Content Map Terms

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.

Current as of:
June 16, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rebecca Sue Uranga MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology