What is it?
The patch, medically known as Ortho Evra, is a thin piece of plastic that sticks onto a woman’s stomach, upper/outer arm, buttocks or upper torso like a Band-Aid. It is less than two inches wide and comes in the color beige.
How does it work?
The patch releases hormones that prevent a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken a woman’s cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs.
How effective is it?
The effectiveness of the patch ranges from 91-99%. You have to change the patch around the same time once a week for three weeks, and then go without the patch for the fourth week. The patch is very effective if you stick to this weekly schedule, but your chances of becoming pregnant go up if you don’t follow the right routine.
Where can I find it?
To start using the patch, you have to get a prescription from your doctor. If you are interested in getting the patch, talk to your doctor.
If you are sexually active, make sure that you are protecting yourself with some form of birth control.
