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Ortho Evra, or "the patch," is a hormonal method of birth control. The patch delivers a steady flow of hormones through the skin and into your bloodstream over a period of seven days. The patch contains the same hormones found in birth-control pills: progestin and estrogen. Like the birth-control pill, Ortho Evra helps prevent ovulation, which means that an egg is not released by one of your ovaries for fertilization.
Should You Use Ortho Evra?
The patch is great for women who want an easy-to-use method of birth control. Patches are easy to apply and adhere well to the skin. Women using the patch have less bleeding and cramping during their periods. The patch doesn't interfere with sex. It is not recommended for women who smoke, or women with a history of heart attacks, stroke or blood clots.
Effectiveness
The patch has been proven to be 99 percent effective, the same as the pill, when used as directed. In reality -- that is, during use in the real world -- it is 92 percent effective. The patch does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Advantages
The patch is easy to use; it is applied once a week for three of every four weeks. No patch is worn on the fourth week. Because the patch releases a steady, consistent dose of hormones each month, it produces a lower incidence of headaches, nausea, breakthrough bleeding and breast tenderness then most oral contraceptives.
Considerations
Normally, the patch stays in place. If it should fall off, follow the manufacturer's instructions for reattachment. If it is off for more than 24 hours, you can become pregnant. See your health-care provider for an alternate method of birth control. The patch requires a prescription and a gynecological exam before you can get it. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease; women who use combination hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.
The use of combination oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious side effects, including blood clots, which may lead to stroke or heart attack. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with Ortho Evra use than with the use of certain birth-control pills.
Availability
In the United States, the patch requires a prescription; you can then buy it at any pharmacy.
