
Evra patches
Contraceptive skin patch applied weekly
from £34.00
Medically reviewed by
Dr Zoe MillerLast reviewed: 12 Jun 2025
When it comes to choosing the best contraceptive for you, there are many options to choose from, including hormonal and non-hormonal types. For many people, hormonal contraception is an effective and reliable method that can be more than 99% effective at stopping pregnancy from occurring.
The contraceptive patch is one type of hormonal birth control option available. It can offer several advantages in that it only needs to be replaced once weekly and does not involve swallowing tablets, like the contraceptive pill.
Here, we explore how the patch works and its benefits, effectiveness, and how it compares to other methods, so you can be sure to choose the best contraceptive method for you.
The contraceptive patch is a type of hormonal birth control. In the UK, Evra is the only available contraceptive patch. It’s a small, thin, beige coloured 5cm by 5cm square that sticks directly to your skin and releases synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone into your bloodstream.
The contraceptive patch is flexible and very sticky, so it is designed to stay on your body comfortably, even when showering, bathing, swimming, or exercising.
The contraceptive patch works similarly to the combined pill in that it contains synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (norelgestromin). The patch sticks directly to your skin and steadily releases these hormones into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy by:
When used correctly, the contraceptive patch provides reliable and convenient protection against pregnancy.
To use Evra, you’ll wear 1 patch per week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week. During this time, you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed, similar to a period. When applying a new patch, choose a new area of skin each time to avoid irritation.
Before applying the patch, you need to choose where on the body you are going to stick it. You should:
Once you have decided where to stick the patch, you’re ready to apply it:
To take the contraceptive patch:
Ideally, start using the contraceptive patch on days 1 to 5 of your period to be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you want to start it after day 5 of your period, you’ll need to use additional contraception for 7 days to protect against pregnancy.
If you’re using another type of contraception and want to switch, this table explains when you should start using the contraceptive patch and when you’ll be protected:
Type of contraception | When to switch |
---|---|
The combined contraceptive pill or the combined vaginal ring |
|
The progesterone-only pill (excluding ones containing desogestrel), or the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS) |
|
The injection, or a progesterone-only pill containing desogestrel |
|
A drospirenone progesterone-only pill |
Special conditions: |
The implant |
If the implant has been in for 3 years or less:
If the implant has been in 3 to 4 years: If the implant has been in more than 4 years: or |
Copper intrauterine device (IUD) |
|
To get the most out of the contraceptive patch, it must be used correctly and consistently. Here are some top tips to help you stay on track and get the best protection:
1.Always apply the patch to clean, dry skin – your skin must be free from creams, lotions, powders or other topical products. Stick the patch on your upper arm, buttock, upper back, or stomach, but avoid areas that are oily, irritated, or hairy for the best adherence.
2. Change the patch on time – replace the patch once a week on the same day each week for 3 weeks, then have a patch-free break. You may find it useful to set an alarm on your phone or use a medication reminder app so you do not forget.
3. Check it daily – have a quick check each day to make sure the patch is still firmly in place, especially after swimming, exercising, or showering. While it's made to stick on even after getting wet, there’s still a chance it could come off.
4. Rotate application sites – avoid applying the patch in the same place as the previous one to minimise irritation.
5. Understand what to do if your patch falls off – familiarise yourself with the instructions in the patient information leaflet about what to do if the patch comes off, so you know what to do to stay protected.
When used correctly, the contraceptive patch is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, when typical use, such as forgetting to change the patch, or the patch falling off, is taken into consideration, then this drops to 91%.
Some of the factors that can impact the effectiveness of the contraceptive patch include:
To stay protected from pregnancy, it’s important to use the contraceptive patch exactly as your doctor has told you to. If you are unsure, contact them for further advice or use extra contraception, like condoms.
The contraceptive patch, like all medications, can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. The most common side effects include:
Uncommon, and more serious side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 women) include:
You should seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of the following rare side effects (affecting 1 in 1,000 women):
You can find a full list of side effects and more details on them in the patient leaflet provided with the Evra patch.
Contraceptive patch risks
The contraceptive patch can slightly increase the chance of blood clots. The likelihood of getting a blood clot is very small, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people who use combined hormonal contraception, including the patch. However, your doctor will discuss this and your family history with you to make sure the patch is safe for you to use.
