What is the patch?

The contraceptive patch is a hormonal birth control method that contains both estrogen and progestin. It specifically has 75 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 6 mg of norelgestromin (Xulane). The patch is applied to the skin weekly for three consecutive weeks, followed by a patch-free week for withdrawal bleeding. It can be placed on the buttocks, upper outer arm, lower abdomen, or upper torso, except for the breasts.

How effective is the patch?

91-93%

Are there birth control patch side effects?

irritation of the skin around patch breast tenderness nausea headache mood changes irrelgular menstrual bleeding hypertension serious cardiovascular complications in smokers aged 35 or above

How safe is the patch?

It is safe, reversible and can be used by patients of all ages

How do I use the patch?

You can start using the contraceptive patch at any time if you are sure you are not pregnant. Typically, you use the patch for 21-24 days straight, followed by 4-7 days without it. Healthy patients don't need many tests before starting the patch. Check your blood pressure before starting the patch. Weighing yourself and checking your BMI before starting might help track any weight changes. People with certain medical issues may need extra tests. If you start the patch within 5 days of your period, no extra contraceptive protection is needed. If you start the patch more than 5 days after your period, use condoms or avoid sex for the next 7 days.

What do I do if I make a patch mistake?

simplified version of the CDC guideline for contraceptive patch mistakes: If your patch was off or not applied for less than 48 hours: Put on a new patch as soon as possible (if it fell off within 24 hours, try reapplying it or use a new one). Keep your usual patch change day. No backup contraception is needed. Emergency contraception is not usually needed, but you may consider it (except for ulipristal acetate) if this mistake happened earlier in the cycle or in the last week of the previous cycle. If your patch was off or not applied for 48 hours or more: Put on a new patch immediately. Keep your usual patch change day. Use condoms or avoid sex for 7 days to prevent pregnancy. If this happened in the third week, skip the hormone-free week and start a new patch cycle right away. Emergency contraception may be needed if you had unprotected sex in the past 5 days, especially if this happened in the first week of patch use.

How do I get the patch?

Obtain prescription from a doctor (in person or online telehealth) and fill it in local or online pharmacy

What are the benefits of the patch?

may improve acne No routine follow-up visit is required

What are the disadvantages of the patch?

Must be worn every day. Does not protect against STIs. Should generally be avoided by patients with hypertension or vascular disease. Blood pressure should be checked before starting the patch and monitored regularly. Spotting or bleeding is common in the first 3-6 months of use, but usually decreases over time.

How much does the birth control patch cost?

Where can you get the birth control patch?

Obtain prescription from a doctor (in person or online telehealth) and fill it in local or online pharmacy