Contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patchContraceptive patchA way of preventing pregnancy (a method of contraception). Thin adhesive patch containing…Read more is a method of contraception.
The contraceptive patch is a thin beige sticking-plaster. It contains the same 2 hormones as the contraceptive pill. These hormones prevent ovulationOvulationMoment at which a ripe egg cell is released from 1 of the…Read more. They also make it more difficult for sperm cells to reach the mucous membraneMucous membraneA very thin layer of skin (membrane) on which there is a thick…Read more of the cervixCervixNarrow entrance at the bottom of the uterus, at the top of the…Read more. The sperm cells will then have difficulties reaching the uterusUterusOrgan in a woman's belly in which a foetus can grow.Read more, where the egg cellEgg cellFemale sex cell. A woman is born with many egg cells in her…Read more is located. The hormones also interfere with the implantationImplantationWhen a fertilized egg cell attaches to the mucous membrane of the uterus.…Read more of an egg cell.
Contraceptive patch
How to use a contraceptive patch
Apply the patch as follows:
- Tear the pouch open at the incision.
- Open the packaging.
- Peel the patch and its plastic wrapping away from the pouch.
- Peel away half of the plastic wrapping.
- Apply the patch on your abdomen, buttockButtockYour buttock is 1 of the 2 parts at the back of your…Read more, back, shoulder-blade or on the outside of your upper arm, on dry, clean skin.
- Apply the sticky surface of the patch to your skin and remove the rest of the plastic wrapping. Press the patch down firmly on top of the patch.
- Wear the patch for 7 days (1 week). Remove the patch.
- Apply a new one on the same day of the week (for example: Wednesday) in the 2nd and 3rd week;
- In the 4th week you do not use a patch. This week, you will start to bleed (menstruation). You are also protected in this week.
- After 7 days (1 week) you apply a new patch on the same day of the week (for example: Wednesday), even if you are still bleeding.
- Repeat the previous steps.
Tear the pouch open at the incision.
Open the packaging.
Peel the patch and the plastic wrapping away from the pouch.
Peel away half of the plastic wrapping.
Apply the patch on your abdomen, buttock, back, shoulder-blade or on the outside of your upper arm, on dry, clean skin. Make sure you do not use any cream, oil, lotion, powder or make-up on or around the patch.
Apply the sticky surface of the patch to your skin and remove the rest of the plastic wrapping. Press the patch down firmly on your skin.
Wear the patch for 7 days (1 week). Remove the patch. Apply a new one in the 2nd and 3rd week. In the 4th week you do not use a patch. This week your menstrual period will start. After 7 days (1 week) apply a new patch, even if you are still bleeding.
Reliable
The contraceptive patch is very reliable if used correctly. The patch is not reliable, or is less reliable, if:
- You are taking certain medicines such as St John’s Wort. Tell your doctorDoctorSomeone who is trained to cure sick people. Doctors can prescribe medicines. A…Read more you are using the contraceptive patch. He will take this into account when prescribing medicines.
- You forget to apply the patch after the 7-day break, or if you forget to change it; Or if you forget to replace the patch;
- You lose the patch and do not apply a new one within 24 hours (1 day).
- You weigh more than 90 kilos.
Reliable
You can shower, swim and exercise with the contraceptive patch.
You can shower, swim and exercise with the contraceptive patch.
No damage to your healthHealthFeeling physically, mentally and socially well in your environment. Health is more than…Read more
The contraceptive patch contains hormones. These hormones usually do not affect your health. However, in some cases it is better to choose a different method of contraception. Ask a doctor for advice.
The contraceptive patch does not make you less fertileFertileIf you are fertile, you are able to have a baby (if you…Read more. If you want to get pregnant, you just remove the patch.
During the first months of using the contraceptive patch, you may have side-effects such as tender breasts, headache, nausea or irritated skin. These effects usually disappear spontaneously. If they do not disappear, consult a doctor.
Your menstruationMenstruationThe loss of blood once a month through a woman's vagina. Menstruation lasts…Read more often becomes less heavy and less painful.
No protection against STIs and HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more
The contraceptive patch does not protect against STIs or HIV. Only a condom can protect you.
Condom
Buying the contraceptive patch
You need a prescriptionPrescriptionSmall paper on which the doctor writes which medicines you have to take. With…Read more from a doctor, midwifeMidwifeA trained person who helps a pregnant woman before, during and after delivery.…Read more or gynaecologistGynaecologistDoctor specializing in health care during pregnancy, contraception and women's diseases. A gynaecologist…Read more to buy the contraceptive patch. Without a prescription you cannot buy the contraceptive patch. You can buy the contraceptive patch in a pharmacyPharmacyShop where you can get medicines with a prescription from your doctor. Read more only.
What does it cost?
A box with 9 patches (for 3 months) costs about € 34 to € 38.
Until the age of 21, most forms of contraceptionContraceptionMeans and methods of preventing pregnancy. Condoms and the contraceptive pill are examples…Read more are reimbursed by your health insurance. However, you first have to pay the excessExcessThe excess (eigen risico) is the amount you have to pay yourself if…Read more (eigen risico) of your health insurance policy. Check with your health insurance provider to find out how much will be reimbursed. From the age of 21, contraception is only reimbursed if you have taken out additional insurance for contraception.