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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

Vertical arrow pointing up showing the effectiveness of Combined Patches. The bottom of the arrow is less effective and top of the arrow is more effective.  A black bar is three quarters of the way up the arrow.How Effective?

Effectiveness depends on the user: Risk of pregnancy is greatest when a woman is late to change the patch.

  • The combined patch is new, and research on effectiveness is limited. Effectiveness rates in clinical trials of the patch suggest that it may be more effective than combined oral contraceptives, both as commonly used and with consistent and correct use (see Combined Oral Contraceptives, How Effective?).
  • Pregnancy rates may be slightly higher among women weighing 90 kg or more.

Return of fertility after patch use is stopped: No delay

Protection against sexually transmitted infections: None