The use of the patch does not require a woman to change her lifestyle or to be as self-disciplined as with oral hormonal contraception. The application of the patch should always take place on the same day of the week. This day is called Patch Change Day. The following fourth week is the week without a patch. This is the time during which the so-called withdrawal bleeding, similar to menstruation, occurs, caused by the cessation of hormone absorption. This is usually somewhat shorter, less painful and heavier than menstrual bleeding, which is an additional advantage for women with painful and heavy periods. As a result of the reduced blood loss during withdrawal bleeding, the risk of these women developing anaemia is also reduced. If complete or partial detachment of the patch occurs in less than 24 hours, an attempt should be made to re-attach the patch. If the attempt is unsuccessful or there is any doubt that the patch is not adhering properly, the patch should be changed to a new one and there is no need for additional protection. However, if there is more than 24 hours between sticking the patch and noticing it coming off, then stick a new patch starting a new 4 week cycle.

The time of day the patch is stuck is not important. Even if there is a 2-day delay in applying another patch from the same pack, this does not change the cycle and does not reduce the contraceptive effect. This is due to a constant concentration of hormones being supplied to the body via the transdermal system 24 hours a day. It is also possible to use the patch in a continuous system, i.e. without taking a 7-day break, which avoids withdrawal bleeding. From the moment the first patch is applied, the woman is protected against pregnancy. Effective protection also applies to the 7-day interval between successive packs. Although this is the period without the patch, the protection is also effective during this time.