How to Use the Birth Control Patch: Your Top Questions Answered

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1How do you put the birth control patch on?

2Do I still get my period on the patch?

3How long does it take for the patch to work?

4What are the side effects of the patch?

5Does the birth control patch protect against STDs/STIs?

6What makes the patch less effective?

7Where can I get the birth control patch?

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If you’re looking for a birth control that you don’t have to think about every day, the birth control patch might be right for you. This hormonal birth control comes in a patch that you stick onto the outside of your skin, and you only have to change it once a week. If you’re thinking about using a birth control patch, read through these common questions to make an informed decision about your birth control method.

Steps

Question 1 of 7:

How do you put the birth control patch on?

1. 
   1
   Open the patch by tearing along the top and side. Always check the expiration date before you use your patch to make sure it’s fresh. Peel the foil away and then take the clear plastic layer off the back of the patch to reveal the sticky side.

   • Try not to touch the sticky part with your fingers as you open up the patch! The oils on your skin could make it less sticky.
2. 
   2
   Press the patch onto your stomach, outer arm, rear, or back. Make sure the area you choose is clean and dry, and don’t put on any lotion or moisturizer beforehand. Press the patch onto your skin and hold it there for at least 10 seconds to make sure it’s really stuck.

   • You can pick whichever spot is most convenient for you! If you’re worried about people seeing it, putting it on your bottom is probably your best bet.
   • Your patch is super sticky, so it shouldn’t come off in the shower or if you go swimming. However, check it every day just to make sure it’s super secure.
   • If your patch does fall off, stick it back on as soon as you notice.
3. 
   3
   Change the patch every 7 days. Each patch only has enough hormones in it to last 1 week. Change your patch on the same day every week to avoid any gaps in your birth control.

   • If you forget to change your patch, just switch it as soon as you remember. If it’s been more than 2 days since you were supposed to change your patch, use a backup birth control, like condoms, for the next 7 days.
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Question 2 of 7:

Do I still get my period on the patch?

1. 
   1
   If you’d like to still get your period, take 1 week off every month from the patch. Change your patch once a week for the first 3 weeks, then take a break for 7 days at the end of the month. You’ll get your period during your patch-free week.

   • After 7 days, put your patch back on like normal, even if you’re still spotting or bleeding.
2. 
   2
   If you want to skip your period, wear the patch continuously. It won’t do you any harm to skip your period, and it’s completely safe to do so. Keep switching the patch every week, but don’t take a week off at the end of the month.

   • You may have some bleeding or spotting during the first 6 months of using the patch, but that’s normal.
   • If you stop using the patch, your period will go back to normal.
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Question 3 of 7:

How long does it take for the patch to work?

1. 
   1
   Apply the patch on the first day of your period for it to work right away. If you put the patch on when you first start your period and keep it on for the next 5 days, you can have sex without additional birth control, even on the first day that you wear the patch.

   • The birth control patch is 99% effective against pregnancy, but it isn’t effective against STDs or STIs.
2. 
   2
   Use other protection for 7 days if you aren’t on your period. You’ll need to use condoms or another form of birth control to protect from pregnancy if you start the patch while you aren't on your period. After 7 days, you can stop using a second method of birth control.
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Question 4 of 7:

What are the side effects of the patch?

1. 
   1
   Weight gain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting are all possibilities. However, not all people experience these side effects, and they may get better over time. You might also have increased acne, dizziness, or fatigue.

   • If you experience any severe side effects, talk to your doctor.
2. 
   2
   The patch can put you at a higher risk of getting a blood clot. However, it’s usually because you’ve had a blood clot before or a family member has had one. If you’re overweight, a smoker, diabetic, or immobile, it’s more likely that the patch will increase your chances of getting a blood clot.

   • If you have a history of thrombosis, birth control pills can also increase your risk of developing clots. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor before starting the patch.
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Question 5 of 7:

Does the birth control patch protect against STDs/STIs?

1. 
   No, the birth control patch only protects against pregnancy. If you’re worried about STDs or STIs, you’ll need to use condoms whenever you have sex. You can also ask your sexual partner to get tested for STDs or STIs before you start a relationship with them.

   • Even if you’re using condoms, it’s a good idea to get tested for STDs and STIs on a regular basis.

Question 6 of 7:

What makes the patch less effective?

1. 
   1
   Forgetting to change the patch on time decreases its effectiveness. If you don’t change your patch when you’re supposed to, the effectiveness lowers. Set a reminder on your phone or your computer so you don’t forget.

   • If you forget to change the patch, just switch it out as soon as you remember. If it’s been longer than 2 days since you were supposed to change it, use condoms as a backup birth control for the next 7 days just in case.
2. 
   2
   Certain medications can make the patch less effective. Antibiotics like Rifampin, Rifampicin, and Rifamate, the antifungal Griseofulvin, some HIV medications, and some anti-seizure medications can increase your risk of pregnancy on the patch. If you’re on any of these medications, talk to your doctor about switching meds or trying a different birth control method.

   • If you plan on taking any of these medications for a short period of time, use condoms as a backup birth control method while you’re on them.
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Question 7 of 7:

Where can I get the birth control patch?

1. 
   You need a prescription to get the birth control patch. You can talk to your doctor or a health clinic to get the process started. They’ll tell you all about the patch itself and answer any questions you might have about it.

   • If you have health insurance, you may be able to get the patch for free. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out more.

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Is the patch safe?

  

  Jennifer Butt, MD
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

  Jennifer Butt, MD, is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist operating her private practice, Upper East Side OB/GYN, in New York City, New York. She is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital. She earned a BA in Biological Studies from Rutgers University and an MD from Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Dr. Butt is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Medical Association.

  

  Jennifer Butt, MD

  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

  Expert Answer

  I'm a proponent of the patch—it's a really convenient option for someone who might not remember to take the pill every day. There's some concern that there could be an increased risk of having a blood clot in your leg or lung, but those are also risks for using other types of birth control.

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Tips

• Depending on where you live, the birth control patch may be covered under your insurance or your state health plan.
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