About the contraceptive patch

The patch is a small, skin coloured patch that you stick to your skin and is around 5x5cm in size. The patch releases 2 hormones estrogen and progestogen. These are very similar to the natural hormones that female bodies produce.The UK version of the patch is known as evra.

The patch is around 99% effective. The patch may be less effective on women who weight over 90kg (14 stone).

The patch releases the hormones on a daily basis, in comparison it is similar to how a nicotine patch works (chances are more people have seen these on TV that the contraceptive patch?). The hormones travel through the skin and into the bloodstream. The effects of these hormones are the same as those for the combined pill (stops an egg from being released, prevents sperm from reaching an egg and prevents an egg from settling).

You can get the contraceptive patch from your local doctors or sexual health clinic, however not everyone can use the patch. When you visit your doctor about the patch be sure to let them know about your medical history as somethings can prevent you from using it. Generally speaking women under 50 who are healthy and do not smoke should be OK to use the patch.

Advantages

• you do not need to worry about contraception every day, the only thing to remember is to replace it weekly.
• it wont interrupt sex.
• unlike the pill, the patch wont be affected should you vomit or have diarrhoea.
• your bleeds can be lighter and less painful.

Dis-advantages

• it is visible to the eye.
• it can cause skin irritation.
• it can increase blood pressure.
• temp side-effects include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings.
• unexpected bleeding is often common.
• it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.

Breast cancer and thrombosis are both risks, especially in the first year. Research also shows that their is a slight increase in the chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer.