June 13, 2017

The Patch

The Patch is a thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square band-aide. It only comes in one size and one color—a little smaller than two inches and beige. The patch secretes hormones that are absorbed through the skin and prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.

Details

  • 91% effective!
  • You only need to remember to replace the patch once a week.
  • Doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant after you stop using it.

How to Use It

The patch is pretty simple to use as long as you can remember to replace it once a week. All you do is stick a new patch on your butt, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso (never on your boobs!) once a week for three weeks in a row. On the fourth week, you don’t do anything—no patch needed.

Side Effects

Pros

Cons

  • Easy to use—it’s like sticking on a band-aide
  • Doesn’t interrupt the heat of the moment
  • Might give you more regular, lighter periods
  • May clear up acne
  • Can reduce menstrual cramps and PMS
  • Offers protection against some nasty health problems, like endometrial and ovarian cancer, iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease

 

  • Bleeding in between periods
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Irritation where the patch sits on your skin
  • A change in your sex drive