You've probably heard of the nicotine patch. Now the birth control patch, Ortho Evra, is available! For the first time ever, young women can use a birth control method that they only need to think about once a week (instead of once a day, like the Pill). Ortho Evra is the first birth control patch approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What Is the Patch?
Ortho Evra is a thin, beige, flexible patch that a female wears on her buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, or upper outer arm for one week at time. She replaces the patch on the same day of the week, for three weeks straight. The fourth week is �patch-free,� and she menstruates. It provides birth control for the entire month.
What Is In the Patch?
Like the Pill, Ortho Evra contains two hormones�estrogen and progestin. When a woman applies the patch to her body, it releases these hormones into her bloodstream each day. The hormones work just like the Pill to prevent pregnancy. They prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucous, so sperm is less likely to enter the uterus.
How Effective Is the Patch?
When used correctly, the patch is a 99-percent effective form of birth control. But remember, like all hormonal birth control methods, it offers NO protection against sexually transmitted infections. And you should follow directions carefully. Using contraception correctly each and every time increases its effectiveness.
Are There Side Effects?
Like most forms of hormonal contraception, the patch has some side effects. These include headache, nausea, menstrual cramps, irritation at the site of the patch, and abdominal pain.
Cigarette smoking and hormonal contraceptive use is not a good mix, so don't smoke if you use the patch. Smokers who use it are at risk for more serious side effects, including blood clots or heart attack (yet this is more common for women over age 35).
It�s important to consult your doctor or health care provider when deciding about any form of birth control. Talk with him or her about side effects and whether the patch is right for you.
How Can I Get the Patch?
You need a prescription from a doctor or health care provider to get Ortho Evra. Consult your regular doctor or provider. To find a health care provider, look in the yellow pages under �clinics� or �family planning.� You can also get a prescription through a Planned Parenthood Health Center. To find one near you, call 800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here.
For more info on Ortho Evra, check out the official site. You can also call 877-BC-PATCH (227-2824).
