• May make periods more regular, lighter and less painful. May also help with premenstrual symptoms.
• Unlike the pill, the hormones don’t need to be absorbed by the stomach, so the patch isn’t affected if you vomit or have diarrhoea
• If the patch is always used perfectly, according to instructions, it’s over 99% effective. This means that less than one patch user in 100 will get pregnant in one year.

The patch releases a daily dose of hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. The main way it works is to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

The patch is very sticky and should stay on. It shouldn’t come off in the shower, bath, hot tub or sauna, or during swimming or exercise.

But if it does come off, what you need to do will depend on how long it’s been off. Please visit: https://sexwise.fpa.org.uk/contraception/contraceptive-patch

Research has shown that the patch may not be so effective if you weigh 90kg (14 stone) or more – an alternative contraceptive method may be advisable.

You can get the vaginal ring from a Spectrum sexual health clinic or some GPs – please contact your registered practice.

To discuss your contraception options please visit our find a clinic page to make an appointment at your local clinic.