Contraceptive Patch

It's a sticky patch measuring 5cm x 5cm (rather like a nicotine patch), which delivers oestrogen and progestogen into your body through your skin. Each patch lasts for one week. You wear them for three weeks, then have a week off.

It contains the same hormones as the combined pill, and it works in the same way. This means that the patch: 

• prevents ovulation (the release of an egg),
• thickens cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to travel through the cervix, and
• thins the womb lining, which makes it unlikely that an egg will implant itself there.

When used correctly, the patch is more than 99% effective.

When using the patch you don't need to think about it every day, and it's still effective if you vomit or have diarrhoea.

Because the patch prevents ovulation, you don't have a period. Instead, you have a monthly 'withdrawal bleed', which can be lighter and shorter than a period. So if you have heavy or painful periods, the patch can help.

You can wear the patch in the bath, in the swimming pool and while playing sports.

Side effects of the patch can include increased blood pressure, and some women get temporary side effects, such as headaches. The patch has to be changed every week.

Using condoms as well as the patch, you'll help to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).