Patch/ring

The vaginal patch is a small adhesive patch, like a much stickier plaster, placed on the skin that works in the same way as the combined pill, implants and injection. It releases progesterone and oestrogen and is changed every week. It is used for three weeks out of every four to allow a period to occur. It is over 99% effective. This method is useful if you find it hard to remember to take a pill every day. The hormonal side effects are similar to those in the pill. Some women find the material used to make the patch itself irritant to the skin.

These contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infection.

The contraceptive vaginal ring is similar to the combined pill, implant and injection, the contraceptive ring is a small, flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases progesterone and oestrogen. It is used for three weeks out of four to allow a period to occur and so the woman has to be trained how to remove and insert the ring. It is over 99% effective. It can be removed temporarily for sex, or left in place. It cannot get lost in the vagina; the neck of the womb (cervix) is much too narrow to let the vaginal ring through to the womb or the inside of the tummy.

These contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infection.