Since the six percent failure rate of oral contraceptives is mostly due to human error (missed or late pills), any method which guarantees you only have to think about it once a week, is a step up. In 2002, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. came up with the idea of a contraceptive patch. In less than three years, Ortho Evra® (simply known as “the Patch”) has become so popular, it is now the number one prescribed hormonal contraceptive in the US, and the preferred birth control method for women of all ages.

What Is It?

The Contraceptive Patch is a thin, square band-aid look-alike. It measures less than two inches all around, and it can applied to the upper arm, lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper torso (excluding the breasts). Simply peel and stick for the same dose of estrogen a birth-control pill would supply. The strong adhesive present in the patch makes it waterproof and almost impossible to lose (less than two percent of the patches would ever peel off). It can get through swimming, gym sessions, and even a sauna. It should be checked on a daily basis, nonetheless, and replaced immediately with a new one if the previous patch has fallen off.

How to Use It

As with the pill, you must start using it within 5 days of the first day of your period. Apply the patch and then change it once a week on the same day. You need to wear it for three weeks, and then take the fourth week off, in which your period will occur. To avoid skin rashes, apply the patch to a different spot every time you change it.

Side Effects

As with any other hormonal contraceptive method, some minor side effects are expected, but they should disappear as your body adjusts. Some common occurrences are: skin irritation on the spot where the Patch is applied, irregular bleeding or “spotting,” breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, fluid retention, minor abdominal pain. Women who suspect pregnancy should not wear the patch.

Cost

Prices vary from $25 to $40 a month, depending on brand. The Patch is available by prescription only.

Pros

Very convenient and easy to use.

Very effective. Over 99 percent if used correctly and in most cases (see cons).

Cons

Does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

It’s 99% effective for most women; 92% effective for women weighing over 198 pounds.

Not recommended for smokers.

Women with a history of blood clots, heart attack or stroke, should not use the   patch.

Not recommended for women who suffered from depression.

You cannot wear creams, oils, or lotions on the spot where the Patch will be applied or on the area around it.