- Birth control falls into three broad categories. Behavioral methods such as abstinence rely on the user's behavior to prevent pregnancy. Barrier methods prevent sperm from getting to an ova (egg); if no egg is fertilized, pregnancy does not occur. Hormonal methods work in one or more of three ways: preventing an egg from being release, thickening cervical mucus so sperm can not get to the egg to fertilize it, or changing the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg will not implant. If a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterine wall, pregnancy does not occur.
- The birth control patch is a hormonal method of birth control. It is a small patch that sticks to the skin and releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into the body, preventing ovulation (the release of an egg) and thickening cervical mucus, thereby preventing pregnancy. It is possible that the hormones also change the uterine lining, but this has not been proven.
- There is currently only one brand of birth control patch available in the United States. The brand name is Ortho Evra. Ortho Evra is worn for a full week. At the end of the week, a new patch is applied. After three consecutive weeks of wearing the patch, the fourth week does not require a patch.
- Birth control effectiveness can depend on many things. If you use the patch exactly as prescribed, it is more than 99-percent effective in preventing pregnancy. With typical use, it is 92-percent effective.
- Some things can make your birth control less effective, like your weight, taking antibiotics and forgetting to put a new patch on after seven days. Make sure to talk to your doctor about any problems or concerns you may be having.
