Transdermal Contraceptive Patch ("the patch")

The patch (brand name Ortho Evra^®) is a highly effective, weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. It is worn for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, with the fourth week "patch-free." The patch is a very thin, beige, smooth square that measures 1-3/4 inch on each of its four sides. It uses a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy-like most birth control pills. It can be worn on the arms, buttocks, or abdomen. About 4 in 100 patches will partially or completely come off.

The patch is not intended to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases-called STDs for short-which are diseases, infections, or illnesses that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Some examples of STDs are chlamydia, herpes, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

What you need to do:

Remember to remove your patch and replace it with a new one each week for three consecutive weeks, then take one "patch-free" week.

Couples should learn about Emergency contraception before using any contraceptive method. Sometimes called the "morning after pill," Emergency contraception reduces the chance of getting pregnant after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Pros:

• You do not have to do anything right before, during, or after sex.
• Menstrual periods are regulated, occurring during the "patch-free" week.

Cons:

• A few women have mild skin irritation from the patch adhesive.
• A few women may have side effects such as breast tenderness, headaches, or mood change.

Effectiveness:

This guide gives effectiveness percentages for two categories of contraceptive use: typical use, which includes people who may not always use a method exactly how and when they were supposed to use it, and perfect use, which indicates how effective the method would be if it were always used correctly.

• Perfect use: Out of 100 women who use the patch correctly at all times, maybe 1 and probably no one in the group might become pregnant in one year.
• Typical use: Because the patch is relatively new in the United States, we do not know the "typical use" rates.

To learn more about the patch, please visit any of these web sites:

Health and Sexuality

Planned Parenthood 'Transdermal Patch' Facts

To learn more about Ortho Evra, visit the products web site: http://www.orthoevra.com/