Birth Control Methods

Patch

Xulane® Patch

Emergency Contraception

External Condoms

Hormonal IUD

Implant

Internal Condoms

Non-Hormonal IUD

Patch

Ring

Shot/Injection

Sterilization – Female

Sterilization – Male

The Pill

About

The birth control patch is a small adhesive that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. A woman wears it on her skin in one of several possible locations: the upper arm, lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper torso (but not on the breasts). The patch releases these hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness

91%

91% effective

Mechanism of Action

The patch works to prevent pregnancy through these key actions:

Thicken cervical mucus: The patch makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which helps block sperm from entering the uterus.
Suppress ovulation: It prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs.

How to use the patch:

Change the patch and replace it with a new patch once a week for three weeks.
After three weeks, you take a week off without wearing a patch.

Note: The patch might be less effective for women who weigh more than 198 pounds.

Benefits

Improves cycle symptoms

Helps manage symptoms of endometriosis

Using the patch has several benefits besides preventing pregnancy, and here’s how they can be helpful:

Shorter, more regular periods: The patch can help make your menstrual cycle more predictable and shorter.
Lighter flow and decreased anemia: It reduces the amount of bleeding during your period, which can help prevent anemia.
Less painful periods: Many users experience less cramping and pain during their periods.
Decreased number of periods per year: You can have fewer menstrual cycles each year, which is often seen as a convenience.
Treatment of endometriosis: The patch can help manage symptoms of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it.
Improvement of acne: It can help clear up skin and reduce acne.
Prevention of functional ovarian cysts: The patch reduces the likelihood of developing non-cancerous cysts on the ovaries.
Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers: Using the patch can lower your risk of developing these types of cancer.

Start Method

Backup required

You may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for the first seven days.

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

When using the patch, there are some potential side effects and concerns to keep in mind:

Breakthrough bleeding: You might notice some light bleeding or spotting between your regular periods.
Nausea: It’s possible to feel queasy, especially when you first start using the patch.
Breast tenderness: Your breasts may feel tender or sore.
Headaches: Some people experience headaches after starting the patch.
Mood changes/decreased sex drive: You may notice changes in your mood or a lower interest in sexual activities.
High blood pressure: The patch can increase your blood pressure, so it should be monitored.
Weight gain: Gaining a little weight is a possible side effect of the patch.

Who Should Not Use This?

The patch should not be used by people with the following health conditions:

History of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke: If you’ve had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, or stroke.
Migraine headaches if you are 35 or older: Especially important if your migraines are severe.
Migraine with aura: This type of migraine involves additional sensory changes, like seeing flashes of light.
Complicated diabetes: If your diabetes has caused other health issues or damage to organs.
Active liver disease: If you have liver problems, the patch might worsen the condition.
Coronary artery disease: If you have this heart condition, using the patch could increase your health risks.
Breast cancer: If you have or had breast cancer, the hormones in the patch could affect the disease.
Smoking if you are 35 or older: Smoking combined with the patch increases the risk of serious heart problems.
Hypertension (high blood pressure): The patch can raise blood pressure, making existing high blood pressure worse.