Contraceptive patch

What is it? The Contraceptive Patch looks like a square band-aid. It is applied to the abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or upper torso. The Patch is changed each week for a schedule of 3 weeks on and 1 week off. It works by slowly releasing a combination of oestrogen and progestin hormones through the skin. These hormones prevent ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and thicken the cervical mucus, creating a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

Considerations: offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS

Available from? It must be prescribed by a doctor or family planning clinic or Marie Stopes International centre

How effective? When used correctly, it’s about 99% effective as birth control except for women weighing 198 pounds or more when it is only about 92% effective.