What is birth control patch?

The contraceptive patch, also called the birth control patch, contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, but in lower doses than, for example, birth control pills. The birth control patch continuously releases a low dose of hormone, which enters the bloodstream through the skin. The birth control patch works by preventing ovulation. In addition, the mucus in the cervical canal becomes tough and impermeable to sperm. You must have a prescription from your doctor if you want to use the contraceptive patch.

How to use the birth control patch

You must use the birth control patch for 21 days and then take a break for seven days. Every week during the three weeks of patching, you must change to a new patch. In the fourth week, you have a patch-free week during which you bleed.

• The birth control patch can be placed in four different places on the body: on the buttocks, on the stomach, on the upper body (not the breasts), on the upper arms
• Do not apply a new patch to the same area of skin as the patch you just removed
• Use only one patch at a time
• You must press the patch firmly on the skin until the edges stick well
• Do not use cream, lotion or similar where the patch is applied
• You can go to the swimming pool and sauna with the patch on. The patch can withstand being wet and hot

Check every day that the patch has not fallen off. If the patch has loosened - or fallen off - you must immediately put on a new patch, which can then work for a week
If you suspect you have been without a patch for more than 36 hours, use a condom as extra protection for seven days.

When does the birth control patch work?

If you put the patch on the first day of your period, you are protected from that day. If you don't start your period on the first day of your period the very first time you use a contraceptive patch, you must use a condom for the first seven days until you change the patch. It only applies to the first patch. The birth control patch also works during the seven days when you take a break. If after a break you forget the patch for more than one day, you must use a condom for 14 days.

As soon as you stop using the patch, you can get pregnant.

Less than 24 hours

If it is less than 24 hours, you can try to reattach it or put a new patch on immediately.

Do not attempt to reattach the patch if it no longer sticks or if it sticks to itself or another surface. Or if it's the second time it comes loose.

You must not use ordinary plasters, tape or bandages to keep a contraceptive patch in place. You do not need to use additional contraception.

More than 24 hours

If the patch has fallen off or been loose for more than 24 hours, you must start a new four-week cycle immediately - you will therefore get a new 'patch change day'. You must also use a condom for the next seven days if you have intercourse.

Hvis du glemmer at skifte dit p-plaster

If you forget to change your contraceptive patch, there may be a risk of pregnancy, but the risk is related to when in your four-week cycle you forget to change it. There are good instructions for what to do in the package leaflet in the pack of the birth control patches, so read it.

How do you get the contraceptive patch?

You get a birth control patch by going to the doctor or a birth control clinic - you are welcome to use a doctor other than your own general practitioner when it comes to birth control.

Before you get a prescription for the contraceptive patch, the doctor must examine your risk of developing blood clots, so your weight and blood pressure will be measured. It is not necessary to do a gynecological examination, you may be offered to be tested for chlamydia

It is recommended to arrange a check-up visit with the doctor after the first three months and then once a year, where your blood pressure will be measured and you will be weighed. At the same time, you can discuss any side effects and problems you may have with using the patch.

Advantages of the birth control patch

• The birth control patch is an almost 100% safe method of contraception
• You only have to think about contraception once a week
• The birth control patch does not cause any interruption in intercourse
• The effect of the birth control patch is not affected by diarrhea or vomiting
• The birth control patch has a two-day "forgetfulness guarantee". That is that the patch contains enough hormones for two days of extra full protection
• The birth control patch delivers smaller doses of hormones than birth control pills. The hormones bypass the stomach/intestinal tract, unlike birth control pills. However, the amount of hormone that ends up in the bloodstream is the same as when using birth control pills, but more stable

Disadvantages of the birth control patch

• Mild side effects such as chest tightness, headache, nausea or mood swings may occur
• A few women may experience more serious side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts
• Not everyone can use the contraceptive patch (see more under "It is not recommended to use the contraceptive patch if...")
• The birth control patch does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and HIV
• After use, the birth control patch must be placed in the foil package that the birth control patch was originally in. If the birth control patch is thrown away directly without the foil package, it can release hormones that pollute the environment

It is not recommended to use the birth control patch if...

• You are over 35 and smoke
• You have or have had blood clots
• You have a hereditary tendency to blood clots
• You have poorly regulated diabetes
• You have too high blood pressure
• You have or have had breast cancer
• You have difficult breastfeeding, where the milk does not flow easily to the breast
• You have a serious liver disease
• Always talk to the doctor if you have an illness or otherwise have any questions.