Anticoncepción
Patch, ring and injection
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraThe patch, the vaginal ring and the injection are hormonal methods you do not need to think about every day. Here is how each works, how often you use it and what to expect.
The patch
The contraceptive patch is a small square, about 5 cm by 5 cm, that you stick on your skin. It releases two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, into your blood. These stop the ovaries from releasing an egg. You wear each patch for 7 days and then replace it. In the usual pattern, you use a patch for 3 weeks, then have a week with no patch. Possible side effects include skin irritation, an upset stomach and changes to your bleeding.
The vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a small ring that you put into your vagina yourself. Like the patch, it releases oestrogen and progestogen, which stop the ovaries from releasing an egg. In the usual pattern, you leave it in for 3 weeks, take it out for 1 week, then put in a new ring. Possible side effects include headaches, an upset stomach, sore breasts and irritation in the vagina.
The injection
The contraceptive injection contains only one hormone, progestogen. One injection lasts 8 to 13 weeks, depending on the type, so you need a new one every 2 to 3 months. It works by stopping ovulation. Possible side effects include bleeding between periods, missed periods, weight gain and mood changes. Long-term use can cause some loss of bone. After you stop, it can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return, so it may not suit you if you want to get pregnant soon.
How well they work
Used perfectly, the patch, the ring and the injection are all over 99% effective. With typical use, the patch and ring are about 91% effective, which means around 9 in 100 users get pregnant in a year. The injection is about 94% effective with typical use. Mistakes, such as changing a patch or ring late or having an injection late, make them less effective. If you are late changing a patch or ring, check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist, as you may need condoms for 7 days. None of these methods protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Who may need another method
These methods are not suitable for everyone. Like the combined pill, the patch and ring carry a small risk of serious problems such as blood clots, stroke and heart attack. Smoking raises the risk of blood clots. If you smoke and are 35 or over, the patch and ring, which contain oestrogen, may not be safe for you. The patch may also work less well if you weigh about 90 kg or more. A doctor or nurse can check which method is safe for you, including methods without oestrogen.
Warning signs of a blood clot
Blood clots are rare, but it helps to know the signs, especially with the patch or ring. Get help urgently if one leg becomes painful or swollen, often in the calf or thigh, or the skin there looks red or darker. Call your local emergency number if you also feel short of breath or have chest pain. Tell the doctor which method you use.
This is general information. A doctor or nurse can help you decide whether the patch, ring or injection is safe and suitable for you.