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#4 DEVICE PLASTER RING PATCH#

You can talk to a GP or nurse about when the patch will start to work, and whether you need to use additional contraception in the meantime. If you have a short menstrual cycle with your period coming every 23 days or less, starting the patch on the fifth day of your period or later means you may not be protected against pregnancy and will also need additional contraception for the first 7 days. If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days. If you start using the patch on the first day of your period, and up to and including the fifth day of your period, you'll be protected from pregnancy straight away.

#4 DEVICE PLASTER RING SKIN#

It's a good idea to change the position of each new patch to help reduce the chance of skin irritation. an area where it may get rubbed off by tight clothing.You can put it onto most areas of your body, as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. Start your new cycle even if you're still bleeding. Change it like this every week for 3 weeks, and then have a patch-free week.ĭuring your patch-free week you'll get a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen.Īfter 7 patch-free days, apply a new patch and start the 4-week cycle again. How to use the patchĪpply your first patch and wear it for 7 days.

It also thickens cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the womb lining so a fertilised egg is less likely to be able to implant itself. It contains the same hormones as the combined pill – oestrogen and progestogen – and works in the same way by preventing the release of an egg each month (ovulation). The patch releases a daily dose of hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.

It may not be suitable for women who smoke and who are 35 or over, or who weigh 90kg (14 stone) or more.

The patch may protect against ovarian, womb and bowel cancer.

Rarely, some women develop a blood clot when using the patch.

The patch can raise your blood pressure, and some women get temporary side effects, such as headaches.

If you have heavy or painful periods, the patch can help.

You can wear it in the bath, when swimming and while playing sports.

You don't need to think about it every day, and it's still effective if you're sick (vomit) or have diarrhoea.

You change the patch every week for 3 weeks, then have a week off without a patch.

When used correctly, the patch is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

GUSTOIMAGES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY At a glance: facts about the patch

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