It works by stopping ovulation. It thickens the mucus at the neck of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move through it. It makes the lining of the uterus thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilized egg.
The patch should be applied to clean, dry, non-hairy skin. Do not use lotions, creams, or anything on the area of the skin before you apply the patch. Do not apply on broken skin. Suitable areas are upper outer arm, buttocks, abdomen or thigh. The patch is applied on the same day every week for 3 weeks and on the fourth week, no patch is worn.
Do not use patch if:
- you are breastfeeding
- you have unexplained vagina bleeding
- you have an increased risk of blood clot
- you weigh above 90kg (it is less effective)
- you have liver or gallbladder problems
ADVANTAGES
- You only have to replace the patch once a week and not everyday.
- Bleeding may become more regular, less painful and lighter.
- It does not interrupt sex.
- It may protect against pelvic inflammatory disease.
SIDE EFFECTS
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Skin irritation
