New and emerging contraceptive options: a focus on transdermal contraception

Abstract

Transdermal contraception is a convenient way of hormonal contraception that allows weekly application of a patch for 3 consecutive weeks followed by a patch-free week. Efficacy, side effects, advantages, and disadvantages as well as patient satisfaction with this formulation are discussed in this short review. The first patch, introduced in 2002, contained ethinylestradiol and norelgestromin. Recently, a new patch containing gestodene as the gestagen component has been developed. Early data for this formulation are presented.