Another option if you also need contraception is to try another type of contraception that contains progestogen. These might also be recommended if you can't have combined hormonal contraception (some people have medical conditions that make it unsafe). Options include the progestogen only contraceptive pill, the progestogen implant, or an injectable progestogen contraceptive. See the separate leaflets called Progestogen-only Contraceptive Pill (POP), Contraceptive Implant, and Contraceptive Injection which describe these options in more detail. A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine When you first get the contraceptive patch you will be given a 3-month supply, to see how you get on with it. If there are no problems, you can be prescribed the patch for a year at a time. Read more about irregular periods, including what causes them and when treatment may be necessary. Stopped or missed periods

If you forget to take the patch off after week 3, take it off as soon as possible. Start your patch-free break and start a new patch on your usual start day, even if you're bleeding. This means you won't have a full week of patch-free days. During your patch-free week you'll get a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen. Talk to your GP about your bleeding, including how often you have to change your sanitary protection (towels, tampons, period underwear or menstrual cup). Pain relief patches for period pain come in two different variants based on the method of action- either heating or cooling. Based on the user’s preference of sensation, the experience may differ. A few people prefer the soothing warmth of slowly warming heating patches for cramps while others are partial towards the relaxing coolness provided by a herbal menstrual relief patch. Hot Period Pain Relief Patch

Stopped or missed periods

Most women with painful periods have mild pain that they can treat themselves at home. However, if your pain becomes more severe and is interfering with your usual activities, you should see your doctor. The main symptom is crampy pain in your lower tummy (abdomen). Often, the first few periods that you have are painless. Period pains may only begin 6-12 months after you have started your periods. The pain: The pain can be a dull cramp or sharp and sudden. It can last just a few minutes or continue for 1 to 2 days. Some women notice a little vaginal bleeding when it happens.

Reader, I must disclaim that, as someone who's currently sat on top of 1000-degree (read: a safe, not skin-burning temperature) hot water bottle, aspirin on board and feeling very sorry for myself, I'm well aware of the limitations of a period heating pad. Then again, when the period cramps feel so bad that it seems nothing - not a nap, not curling up in a ball on your bed and sobbing for relief - will help, heat therapy is always my next point of call, even if just to take the edge off.

After 7 patch-free days, apply a new patch and start the 4-week cycle again. Start your new cycle even if you're still bleeding. Where to put the patch Some women don't always have a bleed in their patch-free week. This is nothing to worry about if you've used the patch properly and have not taken any medicine that could affect it. Research also suggests there's a small increase in the risk of developing cervical cancer with long-term use of oestrogen and progestogen hormonal contraception. Where you can get it There is a very small risk of some serious side effects when you use a hormonal contraceptive, such as the contraceptive patch.

Each patch lasts for 1 week. You change the patch every week for 3 weeks, then have a week off without a patch.With a chemical filling (often activated charcoal) and adhesive application, these have more of a deep, artificial heat feeling. That said, lots of buyers of these patches have attested to their effectiveness, so they're not to be overlooked. The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 23 to 35 days, are normal. It may not be suitable for women who smoke and who are 35 or over, or who weigh 90kg (14 stone) or more. For most women, the benefits of the patch outweigh the possible risks, but you should discuss all risks and benefits with a GP or nurse before starting the patch. Blood clots you're protected against pregnancy if you've used the patch correctly up until the time you forgot to take it off