The Patch

OrthoEvra, otherwise known as the Patch, is a lightweight, thin, flexible, beige–colored, square patch that looks a lot like a Band–Aid. You can wear the patch on 1 of 4 areas of the body. The birth control patch should not be worn on any other areas of the body. Once the patch sticks to the skin, it releases a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones into the blood stream which stops ovulation, prevents the egg from implanting in the uterus and causes cervical mucus to thicken and block sperm.

Advantages:

• Easy to use
• You don’t have to remember it daily, just put a new patch on every week for three weeks
• Affects fertility one week at a time
• Does not interrupt sex
• Regulates periods, lighter periods
• Decreases menstrual pain and PMS
• May improve acne

Disadvantages:

• Should NOT use the patch if you are a smoker or are over 35 years old
• Difficult to hide so your partner will most likely see it and other people may also see it depending on the positioning of the patch and the type of clothing that is worn
• Does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS
• Possible side effects include: nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness
• Possible skin irritation or rashes at the site of the patch
• Irregular bleeding
• Requires a prescription
• May increase risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure for some women (especially women over 35 who smoke)

How the Patch Works:

• Apply a new patch to your upper outer arm, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts), abdomen, or buttock once a week on the same day for 3 weeks in a row
• During the 4th week, do not wear a patch, which will be your period week
• At the end of that week, start another cycle of patches
• The patch should only be applied to clean, dry skin. Do not put creams, lotions, oils, powder, or makeup on or near your patch