planning consultations of the Health Centers and hospital of the National Health Service, you can purchase for free.
Are there any contraindications to the placement of the contraceptive patch?
Like other combined hormonal contraceptives, the patch is not recommended for women who have, for example:
- changes in circulation or clotting
- severe high blood pressure
- liver diseases
- diabetes with vascular complications
- women who:
- are smokers over the age of 35
- have overweight (over 90Kg)
- show changes in cholesterol levels
- have migraine with aura