How Does It Work?

Like most birth control pills, the patch contains two hormones, estrogen and progesterone (progestin), that work together to help prevent pregnancy. The patch delivers about 60 percent more estrogen than a typical birth control pill.

A new patch is applied once a week, on the same day of the week, for three weeks. On the fourth week, a “blank” patch (no hormones) is applied so you’ll have a period.

Is the Patch Safe?

If you’re a generally healthy young female, the patch is usually very safe and effective. But the increased amount of estrogen may cause more side effects than a low-dose birth control pill.

In females with certain health problems, another form of birth control may be safer than the patch. Don’t use the patch if you smoke or if you have a history of these conditions:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung).
• Genetic clotting disorders, such as Factor V Leiden, protein S or C deficiency. (This is not related to heavy periods with clots.)
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.

Females who use the patch just after pregnancy may also be at risk.

Please speak with your doctor before making any change in your birth control. If it’s hard for you to remember to take a daily pill, your risk of pregnancy may outweigh the risk of blood clots. If you’ve already stopped using the patch, be sure to use a backup method of birth control.

How Do I Start the Patch?

The start date is not critical, as long as you’re not pregnant when you first place it on your body. Most females place the first patch on the first Sunday after their period begins. If you bleed on Saturday, place the patch on Sunday. If you bleed on Monday, place the first patch on the following Sunday.

Does It Protect Against STIs?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. STI risk varies depending on how you choose to protect yourself and your partner during sexual or intimate activities.

The patch does not protect against STIs.

Does It Protect Against Pregnancy?

Yes. The changes of getting pregnant while using the patch are:

• Typical use: 1 percent
• Perfect use: 1 percent

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• The patch serves as a visible reminder that you’re using birth control. If a patch falls off, you know to put another one on. It also tends to be a good reminder to change the patch at the right time.
• It doesn’t require daily maintenance, like the pill, or require insertion before intercourse, like a diaphragm or cervical cap.

Disadvantages:

The risks associated with using the patch are similar to the risks associated with the birth control pill. Other risks and side effects include:

• Risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs.
• Less effectiveness in females weighing more than 198 pounds.
• Irregular bleeding.
• Weight gain.
• Breast tenderness.
• Less protection against ectopic pregnancy compared with birth control pills, if pregnancy occurs. An ectopic (tubal) pregnancy carries risks to the mother and must be terminated properly.

Last reviewed: January 2019