You are here:

Got a question for an expert?

young worried couple

Get help and support by submitting a question to one of our advisors through askTheSite.

Next Steps

  • fpa - Confidential information and advice on sexual health.
    Tel: 0845 3101334
  • Brook Advisory Centres - Call for the location of your nearest clinic for young people.
    Tel: 0808 802 1234
  • Sexwise - A helpline available to young people concerned about any sex-related issue. Trained helpers can also provide location/contact details for your nearest sexual health clinic.
    Tel: 0800 28 29 30

Related articles

Contraception overview

Your guide to protecting yourself against pregnancy and sex infections.

Connect with us on

  • connect with us on facebook
  • connect with us on twitter
  • connect with us on youtube
Are you prepared for the Morning After?

Find out about your hazy relationship with drink and sex.

Our Community

Girl thinking

Need someone to talk to? Check out our message boards - a safe space to talk about whatever's on your mind :)

Local advice finder

Search our database of more than 16,500 local, regional and national organisations which offer advice and support.

Latest articles

The pregnancy patch

Find out more about the sticky plasters that equal safer sex here.

What is it?

For women only, the pregnancy patch is a matchbox-sized square of adhesive material containing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. They are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream and have the same effect as the combined oral contraceptive pill (commonly known as the pill) - they thicken the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get into the womb.

The pregnancy patch is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (when used correctly) and goes under the trade name Evra.

How is it used?

Women apply the patch on the first day of their menstrual cycle. It must be replaced every seven days, and used for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is patch free, but the contraceptive effect is still active. If you start wearing the patch on a day other than the first day of your cycle you need to use another method of contraception (such as condoms) for the first seven days of using the patch.

Benefits:

Drawbacks:

Not suitable for:

Women who have a medical reason not to take the combined oral contraceptive pill.

What next?

The pregnancy patch is available on the NHS. If you think the pregnancy patch might be for you, consult your GP or drop in at your nearest sexual health clinic (call your hospital switchboard for details).

Updated: 23/04/2010


  • Print this page
  • Share/Bookmark

Read the comment policy

Use our free question and answer service and speak to an expert!

We use cookies to make your experience of TheSite.org better. To accept cookies use 'continue', to find out how to get rid of them use 'manage cookies'.

continue manage cookies