The contraceptive patch is a pretty convenient type of birth control. It doesn’t need to be fussed with every day, which gives it an edge over the pill, and it doesn’t need to be inserted anywhere, which makes it simpler than the contraceptive ring. For many women, it’s the perfect option.
It’s discreet too. The patch can be worn under clothing, so nobody will know that you’ve got special hormones in your bloodstream protecting you from becoming unexpectedly pregnant.
The patch is worn for a week at a time. This means you’ll change your patch on the same day every week. Don’t worry: it’s sticky enough to stay on your skin for that long, even when you shower. After three weeks of wearing patches, you’ll have a patch-free week before applying a new one and repeating the cycle.
What birth control patches are there?
The one birth control patch available in Canada is Evra. It’s only available as combined birth control. At the minute, there’s no patch version of the progestin-only pill.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on August 07, 2024. Next review due on August 07, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Birth control patch
How to get the birth control patch?
You can get the birth control ring both in person and online. It’s only available with a prescription, so you’ll need an appointment with a clinician so they can make sure it’s safe for you.
If you’re getting treatment with Treated, you just need to complete a short consultation and choose the treatment you want. After this, your clinician will review your choice to check its right for you.
How do I know if the birth control patch is right for me?
The birth control patch isn’t suitable for every woman. Depending on your age, health, smoking status, and how often you want to take it can influence whether it’s a good fit for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to birth control, and it might take a little trial and error to find one just right for you.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on August 07, 2024. Next review due on August 07, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Birth control patch
Are there any other birth control patches besides Evra?
No. Evra is currently the only one. It’s the only type of contraception available that you can use on a weekly basis. There’s no mini pill (single hormone) version of the patch at present.
What else is there besides the patch?
Other options for birth control available from Treated include:
the pill
the ring
There are other options you can get too from your family planning clinic or doctor, but these aren’t available through Treated, such as:
the injection
implants
IUDs
surgery (hysterectomy).
Is it easy to switch from the patch to another method?
Yes. If you’re not happy with the patch, you just need to log into your Treated account and send us a message. We can talk you through alternative birth control methods and advise you on which ones are safe and suitable for you.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Birth control patch
Birth control patch: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can any woman use the birth control patch?
Answer:
No, the birth control patch isn’t suitable for all women to use. It’s important to tell your prescriber about your health during your consultation so that they can determine whether it’s right for you.
Can I get the birth control patch without a prescription?
Answer:
Like all hormonal birth control, the patch isn’t available over the counter, so you’ll need a prescription. This is so that you have a chance to talk to an expert, who will make sure the patch is the right birth control for you specifically.
At Treated, we’ll take your health into account to make sure that the patch is safe and suitable for you to use.
Treated trusted source:
medlineplus.gov. (n.d.). Estrogen and Progestin (Transdermal Patch Contraceptives): MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online]
Expertise you can trust.
Get to know the clinicians taking care of you. They’ll review your options and recommend the best treatment for you.
Online consultations: No appointments, no waiting rooms. Get treatment advice on your schedule.
Personalized aftercare: Regular follow-ups to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Dr. Ahmed began working with Treated as a Prescribing Clinician in 2025, reviewing consultations with patients, assessing treatment needs, and recommending (and prescribing) the best treatment options.
Dr Daniel is our Lead Doctor, based in the UK. He doesn’t prescribe for our Canadian patients, but often reviews medical content across the site to make sure it's clinically accurate. On specific pages he's reviewed you'll see his reviewer card.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Why this page was updated on Aug 07, 2024
Content checked and updated as part of our 3-yearly periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness.
Current version (Aug 07, 2024)
Edited by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical lead
Aug 01, 2022
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Ms Laurenmarie Cormier, Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Dr Daniel Atkinson
GP Clinical lead
Dr Daniel is our Lead Doctor, based in the UK. He doesn’t prescribe for our Canadian patients, but often reviews medical content across the site to make sure it's clinically accurate. On specific pages he's reviewed you'll see his reviewer card.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Reviews you can trust
All of our reviews are collected from real patients after their treatment has been delivered.
We publish reviews collected through independent platforms including Reviews.io and Trustpilot.