birth control patch
you can place the hormone patch on your belly, buttocks, or upper body but not on your breasts. apply a new patch once a week on the same day of the week for 3 weeks. the patch delivers the hormones daily over 7 days. wear each patch all the time until you replace it the following week. during the fourth week, you wear no patch. this is when you have a menstrual period.
you can also wear the patch all the time without stopping for a week each month. with this method, you won't have your period.
if the patch partly or completely comes off before it is due to be changed, apply a replacement patch right away.
current as of: november 27, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
