The Patch
A small adhesive patch worn on the skin
form
Adhesive skin patch, changed weekly
What it is
A small adhesive patch worn on the skin that delivers a steady stream of estrogen and progestin (a lab-made hormone similar to the progesterone your body makes naturally) for one week at a time. Three weeks on, one week off for a withdrawal bleed.
How it works
Works the same way as the combined pill: it stops ovulation, thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb, and thins the uterine lining. Because the hormones absorb through your skin continuously, your hormone levels stay very steady throughout the week.
How the patch works
A simple look at how the patch delivers its hormones. Step through it below.
Where it goes
The patch is placed on clean, dry skin — usually the upper arm, belly, back, or hip.
Common brands
Tap any brand to learn more.
The good stuff
- Only needs to be changed once a week, much easier than daily pills
- Very steady hormone levels, fewer hormonal dips than pills
- Can be used continuously to skip your period
- Easy to see and confirm you're protected
- Similar benefits to the combined pill for periods and PMS
The trade-offs
- Visible on skin, which may not suit everyone
- Can cause skin irritation at the application site
- Less effective if you're over 90kg / 198lbs
- May peel off in high heat or when swimming, so check it's still stuck
- Same oestrogen-related risks as the combined pill
- The oestrogen can affect mood in some people — low mood, anxiety, or feeling flat. It's a common reason people stop, so notice how you feel in the first few months
Avoid if
- You're over 90kg / 198lbs
- You have skin conditions at potential application sites
- Migraines with aura (migraines with warning signs like flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling beforehand)
- History of blood clots or stroke, or you smoke over 35
- You have an inherited clotting condition like Factor V Leiden (a gene change that makes clots more likely), or high blood pressure
What to expect
- 1Apply to a clean, dry area on your stomach, back, buttocks, or upper arm. Rotate sites to avoid irritation.
- 2Breakthrough spotting is common in the first cycle.
- 3Check it's still stuck after showering, swimming, or exercise.
- 4If it falls off for more than 24 hours, use backup contraception.
Sources: ACOG, CDC (US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use). Not a substitute for medical advice.