In the UK, the prescribed patch’s brand name is  Evra. It is a sticky patch (around 5cmx5cm) and is replaced every week, for three weeks – then you have one ‘patch free week’.

• More than 99 per cent effective when used correctly though 91 per cent effective for  the average woman
• Doesn’t need to be taken daily
• You can wear it swimming and when playing sport, it won’t peel off like a plaster, but it may not be suitable for women over 35.
• The Patch contains the same hormones as the combined pill – progestogen and oestrogen. As a result, it can have the same impacts upon mood, and athletic performance.