You can place the patch on your buttock, upper outer arm, lower abdomen or upper body. Don't put it on your breasts or in a place where it will be rubbed, such as under a bra strap. Apply to skin that's clean and dry. Avoid areas of the skin that are red, irritated or cut.
You put the contraceptive patch on an area of clean, dry hairless skin that's unlikely to get rubbed against tight clothing. This could be the top of your arm or back, your bottom or your tummy. You use 3 patches each month.
Don't try to decorate the patch, change the size of a patch by trimming it, or try to attach it with tape. Talk to your doctor if the patch falls off. The patch should not be applied over makeup, creams, lotions, powder, or other skin products as these may prevent it from sticking well.
She will change the patch on her skin once a week for 3 weeks in a row. (The patch should be applied to one of these four areas: the abdomen, buttocks, upper outer arm, or upper torso — except for the breasts.) On the fourth week, no patch is worn, and the menstrual period should start during this time.
If you start using the patch on day 1 to 5 of your period, you'll be protected against pregnancy. If you start using it on any other day, you'll need to use additional contraception such as condoms for the first 7 days of using the patch. Your doctor or nurse will talk about this with you.
This is called breakthrough bleeding. It is very common when you first start using the patch. This is not harmful or anything to worry about. It may take up to three months to settle down.
The patch is applied to clean, dry and hairless skin. This may include skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm or upper torso (but do keep it away from areas of great rubbing). You should avoid placing it on your breasts, thighs or skin that is red, irritated or cut.
There is no evidence that using the patch makes you put on weight or changes your sex drive. If you have side effects 3 months after starting the patch and they're a problem for you, trying another type of contraception may help. Staff at a sexual health clinic or a GP can discuss this with you.
It is normal and expected, but it is not your period. Withdrawal bleeding is usually briefer and lighter. It usually begins two to three days after you stop taking hormones and can last four to six days. It is not necessary from a health perspective.
If you put on your first patch up to 5 days after the start of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. If you put on your first patch more than 5 days after the start of your period, you should use condoms as backup for the first 7 days.
It's important to put it somewhere that won't be rubbed by your clothes. The patch can fall off if it's under your waistband, near your joints, on your breasts, or on cut or irritated skin.
If you use it perfectly, the patch is 99% effective. But people aren't perfect, and it can be easy to make a mistake — so in reality, the patch is about 93% effective. That means about 7 out of 100 patch users get pregnant each year. The better you are about using your patch correctly, the better it will work.
The pill works by preventing ovulation, which means that there's no egg for sperm to fertilize if it gets inside your vagina. So to answer your question, if you're on the pill, you're protected from pregnancy, even if semen gets in your vagina.
Most people start bleeding on the second or third day of this week. After 7 days off the patch, apply another patch on your “patch change day.” You might still be bleeding; putting the patch back on will help the bleeding to stop.
Most women are able to get pregnant a few months after they stop birth control that has hormones, such as pills, patches, or an intrauterine device (IUD). But your health -- including your lifestyle habits and your genes -- play a role in how long it will take.
But unlike the pill, you might have skin irritation with the patch, especially if you always wear it on the same skin area. The patch releases 60% more estrogen into the body than the pills, and some experts say this increased estrogen exposure is tied to a slightly higher risk of blood clots.
During the fourth week (patch-free week), you may get your period. Some people don't bleed in their patch-free week. This is usually nothing to worry about if you've been using the patch correctly. But, if you're unsure, contact your provider.
Does the contraceptive patch make your boobs get bigger? Studies have shown that some women can experience soreness and temporary breast enlargement as a result of using the contraceptive patch. This is usually temporary.
One pack has 3 patches and lasts for 1 month (or 3 weeks, if you choose to use the patch to skip your period). One pack of patches can cost anywhere from $0-$150. But the patch is totally free with most health insurance plans, or if you qualify for some government programs that pay for birth control.
The patch works in a similar way to the vaginal ring and the combined pill, and advice for extending the patch-free week is based on what is known about the vaginal ring and combined pill. If you forget to put on a patch at the end of the patch-free week, put a new one on as soon as you remember.
You can wear it in the bath, in the swimming pool and while playing sports. If you have heavy or painful periods the patch can help. The patch can raise your blood pressure, and some women get temporary side effects, such as headaches. Rarely, some women develop a blood clot when using the patch.