How To Use The Birth Control Patch

I usually recommend starting your patch on the first Sunday after your period begins (or that day, if your period begins on a Sunday). Starting around the time of your period can make the transition onto hormonal birth control a little easier and may help reduce irregular or breakthrough bleeding.

You do not have to wait for your next period, however. The birth control patch can generally be started at any time as long as we are reasonably certain you are not pregnant.

When will my patch start protecting me from pregnancy?

If you start within the first 5 days of your period: No backup birth control is needed.

If you start more than 5 days after your period begins: Use condoms or avoid intercourse for the first 7 days after applying your first patch.

If you use a Sunday start, whether you need backup contraception depends on how many days have passed since your period began.

Change your patch once a week on your Patch Change Day. Remove the old patch and apply a new patch to a clean, dry area of skin.

When applying a new patch, press it firmly onto your skin and make sure the edges are sticking well. Try to rotate application sites rather than placing each new patch in exactly the same location.

You can shower, bathe, swim, and exercise while wearing your patch. Check your patch regularly to make sure it is still securely attached, especially after activities that may loosen it.

After removing a used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together before throwing it away. Do not flush used patches down the toilet.

Do not use tape or other adhesives to hold a patch in place if it is no longer sticking well.

You do not need to have a period every month while using the birth control patch. The patch can be used continuously to skip or reduce the number of periods you have.

To skip your period: After removing your Week 3 patch, apply a new patch instead of having a patch-free week.Continue changing your patch once a week on your usual Patch Change Day.

You can do this occasionally, such as to avoid a period during a vacation or special event, or you can use the patch continuously on an ongoing basis.

Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is common, especially when you first begin using the patch continuously. This does not necessarily mean that your birth control isn't working.

If your patch has been off or you are late changing it by LESS than 48 hours:

Apply a new patch as soon as possible and continue with your usual Patch Change Day.

You do not need backup birth control.

If your patch has only recently come loose, you may be able to press it back into place. If it is no longer sticking well, replace it with a new patch. Do not use tape or other adhesives to hold the patch in place.

If your patch has been off or you are late changing it by 48 hours OR MORE:

Apply a new patch as soon as possible and continue with your usual Patch Change Day.

Use condoms or avoid intercourse until you have worn a patch for 7 consecutive days. 

If this happens during Week 3: Skip your patch-free week and begin your next cycle of patches instead.

If this happens during Week 1 and you had unprotected intercourse within the previous 5 days: You may need emergency contraception.

Not sure how long your patch has been off? Follow the instructions for 48 hours or more.

Many people use the birth control patch without significant side effects. Everyone responds to hormones a little differently, however, and it can take some time for your body to adjust.

Common side effects can include:

• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Breast tenderness

• Skin irritation where the patch is applied

Mild side effects often improve during the first few months as your body adjusts.

A few things that may help:

• Rotate where you place your patch each week to help reduce skin irritation.

• Avoid placing a new patch over skin that is still irritated from your previous patch.

• Give your body some time to adjust if symptoms are mild and manageable.

What about weight gain?  Weight gain is a common concern, but studies have not shown significant weight gain from combined hormonal birth control overall. Some people may notice normal fluctuations in weight or temporarily feel more bloated, but substantial or persistent weight gain is not expected.

If side effects are persistent or bothersome, there are other birth control options available that may be a better fit.

Most people do well with the birth control patch, and mild side effects often improve during the first few months. However, please contact the office if you are experiencing:

• Persistent or bothersome breakthrough bleeding, especially if it continues after the first few months

• Side effects that are significant or aren't improving

• Persistent or significant skin irritation from the patch

• New or worsening headaches, particularly if you develop migraines or new neurologic symptoms

• Frequently forgetting to change your patch or having difficulty using it consistently

• A desire to change your birth control method
  
  

Seek urgent medical care if you develop:

• New chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood

• Significant pain or swelling in one leg

• A sudden severe headache, especially with weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or other neurologic symptoms

• New vision loss or significant vision changes

Serious complications are uncommon, but estrogen-containing birth control can increase the risk of blood clots and certain cardiovascular complications.