Contraceptive patch

Just as the Pill, the contraceptive patch is a method of contraception that involves hormones.

There are currently two different preparations offered in Germany.
Both contain the estrogen ethinylestradiol and a (different) progestin, which are absorbed through the skin in the body and thus prevent the monthly ovulation.
The contraceptive patch is applied to the skin for seven days at a time and then replaced by a new patch. After three weeks, a break of seven days is taken, during which the contraceptive safety continues and withdrawal bleeding begins. The patch should always be changed on the same day of the week, irrespective of the time of day.

Advantages

You don't have to think about taking it every day as you would if you were on a Pill, but in this case, you just have to think about changing the patch every seven days.
Since the contraceptive patch absorbs hormones through the skin, it is particularly suitable for women who frequently vomit or suffer from frequent diarrhoea due to intestinal diseases.

The side effects and risks of the patch and the influence on menstruation are similar to those of the pill. The patch can lead to redness of the skin in almost 20% of women. Rarely, however, is this so strong that the patch can no longer be used.

The contraceptive patch has a higher risk of thrombosis as compared to the "pills".

Reliability

The contraceptive safety of the patch corresponds to that of the Pill. However, a higher failure rate was observed in women with a body weight of more than 90 kg.

Accessibility

The contraceptive patch must be prescribed by the doctor.

Costs

It costs approx. 40 - 42 Euro for three months.