The contraceptive patch can also slightly raise your chances of getting breast and cervical cancer, but this returns to normal 10 years after you stop using the patch. However, it can lower your chance of the following cancers:
Despite some of the potential risks and side effects of the contraceptive patch, it also offers several benefits:
Convenience and ease of use | |
May improve acne | |
Reduces PCOS and endometriosis pain |
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Helps to regulate periods |
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Non invasive |
|
Reversible |
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May lower the risk of certain cancers |
|
Not sure if the patch is the best birth control method for you? Here’s how it compares to other popular contraceptive options, including the combined pill, the implant, and the intrauterine system (IUS).
*Please slide to view more
Contraceptive patch | Combined pill | IUS | Contraceptive implant | |
---|---|---|---|---|
How it works | Releases synthetic oestrogen and progesterone via the skin into the bloodstream to stop ovulation, thin the womb lining, and thicken cervical mucus | Regulates the menstrual cycle by releasing synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone to stop ovulation, thin the womb lining, and thicken cervical mucus | Releases progesterone into the womb, thickens cervical mucus, thins the womb lining, and may prevent ovulation. | Small, flexible tube inserted under the skin of your upper arm that releases progesterone to stop ovulation. Also thins the womb lining and thickens cervical mucus |
How often it's taken/changed | Once weekly | Once daily | Every 3 to 8 years | Every 3 years |
Effectiveness (perfect use) | >99% | >99% | >99% | >99% | Effectiveness (typical use) | 91% | 91% | >99% | >99% |
Key points | Weekly commitment, designed to stay in place when swimming, bathing, and exercising. Suitable alternative to the combined pill | Daily commitment, but can regulate periods, reduce pain, and improve acne | Safe to use while breastfeeding An effective treatment for heavy periods, and available as a non-hormonal copper version |
A good option if you cannot tolerate oestrogen Lasts for up to 3 years, and is useful if you struggle to remember a daily pill or weekly patch |
Application | Applied yourself at home | Self-administered/td> | Fitted by a healthcare professional | Fitted by a healthcare professional |
➤ You can find out more about the different types of contraception in our guide to help you make a more informed decision.
The contraceptive patch is a prescription-only type of hormonal contraception, which means you’ll need a doctor’s approval to obtain it. You can request Evra from Superdrug Online Doctor.
To request Evra Patches from Superdrug Online Doctor, you need to:
Yes, the contraceptive patch is available on the NHS, through:
You will need to make an appointment or visit a drop-in service to get it.
The contraceptive patch is a convenient, effective, and reversible birth control method that has several benefits. It’s a small, sticky patch applied directly to the skin on your abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or back, and steadily releases synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone. Doing so helps to make it more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used perfectly.
Compared to other methods like the combined pill, IUS, or implant, the patch offers a balance between ease of use and flexibility because it only needs to be changed weekly, rather than daily, and does not require the use of long-term devices or require a healthcare professional to fit it.
If you think the contraceptive patch may be a good fit for you, request the Evra Patch from Superdrug Online Doctor, or if you’re not sure, start a contraceptive pill consultation with one of our doctors now.
Yes, you can shower or swim while wearing the contraceptive patch, and it should stay in place because it's waterproof. The patch is very sticky and is meant to remain in place while showering, bathing, using a hot tub or sauna, swimming, or during exercise.
If the contraceptive patch falls off or becomes partly detached, what you need to do depends on how long it has been since it has fallen off.
If your patch has been off or partially detached for less than 24 hours:
If the patch has been off or detached for more than 24 hours, or you’re not sure when it came off:
Weight gain is a common reported side effect of contraceptive patches, but there is no definitive evidence that the patch makes you gain weight. Some people may report weight changes, especially during the first few months of using the patch, but these are more likely due to fluid retention rather than an increase in fat.
Yes, in some people the patch can stop your period, especially when taken long-term and perfectly (without missing patches or patches falling off). However, during your patch-free week, you will usually get a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period. You can prevent a withdrawal bleed completely by using contraceptive patches back to back without a break.
Like the pill, the contraceptive patch may also improve period symptoms, like pain, and irregular, heavy periods.
Yes, the contraceptive patch can sometimes cause temporary breast enlargement or tenderness as a side effect. However, this is usually temporary and usually resolves within a few months as your body gets used to the medication.
Yes, mood changes are a common side effect of the contraceptive patch, affecting up to 1 in 10 people. Some people will experience mood changes, irritability, or sadness when they first start using the patch, but these usually go away within a few months. If they persist or you are finding mood changes difficult to manage, speak to your doctor for advice. They may recommend trying a different method of contraception.