The Patch

The patch is like a thin, square sticker that contains the hormones progestin and estrogen. It stops ovulation (it stops a women’s body from releasing an egg from the ovaries) and stops the sperm from getting to the egg. The brand name is Ortho Evra®.

 

How to use the patch

Each package contains three patches.  A woman should put on a new patch each week, for 3 weeks. Then she goes "patch-free" the fourth week and that’s when she gets her period.

  • Store the patch at room temperature.

  • Check the expiration date.  If it’s expired, get another one!

  • Peel the package apart.  Peel the patch and plastic layer off the outer package.

  • Then peel half of the clear plastic away from the patch itself without touching the sticky surface.

  • Attach the sticky half of the patch to a clean, dry area of skin on the stomach, upper outer arm, upper torso or butt.  Never attach the patch to the breasts.

  • Remove the other half of the plastic.

  • Press firmly on the patch with the palm of your hand for
    10 seconds, making sure the edges stick well. Run your fingers around the edge of the patch to make sure it is sticking properly.

  • Remove it after one week. Reapply a new patch once a week on the same day a.k.a. the “patch change day” of the second and third weeks.  Do not apply the new patch to the same spot as the old patch.

Read about more birth control options:

 


Effectiveness

The ring is 92% - 99% effective.

Cost

The patch typically costs $30 to $45 for a month’s supply of patches.  If you have health insurance, it may pay for all or part of the cost.  If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your parents' insurance, family planning clinics provide the patch at a lower cost.

Where to get

Women need a prescription, but getting a prescription can be easy!  She can get one through her doctor/nurse practitioner, or through a family planning clinic.  She can fill the prescription at a pharmacy, a health clinic or a family planning clinic.

Things to think about
 

Some women use the patch because they find it difficult to take a birth control pill every day at the same time.

The patch may not be a good option for women over 198 pounds, smokers, and women who take certain medications that can decrease the effectiveness of the hormones, such as St. John’s Wort, some antibiotics and some anti-seizure drugs.

Side effects of the patch can include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness or mood swings.  Some women may have irritation where they put the patch (changing the location of the patch each week will make this less likely to happen).

Remember, male and female condoms are the only forms of birth control that also offer protection against STIs. Condoms can be used with other forms of birth control to provide that protection.