Birth Control Patch

Picture of birth control patch locations

You can place the hormone patch on your lower abdomen, 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 continuously until you replace it the following week. During the fourth week, you wear no patch. This is when you have a menstrual period.

Should the patch partially or completely come off before it is due to be changed, apply a replacement patch right away.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofNovember 21, 2017

Current as of: November 21, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine