Advantages:

• You don’t have to think about it every day (only once a week)
• No link to weight gain
• Usually makes bleeding regular, lighter, and less painful
• Fertility returns immediately once it is stopped, with no long-term effects
• Suitable until age 50 for non-smokers with no health concerns
• Can reduce the risk of some cancers
• You can choose not to have a monthly bleed

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable if you are a smoker aged over 35, overweight or have certain medical conditions
• Small risk of serious side effects including blood clots or breast or cervical cancer
• May experience temporary side effects including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness or mood changes
• No protection against STI’s
• Possible skin irritation
• It can be seen

Comments:

• Not affected by diarrhoea and vomiting, as not absorbed by the tummy
• Need to be aware of missed patch guidance and how to access emergency contraception if necessary
• Some medicines may reduce the effectiveness of the patch
• Break through bleeding and spotting is common at first

Further Information:

https://www.sexwise.org.uk/