Patient Services: The Patch - Ortho-Evra

What is the patch?

The birth control patch is a thin, plastic patch that sticks to the skin and is used to prevent pregnancy. A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a fourth week that is patch-free. The patch is commonly referred to as Ortho-Evra, which is its brand name.

How does the patch work?

The patch contains the same hormones found in birth control—estrogen and progestin. These hormones work by keeping a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs, or ovulating. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. The hormones also cause a woman's cervical mucus to thicken, which blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg.

How effective is this method?

When used as directed, the patch is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Less than one out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always use the patch as directed, and about eight out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don't always use the patch as directed.

What are the advantages of using this method?

• The patch is easy to use, and there is not a daily medication to take.
• Many women experience a lighter period when using the patch.
• Because the patch contains the same hormones as birth control pills, many women will experience the same health benefits as taking birth control pills, such as protection against acne and premenstrual symptoms.

What are the disadvantages of using this method?

• The patch may become detached and fall off.
• It's not typically recommended for women who weigh more than 198 pounds.
• After patch use is stopped, it usually takes a few months for a woman's period to return to the cycle she had before using it.
• Your clinician will discuss medically-recognized benefits and risks.
• The patch does not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Birth Control Methods