Smart Shopping for Contraceptive Patches

A contraceptive patch is a small adhesive square that slowly releases estrogen and progestin into a woman's body to prevent conception. Estrogen and progestin work in two ways to prevent pregnancy. The ovaries are inhibited from releasing eggs and the mucous of the cervix thickens, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. When used correctly and consistently, the patch has been proven 95 to 99 percent effective.

A new patch is applied every week for three weeks, and no patch is applied for the fourth week of the month while a woman is menstruating. A contraceptive patch is applied to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen, the buttocks, front or back torso (excluding breasts) and the upper outer arm. Do not apply the patch where lotion, powder or makeup may be used as they will interfere with the patch sticking to the skin. The position of the patch should be checked daily in case it falls off.

What to Look for

Because the contraceptive patch is considered a medication, it is not available over the counter and you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to buy it. The contraceptive patch will not be the best birth control option for all women so discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider to decide if you and the patch are a good fit. If you do chose the contraceptive patch as your method of birth control, be sure to check expiration dates and that the medication packaging is in tact.

Common Pitfalls

As with any medication, including the contraceptive pill, the contraceptive patch comes with some side effects. Women who use the patch can experience irregular bleeding, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting, headache and mood changes. The patch has been found less effective in women who weigh more than 198 lbs. Also, some medications can interfere with the patch. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any other medications.

Women who use the patch have an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. This risk increases for women 35 and older who smoke, so these women should not use the patch. Also, research does suggest an increase risk of blood clots for women who use the contraceptive patch versus the contraceptive pill.

Most importantly, the contraceptive patch does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Do not use the patch as a birth control method if you are at risk of contracting STDs or do not know your risk.