Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra)

The birth control patch is a thin, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. It releases hormones into the body through the skin. . The hormones in the patch are the same as those in the birth control pills. The patch prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening a woman's cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg. A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a patch-free week. For most women, it is a safe, flexible and convenient option. The Patch is available by prescription from a healthcare provider.

*Like other forms of hormonal birth control, the patch does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).