The Contraceptive Patch: What is it? - Treated UK

Contraceptive patch

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Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

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What is a contraceptive patch?

The birth control patch, also known as the contraceptive patch, is a relatively small, square-shaped patch that sticks to the skin. It releases hormones which work in the body to prevent pregnancy.

Here in the UK, the brand of contraceptive patch we use is known as Evra. It’s a highly effective method of contraception that may be more preferable for women who struggle to take pills.

How does the contraceptive patch work?

The contraceptive patch is a type of transdermal medication. Transdermal means: ‘through the skin.’

Contraceptive transdermal patches contain two synthetic variants of naturally occurring female hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. These synthetic hormones are used in a number of other combined contraceptive methods, including the combined pill.

To prepare the body for pregnancy each month, levels of oestrogen and progesterone will rise and fall naturally, causing certain actions to take place. This includes the release of an egg, also known as ovulation.

When someone uses the contraceptive patch, additional hormones are introduced to the body which changes how it prepares for pregnancy in three main ways:

Ovulation doesn’t happen, no eggs are released,
Vaginal mucus thickens, making it harder for sperm to pass naturally through the cervix,
Uterus lining gets thinner, meaning fertilised eggs, though very unlikely at this stage, cannot implant themselves.

How to use the Evra Patch

Using the contraceptive patch is simple. You apply the patch to an area of the skin of your choice and wear it for seven days. On the eighth day you change your patch. Do this for three weeks, and then spend the fourth week patch-free. (Contraceptive effectiveness isn’t affected during your ‘patch-free’ week.)

In the week you don’t wear a patch, you may experience what’s called a ‘withdrawal bleed’, which might feel similar to a period. However, some people don’t experience this. Either way, it’s nothing to worry about.

After seven days without a patch, you apply a new patch and repeat the four week cycle again.

Where to put the contraceptive patch

It’s common to see the patch used on the upper arm, but you can stick the contraceptive patch anywhere – providing the area of skin you choose is dry, clean and not too hairy. You should also avoid wearing the patch on skin that’s sore or irritated or on the breasts. Lastly, avoid placing the patch on an area of skin where it’s likely to be rubbed off.

Doctor’s sometimes recommend switching up where you stick the patch each time you change it. This can help to reduce skin irritation. You can also wear the transdermal birth control patch in the bath or shower, it shouldn’t come off.

While being very sticky, here’s what to do if your patch falls off:

If the patch has been off for two days or less:

Apply a brand new patch.
Change it on the normal day that you would.
You’re still protected if you’ve used your patch in the correct way for the last seven days. If you’re on your patch-free week, you are still protected provided you used the patch correctly in the seven days that led up to your patch-free week.

If the patch has been off for two days or more:

Apply a brand new patch. Do not try to re-apply the old one.
If you’re in the first or second week of your patch cycle, change it on the day you normally would.

If you’re in the third week of your patch cycle, you need to start a new cycle. When you apply a new patch, that is the first day of your first week in the cycle.

Use an additional method of contraception, like condoms, until you’ve worn a new patch for a full seven days.

When does the patch start working?

If you’re wondering how long it is before the Evra patch becomes effective, the answer is relatively straightforward.

If you start using Evra on the first day of your period, and up until the fifth day of your period, you’ll enjoy immediate contraceptive protection.

If you decide to start using it on the sixth day of your period, or any other day until you get your next period, you are not protected straight away and should make use of additional contraceptive methods, like condoms. Do this for seven days, after which you will be protected against pregnancy.

If your period occurs every 23 days or less, meaning you have short menstrual cycles, you’re only protected immediately if you start using the patch on day one to four of your period. If you start using it on the fifth day, up until the day before you get your period, you need to use additional contraception for seven days.

How effective is the patch?

The birth control patch effectiveness rate is relatively high. If you use the patch correctly – meaning you wear it perfectly for seven days, change it on the eighth day, repeat for three weeks and then spend seven days patch-free, and it never falls off – it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

If you use the patch typically, and most people fall into this category, it’s effectiveness lowers to around 91%. Meaning 9 out of every 100 women will get pregnant who use the contraceptive patch typically.

So the contraceptive patch is highly effective even with just typical use, but it’s better to do everything you can to ensure you wear it properly and change it at the correct time each week.

Contraceptive patch benefits

Preferable for women who don’t like taking or swallowing pills.
You don’t have to apply the patch daily, as you’d have to take a contraceptive pill.
Instead it’s applied weekly for three weeks followed by a ‘patch-free’ week.
Easy to apply and wont interrupt sex the same way a condom might.
The contraceptive patch hormones are absorbed directly to the bloodstream, not the stomach as is the case with pills. So if you vomit, contraceptive protection isn’t affected.
It can positively impact periods - making them more regular, lighter and sometimes less painful.
Can help with premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
May reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and bowel cancers.

Contraceptive patch disadvantages

You can’t just apply the contraceptive patch and forget, you need to change it every week and remember to change it. If you’re more likely to forget, you may benefit more from contraceptive methods like the implant or IUD.
Certain medications can make the patch less effective or increase the risk of certain side effects. You may not be allowed to use the patch on certain medications.
Spotting between periods is common when you first start using the patch.
When you first start applying the patch you may experience side effects. Examples include headache, nausea, breast tenderness and changes in mood.
You’re not protected against sexually transmitted infections when you use the contraceptive patch.
It can cause irritation or soreness to the skin. Avoid this by changing where you apply the patch each time.
It may at times be visible.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on August 02, 2022. Next review due on August 01, 2024.

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