Patch for Birth Control: Care Instructions

Overview

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 comes in packs of three. 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. One pack provides birth control for 1 month. You may use the patch continuously, without stopping for a week each month. With this method, you won't have your period.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you use it safely?

How to use the patch

• Talk to your doctor about what day to start using the patch. If you start your patch within 5 days of starting your period, you don't need to use a backup method of birth control. If you start it any other time, use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal sex for 7 days.
• Always follow the directions that came with the patch. In general:
  • Use the patch 3 out of 4 weeks. Put on a new patch every week on the same day of the week. The 4th week, don't wear a patch. You'll have your period. If you're using the patch continuously, put on a new patch every week, without skipping a week each month. Do this on the same day every week.
  • Put the patch on your lower belly, buttocks, or upper body. Don't put it on your breasts.
  • Don't put lotions, oils, powders, or makeup on the area where you're going to put the patch. They could keep the patch from sticking.
  • Try not to place the patch under bra straps.
• To help remember to put a new patch on:
  • Circle on a calendar the days you need to change the patch.
  • Set up a reminder using your phone or another device.
• Check with your doctor before you use any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements. Birth control hormones may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when combined with other medicines.

If you forget a patch or if it falls off

Always read the label for specific instructions, or call your doctor. Here are some basic guidelines:

• In the first week, if you forget a patch or are late, put on a patch right away and:
  • Use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal sex for 7 days.
  • If you had vaginal sex, you can use emergency contraception as a way to prevent pregnancy.
• In the second and third weeks:
  • If you are less than 48 hours late, put on a new patch right away. You don't need backup birth control or emergency contraception.
  • If you are late by 48 hours or more, put on a new patch right away. Use backup birth control or don't have vaginal sex for 7 days. If you had vaginal sex, you can use emergency contraception.
• If a patch doesn't stick well or falls off:
  • For less than 24 hours, put it back on. If it doesn't stick well, use a new patch.
  • For 24 hours or more, put on a new patch right away. Use backup birth control or don't have vaginal sex for 7 days. If you had vaginal sex, ask your doctor about using emergency contraception.

What should you think about when using the birth control 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.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you have:

• Sudden, severe chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sudden, severe headache.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if you have:

• Severe pain in your belly.
• Headaches that:
  • Happen more often.
  • Are getting worse.
  • Start with auras, such as seeing spots, wavy lines, or flashing lights.
• Signs of a blood clot, such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your usual skin color.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You think you might be pregnant.
• You think you may be depressed.
• You think you may have been exposed to or have a sexually transmitted infection.