Birth control patch icon

Birth control patch

  • 91% effective 
  • Replace weekly
  • Prescription required
  • Contains hormones
  • No sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) protection
  • Lighter periods

  

What is it?
  • The birth control patch is a thin square of sticky plastic that you wear on your skin. The patch releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.

  • You wear a new patch each week for 3 weeks straight. On week 4, you don’t wear a patch and get your period. Then you start the cycle over and put on a new patch at the end of week 4.

  • You wear the patch either on your belly, upper arm, butt, or back.

  • The patch is 91% effective.1 This means that out of 100 couples using the patch to prevent pregnancy, about 9 of them will get pregnant over one year. 
  • People with bigger bodies (weight over 198 pounds or body mass index over 30) are not advised to use the patch. It is less effective and may be more likely to cause serious side effects. 
  • Some patch brands include Xulane and Twirla.2
How it works
  • The patch contains the hormones estrogen and progestin to stop you from getting pregnant. 

  • The patch releases the hormones into your body through your skin. 

  • The hormones in the patch work by:

    • Stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs. When eggs aren’t released, you can’t get pregnant.

    • Making the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through. This prevents sperm from meeting an egg.
How to get it
  • You can get a prescription for the birth control patch at your health care provider.
Cost
  • Because of the Affordable Care Act, Kaiser Permanente members can get certain types of birth control methods at low or no cost. Check with Member Services or your provider for details.
  • Certain brands of the patch may have a higher copay.
How to use it
  • Stick a new patch on clean, dry skin on your belly, upper outer arm, butt, or back. Don’t put it on your breasts. 

  • Wear the patch for 7 days then take it off and put on a new one. Do this for 3 weeks straight. 

  • On week 4, don’t wear a patch. After 7 days without the patch, put on a new patch. It’s OK if you’re still on your period. 

  • Don’t use lotions, oils, powders, or makeup on the skin where you put your patch. It can make it hard for the patch to stick.

  • The patch is designed to stay on and work while you’re sweating and swimming. It can be worn in a bathtub, hot tub, or sauna. 

  • Make sure you fill your prescription for the patch on time so you can change it on the right schedule.
  • Getting a full 12-month supply of your prescription may help you continue your birth control without running out and having a risk of unplanned pregnancy.2 So be sure to ask your pharmacist about a 12-month supply. Depending on your coverage, you may be eligible to get a 12-month supply when filling your prescription.

  • Don’t wear a patch for more than 9 days. If you do, put on a new patch and use condoms for the next 7 days. 
Benefits
  • The birth control patch is about 91% effective in preventing pregnancy. 

  • You may have more regular, lighter, shorter, or less painful periods.

  • The patch helps prevent or lessen acne, body hair, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anemia, and ovarian cysts.

  • It’s temporary. You can stop using it whenever you want to try getting pregnant.
  • The hormones in the patch help decrease your risk of endometrial (uterine) and ovarian cancers.
  • You don’t have to do something every day. It’s a weekly method.
Risks
  • The birth control patch doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), including HIV. Even if you use the patch, you should use a condom every time you have sex to reduce your chances of getting or spreading STIs.

  • The patch may cause skin reactions or allergies on the spot where you wear it.

  • About 5 out of 100 users may notice mild side effects like headache, nausea, mood changes, or breast tenderness.
  • If you don’t use the patch correctly, you could get pregnant.

  • Blood clots in the veins and arteries are a serious, but uncommon, side effect of using the birth control patch. Blood clots can lead to serious conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus.
  • People with bigger bodies (weight over 198 pounds or body mass index over 30) are more likely to experience a blood clot and are advised not to use the patch.
  • If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, you shouldn't use the patch. It can increase your risk of stroke.

  • Smoking and using the patch can increase your risks for blood clots in your veins and arteries, high blood pressure, and stroke.
  • If you have medical conditions, talk with your health care provider to see if the patch is a good option. 

  

We're here to help

Get advice icon

Get advice

Call us 24/7 to talk with a licensed care provider about birth control questions or concerns.

Call us

Email icon

Email questions

Message your provider's office with any birth control questions or concerns.

Send a message

Cellphone icon

Make an appointment

Come in and talk with a provider about low- or no-cost birth control.

Schedule an appointment

  

© 2020 Kaiser Permanente

1“Birth control patch,” Planned Parenthood, plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-patch/how-effective-is-the-birth-control-patch, accessed October 27, 2024.
2Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.