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 ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerRebecca Sue Uranga, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current as ofMarch 16, 2017

Current as of: March 16, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Rebecca Sue Uranga, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology