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Birth control patch

Birth control patch

Person wearing birth control patch on lower belly.

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
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.