A 23-year-old woman using a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) asks whether she can use the combined transdermal patch continuously (back to back)...

Question

A 23-year-old woman using a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) asks whether she can use the combined transdermal patch continuously (back to back). What should she be told?

Accepted Answer

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) supports tailored regimens for all combined hormonal contraception (CHC) methods, including the combined patch. She can apply patches continuously (changing weekly for 3 weeks, then applying a new patch immediately without a patch-free week). A 4-day break can be taken if breakthrough bleeding persists.

Answer

Continuous patch use is contraindicated

Answer

Only the combined oral contraceptive pill can be used continuously

Answer

The patch must always have a 7-day patch-free interval

Answer

Continuous patch use causes skin damage

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): Continuous Patch Use FSRH Supported

A 23-year-old woman using a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) asks whether she can use the combined transdermal patch continuously (back to back). What should she be told?