How it works
The patch delivers the same two types of hormone as the combined pill through the skin into the bloodstream. These stop the ovaries from releasing an egg, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the lining of the uterus.
People who want the benefits of a combined method without taking a pill every day, and who do not have risk factors that rule out estrogen.
How effective is it?
Typical use
93%
In real life about 7 in 100 people get pregnant in a year with typical use.
Perfect use
Over 99%
About 0.3 in 100 when used exactly as directed every time.
See how it ranks against every method in the effectiveness chart.
How to use it
Get a prescription from a doctor, nurse, or sexual health clinic; they will check your blood pressure, weight, and medical history first.
Stick a new patch on clean, dry, hairless skin such as the buttock, tummy, upper arm, or back (not on the breasts), and change it on the same day each week for 3 weeks.
Have a patch-free week, when you will usually have a bleed, then start a new patch on the same day of the week; some clinicians advise continuous or extended use.
If you start in the first 5 days of your period you are usually protected straight away; otherwise use condoms for the first 7 days.
If a patch comes loose or falls off, or you forget to change it, check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist; how long it was off and where you are in the cycle decide whether you need extra protection or emergency contraception.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Only needs changing once a week, rather than remembering a daily pill.
- Still works if you vomit or have diarrhea, because it is absorbed through the skin.
- Usually makes periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.
- Can help with premenstrual symptoms for some people.
- Easy to stop, and fertility returns quickly.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); use condoms as well for that.
- May be visible and can cause skin irritation where it is applied.
- Can come loose, which may reduce protection.
- Small increased risk of blood clots, and a very small increased risk of stroke and heart attack, like other combined methods.
- Some medicines, such as certain epilepsy, HIV, and tuberculosis drugs, can stop it working properly.
Effect on periods: Bleeding is usually lighter, more regular, and less painful, with a withdrawal bleed in the patch-free week.
Possible side effects
- Skin irritation, redness, or itching under the patch
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially at first
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
Who it may not suit
A clinician checks your medical history before you start. This list is not complete.
May not be suitable if
- You are 35 or older and smoke, or stopped smoking less than a year ago.
- You have migraines with aura.
- You have had a blood clot, or a close family member had one before age 45.
- You have certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke.
- You weigh 90 kg (about 198 lb) or more or have a high BMI, as the patch may be less effective and clot risk is higher; some US brands are not recommended above a set BMI.
Get medical help if
- You have pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness or coughing up blood, which can be signs of a blood clot; get urgent help.
- You have a sudden severe headache, problems with vision or speech, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body; call emergency services.
- You develop severe skin reactions where the patch is applied.
- You think you might be pregnant or a patch has been off and you had sex.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my contraceptive patch falls off?
It depends on how long it has been off and where you are in the cycle. If you notice quickly, you can usually stick it back on or apply a new one, but if it has been off longer you may need extra protection or emergency contraception. Check your leaflet or ask a pharmacist.
Can I swim or shower with the patch?
Yes. The patch is designed to stay on in the bath, shower, pool, and during exercise. Check it daily to make sure the edges are still stuck down.
Where can I put the contraceptive patch?
Most areas of clean, dry, hairless skin are fine, such as the buttocks, tummy, upper arm, or back. Avoid the breasts, broken or irritated skin, and places where tight clothing rubs.
Is the patch more effective than the pill?
Their effectiveness is similar: over 99% with perfect use and about 93% with typical use. Some people find a weekly patch easier to use correctly than a daily pill.
Does the patch work if I am overweight?
It may be less effective in people who weigh 90 kg or more, and some brands are not advised above a certain BMI. A clinician can help you weigh this up and suggest alternatives.
Sources
Reviewed 1 November 2026. We link to the guidance itself so you can check it.