Contraception

The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige coloured patch, nearly 5cm x 5cm in size. 

You stick it on your skin and it releases two hormones – estrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries and are like those used in the combined pill.

The main way the patch works is to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also:

• Thickens the mucus from your cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg
• Makes the lining of your uterus (womb) thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg

If the patch is used perfectly, according to instructions, it is over 99% effective. This means that less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

Please see here for further information on the patch: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-patch/what-is-it/