Overview
The birth control patch is a type of contraception that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. You wear the patch to avoid becoming pregnant.
Once a week for three weeks, you place a small patch on your skin, so that you wear a patch for a total of 21 days. During the fourth week, you don’t wear a patch — which allows menstrual bleeding to occur.
The birth control patch works similarly to combination birth control pills. The birth control patch prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into your bloodstream that keep your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). The birth control patch also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching an egg.
You’ll need a prescription from your health care provider to use the birth control patch. The patch doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Why it’s done
The birth control patch is used to prevent pregnancy. The birth control patch has some advantages over other types of birth control:
- It eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception.
- You don’t need your partner’s cooperation to use it.
- It doesn’t require daily attention or having to remember to take a pill every day.
- It provides a steady dose of hormones.
- It’s easier to use if you have trouble swallowing pills.
- It can be removed at any time, allowing for a quick return to fertility.
The birth control patch isn’t appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may advise against the patch if you:
- Are age 35 or older and smoke
- Have chest pain or a history of heart attack, stroke or severe high blood pressure
- Have a history of blood clots
- Have a history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
- Weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kilograms)
- Have liver disease or migraines with aura
- Have diabetes-related complications of the kidneys, eyes, nerves or blood vessels
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Developed yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or when previously taking hormonal contraceptives
- Are about to have major surgery and will be unable to move around as usual
- Are taking any medications or herbal supplements
- Are sensitive to any part of the birth control patch
In addition, tell your health care provider if you:
- Are breastfeeding or recently gave birth, had a miscarriage or had an abortion
- Have concerns about a new breast lump or change in your breast self-exam
- Take epilepsy medications
- Have diabetes or gallbladder, liver, heart or kidney disease
- Have high cholesterol or triglycerides
- Have irregular periods
- Have depression
- Have skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema
