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Contraceptive Patches
If instructions are followed correctly, contraceptive patches are very effective but they do not offer FULL protection against pregnancy.
Contraceptive patches are small patches on the skin. The patches must be used each week for 3 weeks out of 4 weeks. Two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, are released to stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm meeting an egg, and thin the womb lining to stop an egg from staying there.
Contraceptive patches are easy to use, and may reduce bleeding and period pain. Contraceptive patches are suitable for females who do not smoke. When the patches are stopped, the fertility level will go back to normal. Contraceptive patches may help protect against womb and ovarian cancers.
Contraceptive patches are not suitable for females who are over 35, smoke, or weigh 90kg. There is also a low risk of serious side effects, such as thrombosis (blood clots), breast cancer and cervical cancer.
