Transdermal estrogen-progestogen contraception (contraceptive patch) is an alternative to oral administration (pill). This device continuously delivers estrogen-progestogen hormones which enter the bloodstream after passing through the skin. As effective as the contraceptive pill, the contraceptive patch reduces the risk of forgetting the pill.

“The contraceptive patch is a small patch to stick on the skin, explains Dr. Julia Maruani, medical gynecologist. It contains ethynyl estradiol and a synthetic progestin (norelgestromin), a combination similar to that of a combined oral mini-pill. Hormones are diffused by the skin and then pass into the blood: they then have an action on a woman’s menstrual cycle by blocking ovulation like the pill ”.

The contraceptive patch is a few centimeters in length; it is square or oval, skin-colored or transparent.

Any woman who can use a combined pill can use a contraceptive patch.

For its first use, the patch is applied to the skin on the first day of your period. “It is changed every week on a fixed day for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by a week off without a patch during which the rules will occur. The next patch must be replaced after the 7 days off, whether or not your period is over ”.

Usage tips :

• It can be applied on the stomach, shoulders or lower back. On the other hand, the patch should not be positioned on the breasts or on irritated or damaged skin;
• “To ensure that it adheres well to the skin, heat the patch a little before application between your hands, stick it on clean, dry skin without hair, without cream or sun oil”;
• Avoid areas of friction such as the belt, the straps of the bra to limit the risk of detachment;
• Change the application area every week;
• It is advisable to avoid exposing the patch region to heat sources (sauna, etc.);
• To remove the used patch, lift a wedge and quickly peel it off.

“The effectiveness of the contraceptive patch is identical to that of pills taken without forgetting, ie 99,7%. But since the patch works on a weekly basis, the chances of forgetting or misusing it are reduced compared to the pill making it more effective contraception in real life ”.

If you forget to change the patch after 7 days, the contraceptive effect lasts 48 hours longer and the woman remains protected. Beyond these 48 hours, the patch is no longer effective and it amounts to forgetting a pill tablet.

Contraindication

“Efficacy may be reduced in women weighing more than 90 kg. But that does not contraindicate its use because the efficiency remains very high ”.

Side effects

A rash may appear on the patch: it is necessary to place it in a different place every week.

The other side effects are similar to those of a pill: breast tenderness, nausea, headache, vaginal dryness, decreased libido.

“It is a very effective method of contraception, practical for those who tend to forget their pill allowing a marked improvement in compliance”.

His advantages :

• The risk of forgetting is lower compared to oral contraceptives;
• Menses less profuse and that last less time;
• May decrease period pain;
• Regulates menstrual bleeding;
• Reduces the symptoms of acne.

Its disadvantages:

• It is only issued on medical prescription;
• Even if it is not swallowed, it presents the same thromboembolic risks as other estrogen-progestogen hormonal contraceptives (phlebitis, pulmonary embolism);
• The patch can be visible and therefore less discreet than the vaginal ring, for example;
• It is a contraception that blocks the hormonal cycle, ovulation, since it is its mode of effectiveness.

The patch is contraindicated in women with vascular risks as is the case for the pill (for example a smoker over 35 years old).

It should not be used if you have a history of venous or arterial thromboembolism, if you have a history of breast or endometrial cancer, or if you have liver disease.

It is recommended to stop using the patch in the event of abnormal symptoms (calf pain, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, migraine, etc.).

The patch can be prescribed by a doctor (general practitioner or gynecologist) or a midwife. It is then dispensed in pharmacies, on prescription. A box of 3 patches costs around € 15. It is not reimbursed by health insurance. “There is a generic that is just as effective but the cost of which is lower.”