Oh, we are so glad you asked! The birth control patch (Ortho Evra®) is another choice for reliable contraception approved by the FDA in November 2001, and many young women are already raving about this simple, painless, doesn’t need to be inserted anywhere method of birth control. The patch is a thin 2-inch polyester square, applied to the skin just like a Band-Aid. It releases low doses of the same estrogen and progestin hormones contained in birth control pills. Transdermal patches have been used for many years to deliver other kinds of medications (heart drugs, nicotine patches, postmenopausal estrogen) so it was only a matter of time before birth control patches were developed.
The patch can be applied to the lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or upper torso (but not the breast). You apply a fresh patch once a week for three weeks, and then go patchless for one week to let you menstrual period come (yes, you are still protected from pregnancy as long as you’ve faithfully worn patches the other three weeks). The patch sticks to the skin very well, so you can bathe, swim, exercise and do everything as usual. [Note: if you have decided to enter into a sexual relationship, the patch does not protect against STDs or HIV so always use condoms, too. Abstinence, as you know, is the only 100% method to avoid pregnancy, STDs or HIV.]
The birth control patch is just as effective as the pill, with similar hormone risks, benefits, contraindications and side effects. Breakthrough bleeding sometimes occurs in the first cycle but quickly diminishes with time. Compliance tends to be better with the patch, because many women find it easier to remember changing a patch just once a week instead of remembering to take a pill every day (but others may space it out if it’s only once a week). The patch is visible, which makes it less confidential than some other methods (but then some women like the obvious “proof” that they are using birth control). Some users report skin reactions (itching, irritation). If this happens to you, applying the patch to a different spot each week might help.
The “grunge” factor is sometimes mentioned…the edges of the patch may get a little dirty and “skuzzy” by the end of the week (this does not interfere with protection). And at the moment the patch comes only in a peach color, but the manufacturer is considering additional skin tones. The patch requires a prescription and costs about the same as the pill. If it sounds good to you, this method might definitely be worth discussing with your health provider.
Just recently, it has been determined that women on the patch may be exposed, on average, to about 60 percent more estrogen than women taking typical birth control pills. (Teenagers are often prescribed different, lower-dose pills.) There is some concern that this could result in higher risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. However, no scientific study has shown this to be the case. There are differences in the day-to-day blood levels that could even make the patch safer than the pill. When you see your health provider, ask his or her opinion about this.
For more information, check out these articles:
Symptoms of Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
Answering Your Questions About Sex
Birth Control Options
Updated 11-27-05
