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

  • As commonly used, about 7 pregnancies per 100 women using the combined patch over the first year. This means that 93 of every 100 women using the combined patch will not become pregnant.
  • When no mistakes are made with use of the patch, less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women using a patch over the first year (3 per 1,000 women).
  • 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