Learning About Birth Control: The Patch

What is the patch?

The patch is used to prevent pregnancy. It looks like a bandage. You put it on the skin of your belly, rear end (buttocks), upper arm, or upper body (but not on a breast).

The patch releases a regular dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy in three ways. They thicken the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to travel into the uterus. The hormones thin the lining of the uterus, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The hormones also can stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

The patch provides birth control for 1 month at a time. You change the patch once a week for 3 weeks and then go without a patch for 1 week. During this week, you have your period. Your period may be very light. You also may use the patch continuously, without stopping for a week each month. With this method, you won't have your period.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any health problems you have or medicines you take. Your doctor can help you choose the birth control method that is right for you.

How well does it work?

In the first year of use:

• When the patch is used exactly as directed, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means that fewer than 1 out of 100 people will have an unplanned pregnancy.
• When the patch is not used exactly as directed, it is 93% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means that 7 out of 100 people will have an unplanned pregnancy.

What should you think about when using the patch?

Some pros of using the patch

• The patch is more effective at preventing pregnancy than barrier methods of birth control, such as the condom or diaphragm.
• It may reduce acne, heavy bleeding and cramping, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
• The patch may be used continuously, without stopping for a week each month. This protects against pregnancy and is also a safe way to avoid having your period. This may help if you have painful periods.
• It's convenient. You put it on only 3 times each month. You don't have to interrupt sex to protect against pregnancy.
• It's easy to check to see if you forgot to put one on.

Some cons of using the patch

• The patch doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or HIV/AIDS. You can use a condom to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• The patch may cause changes in your period. You may have little bleeding, skipped periods, or spotting. If you use the patch continuously, without stopping for a week each month, your periods will stop. But you may still have breakthrough bleeding. This usually isn't harmful and may decrease over time.
• It may cause mood changes or less interest in sex.
• The patch contains estrogen. It may not be right for you if you have certain health problems or concerns.
• It may increase your risk of blood clots.
• It may be less effective in people who are overweight.
• You must remember to change the patch on schedule.