Patch

The contraceptive patch is a small, sticky patch (about 5cm x 5cm) that you wear on your skin. It releases two hormones — oestrogen and progestogen — through your skin and into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. You wear a new patch each week for three weeks, then have a week off (during which you'll usually get a withdrawal bleed). It's over 99% effective with perfect use.

• The patch is a hormonal contraceptive worn on the skin, changed once a week.
• It contains oestrogen and progestogen — the same hormones as the combined pill.
• Wear it for 3 weeks (one patch per week), then 1 week off. Then start again.
• Over 99% effective with perfect use, about 91% with typical use (because people sometimes forget to change it on time). [CHECK: current effectiveness figures]
• Free on the NHS from GPs, sexual health clinics, and Brook.

[DIAGRAM: Diagram showing where the contraceptive patch is applied on the body and its weekly rotation schedule]

How to use it

Stick the patch onto clean, dry skin — upper arm, belly, bum, or back are all common spots. Avoid putting it on your breasts. Press it down firmly for about 10 seconds to make sure it's properly stuck. Then forget about it for a week.

After 7 days, take it off and put a new one on (ideally on the same day each week — pick a "patch change day" that's easy to remember). Do this for 3 weeks. Then have 1 patch-free week, during which you'll usually have a bleed. After the 7-day break, start the cycle again with a new patch.

Some people choose to skip the break week and go straight to a new patch, which is generally safe and can mean fewer or no bleeds. Your clinician can advise on this. [CHECK: current guidance on continuous patch use]

Why people choose it

The patch is a good middle ground between the daily pill and longer-acting methods. You only have to think about it once a week rather than every day, which suits some people's routines better. It's also visible on your skin, which can actually be helpful — you can see at a glance whether it's on and in place.

It works the same way as the combined pill (prevents ovulation, thins the lining, thickens cervical mucus), just delivered through the skin instead of through your stomach.

Practical stuff

Does it stay on? Usually, yes — in the shower, swimming, exercising, and sweating. If a patch falls off and it's been less than 48 hours, you can reapply the same one (or a new one) and you're still protected. If it's been longer than 48 hours, you may need backup contraception — check the instructions or ask a clinic.

Can people see it? It's small and beige/skin-toned, but yes, it can be visible depending on where you put it and what you're wearing. Some people tuck it where clothing covers it. [CHECK: whether different skin-tone options are available in the UK]

Does it leave marks? Sometimes a faint sticky residue is left when you remove it, which can be cleaned off. Rotating the position each week helps avoid skin irritation.

Who can use it

The patch contains oestrogen, so the same rules apply as for the combined pill. It's not suitable for everyone — particularly people with a history of blood clots, certain types of migraines (with aura), very high blood pressure, or who smoke and are over 35. A GP or nurse will check your medical history before prescribing it. [CHECK: current FSRH eligibility criteria]

Things people get wrong

"The patch is less effective than the pill." With perfect use, they're equally effective. The patch has a slight edge in typical use for some people because you only have to remember it weekly, not daily.

"It'll fall off all the time." The adhesive is designed for active life. Most people find it stays on through normal activities, including exercise and water. If it does fall off, there's a clear protocol for what to do.

"Everyone will see it." It's small and can be placed in discreet locations. Most people who wear it find it's barely noticed.

Things people ask about the patch

Can I swim or shower with it on?

Yes. It's designed to stay on through water, sweat, and exercise. Just check it's still properly stuck afterwards.

What if I forget to change it on time?

If you're less than 48 hours late changing it, put a new one on and you're still protected. If you're more than 48 hours late, follow the instructions in the packet or contact a clinic — you may need backup contraception.

Does it have the same side effects as the pill?

Similar, since it contains the same hormones. Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and skin irritation where the patch sits. Many people have no side effects at all.

Does it protect against STIs?

No. Like all hormonal contraception, the patch only prevents pregnancy. Use condoms for STI protection.

Where to get help

• Sexual health clinics — can prescribe the patch, free and confidential.
• Your GP — can prescribe the patch after a health check.
• Brook — contraception services for under-25s.

The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch, about the size of a plaster, that you stick on your skin. It releases hormones through the skin into your blood to stop pregnancy.

You wear one patch for a week, then swap it for a new one. You do this for three weeks, then have one week with no patch. During that week off, you'll usually have a bleed. Then you start again.

You can put it on your upper arm, tummy, bum, or back. It stays on through showers, swimming, and exercise. If it does fall off within two days, you can stick it back on or use a new one and you're still protected.

It works the same way as the pill — it stops the body from releasing an egg. But instead of taking something by mouth every day, you only have to think about it once a week.

It's over 99% effective when used properly. It's free on the NHS.

Not everyone can use the patch. Because it contains certain hormones, people with some health conditions might need a different type of birth control instead. A doctor or nurse will check with you first.

The patch does not protect against infections passed on through sex. You'd need condoms for that.