Both the birth control patch and birth control pill are used by women to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. These forms of birth control require a prescription to obtain, and are refilled once a month.
Hormones
Planned Parenthood states that the birth control patch contains estrogen and progestin; birth control pills are available as combination pills (estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only.
Effectiveness
The birth control patch and pill are 99 percent effective when used correctly, according to Planned Parenthood; the effectiveness drops to 92 percent when not taken as directed.
Usage
Women wear the birth control patch for three weeks, then remove it for the fourth week, according to Planned Parenthood. Birth control pill users take three weeks of hormone pills, then one week of non-hormone pills.
Benefits
Planned Parenthood points out that while both the patch and pill cause lighter periods, the birth control pill also reduces cramps and protects against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Possible Problems
Planned Parenthood warns that the effectiveness of the birth control patch decreases when used by women over 198 lbs.
