THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
The patch is designed to adhere to the skin for a week, but if it does become detached you need to replace it as soon as possible as it will become ineffective as birth control if more than 24 hours pass. If more than 24 hours have passed between the patch falling off and it being replaced, then additional use a back up method of contraception, such as condoms, will be required for one week.
You cannot see any change in the patch, or feel it working, but it is continuously releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. You just need to ensure you change the patch each week for three weeks, and remember to start the next cycle of patches after the fourth patch free week.
No, it may actually help to change the location a bit each week. The patch can be worn on the buttocks, stomach, back or upper arms, it must not be worn on the breasts.
The patch is very adhesive and rarely comes off. You can go in the shower, swim and exercise whilst wearing. The patch should be applied to clean, dry skin and you should avoid using any creams or lotions near a patch you’re already wearing to ensure it sticks as much as possible. The contraceptive patch works by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream.
Always apply your contraceptive patch to clean, dry skin. Do not use lotions, creams, oils, powder, or makeup on skin where you are going to put the patch or on top of or near a patch you are wearing. These products may cause the patch to fail to stick or become loose.
No, the contraceptive patch must be worn every day for 21 days, whether or not you have sex. Apply a new contraceptive patch on the same day of the week for 3 consecutive weeks, for a total of 21 days. You will not apply a patch during week 4.
The patch needs to be changed on the same day each week (the patch change day) with the fourth week being patch-free, which is when a period will occur. The patch needs to be changed to ensure the right amount of hormones are released into the bloodstream, each patch can only release a certain amount. If you forget to change the patch for one or two days past the patch change day, remove the patch when you remember and apply a new patch. You will still change this patch on your next patch change day and you are still protected against pregnancy. If you are more than two days late changing the patch, you start a new four-week cycle with the new patch and will need to use a back up method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days. Your period may be shorter, or you may still be bleeding when you put on the next patch.
If the patch is not applied within the first 24 hours of your period, you must use backup contraception, such as a condom, a cervical cap or diaphragm, for the first week of patch use.
You can expect your menstrual period to begin a few days after removing the third birth control patch (during the fourth, “patch-free" week).
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting, which is bleeding that can occur between periods ranging from slight staining to a heavier flow, are side effects that may occur when you use hormonal contraceptives. Irregular bleeding may occur during the first few months of patch use but may also occur after you have been using the patch for some time. Such bleeding is temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue to use your patches on schedule. If the bleeding occurs for more than a few cycles or lasts for more than a few days, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
The contraception patch is a shiny plaster that is simply stuck on your skin, e.g. on your lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or back. It continuously releases the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickening the cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching an egg. You remove and replace the patch with a new one each week for three weeks, and then have one patch-free week to have your normal period.
With typical use the contraception patch has 93% efficacy, meaning that approximately 7 out of every 100 women in a year using it will experience an unintended pregnancy.
Some risks regarding appropriate usage include forgetting to change the patch at the appropriate time, or in rare cases that the patch may come loose or fall off.
