Risks

With perfect use, pregnancy happens in less than 1 out of 100 women during the first year of using of the birth control patch. Pregnancy rates are estimated to be 7 to 9 out of 100 women during a year of typical use. Typical use situations might include forgetting to change the patch on time or discovering that the patch came loose from your skin for a prolonged time.

The birth control patch doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Side effects of the birth control patch may include:

• An increased risk of blood-clotting problems, heart attack, stroke, liver cancer, gallbladder disease and high blood pressure
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Skin irritation
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Menstrual pain
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Diarrhea
• Muscle spasms
• Vaginal infections and discharge
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention

Some research shows that the birth control patch may increase estrogen levels in the body compared with combination birth control pills that are taken by mouth. This may mean there's a slightly higher risk of estrogen-related adverse events, such as blood clots, in patch users than in people who take combination birth control pills.