Your choices: a guide to contraception¹

Other Hormanal Contraceptives

The Patch

What is it?

The Patch looks like a small plaster which you place directly on the skin. Each patch lasts for seven days and is used for three weeks followed by a patch free week.

How does it work?

The patch contains two female hormones, oestrogen and progestogen and these hormones are slowly absorbed through the skin. They protect against pregnancy in three ways:

• It stops you from producing an egg
• It helps your body to form a barrier against sperm
• It helps prevent any eggs that you may produce from settling in the womb

How effective is it?

The patch is over 99% effective, if properly used.

Advantages

Does not interrupt sex

• Easy to use: you just change your patch once a week for three weeks
• Fertility returns quickly as soon as you stop using it
• It may help with pre-menstrual symptoms (PMT)
• It may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and breast disease that is not cancer
• Regular, lighter and less painful periods

Disadvantages

• It can be seen on the skin
• Certain medications can interfere with its effectiveness.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
• Not advised for smokers over 35 or women who are breast-feeding
• You may get some side effects. These can include:
  • Skin irritation
  • Increase in your blood pressure
  • Breakthrough bleeding
  • Temporary increased chance of breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and mood changes
  • Very small increased risk of blood clots

Can anyone use it?

Most women can use this method. However if you have some pre-existing medical conditions you might not be able to use the patch. These include: if you are over 35 years old and stopped smoking less than a year ago; are overweight (BMI of 30 kg/m or over); have had blood clots in any vein or artery; have had circulatory disease or a heart abnormality; suffer from migraines with aura; have diabetes complications or have had diabetes for over 20 years; have breast cancer or have had it within the last five years; have active liver or gallbladder disease.

The Contraceptive Ring

What is it?

This is a plastic, see-through ring that sits inside the vagina. It is inserted once-monthly, normally on the first day of your period and left in place for three weeks, with a one week, ring-free interval, during which a withdrawal bleed occurs.

How does it work?

The contraceptive ring contains low doses of the hormones oestrogen and a progestogen which are released when the ring is activated upon contact with the vagina. The walls of the vagina then absorb the hormones and distribute them into the bloodstream in the same way as the combined pill. It protects you from pregnancy by:

• It stops you from producing an egg
• It helps your body to form a barrier against sperm
• It helps prevent any eggs that you may produce from settling in the womb

How effective is it?

The ring is 99% effective when used properly

Advantages

• You are protected from pregnancy for up to a month and do not have to worry about your contraception every day
• Does not interrupt sex
• As the hormones do not pass through the stomach it is unlikely that you will be affected by sickness or diarrhoea
• Easily reversible if you decide that you do want to get pregnant

Disadvantages

• You may get breakthrough bleeding, although this is nothing to worry about
• You may notice breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and mood changes
• There is a possibility of a temporary increase in vaginal discharge or infections
• May be expelled on straining

Can anyone use it?

Most women can use the contraceptive ring. However, if you are  over 35 years old and stopped smoking less than a year ago, are overweight (BMI of 30 kg/m or over), have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, migraines or diabetes, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether this option is right for you. Because of the way the Contraceptive Ring is inserted, it may also not be suitable if you have a vaginal prolapse that can't hold a vaginal ring.