Doctors and researchers studied over 3000 women and found that the patch was 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The Hormone Patch - (Ortho-Evra)
Female hormonal methods are very effective in preventing pregnancy.
Out of 100 Women Using this Method
Typical Use: Less than 1 Woman Becomes Pregnant
Perfect Use: Less than 1 Woman Becomes Pregnant
The patch looks like a square Band-Aid and is worn on the skin. It contains hormone medicine similar to birth control pills but the dose absorbed through the skin is 60% higher than the birth control pills with 35ug of estrogen. This may increase the risks of side-effects such as blood clots and makes it particularly important that patch users not smoke. When used correctly, the patch is as effective as birth control pills in preventing pregnancy. Like birth control pills, your health care provider may also prescribe the patch for irregular periods, menstrual cramps, or endometriosis. This guide was created to answer the most common questions that teen girls have about the patch.
What is the patch?
The patch is a thin square Band-Aid (less than 2 inches x 2 inches) that has hormone medicine in it. It is worn everyday and sticks to your skin. You change it only once a week.
How does the patch work?
There are two different hormones called estrogen and progestin in the patch. When you place the patch on your skin, the hormones are absorbed through your skin and enter your bloodstream to your pituitary gland. The hormones suppress your pituitary gland which stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. Without these eggs, pregnancy can't happen. The patch also changes the lining of your uterus and the mucus in your cervix. By changing your cervical mucus, the hormones make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Is the patch as effective as the Pill in preventing pregnancy?
Yes, when used correctly. Doctors and researchers studied over 3000 women and found that the patch was 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Where on my body do I wear the patch?
The patch can be worn on the skin of your abdomen (stomach), buttocks, upper back or the outside part of your upper arm. Wherever you decide to put it, you must leave it there for 7 days.
You should change the location of the patch each week.
How do I put on my patch?
You can apply the patch like you would a Band-Aid. You must apply a new patch each week. Be sure that the spot where you have decided to wear your patch is clean and dry. Lotions on this area will cause the patch not to stick.
With clean dry hands, open the foil package and remove the patch.
Remove the clear plastic that covers the patch.
While holding the nonstick side, firmly press the patch on your skin (abdomen/stomach, buttocks, upper back, or the outside part of your upper arm) for about 10 seconds.
Check the edges of the patch to be sure that it is stuck firmly to your skin.
When should I start wearing my patch?
This depends on what your doctor recommends for you. The patch is usually started on the 1st day of your menstrual cycle or the 1st Sunday after your period (the same way you would start the pill). Your doctor may tell you to start the day you are seen in clinic.
How often do I change my patch?
Cyclic Use (3 weeks on, 1 week off)
You will need to change your patch once a week. For example, if you start the patch on day 1 of your cycle, the next time you will change it is on cycle day 8 (week 2), then on cycle day 15 (week 3). On the 22nd day of your cycle (week 4) you remove the patch, and you do not wear a patch on week 4. Your period should start during this week.
Continuous Use
If you are using the patch continuously, this means that you will always be wearing a patch. You will need to change your patch once a week. Instead of going without a patch on the 4th week of your menstrual cycle, you will apply a new patch. You will probably not have a period.
Remember: You simply change the patch on the same day of the week. For example, if you start Sunday, then you change the patch every Sunday. If you start on Monday, then you change the patch every Monday and so on.
How do I take off my patch?
When you're ready to change your patch or take it off, lift a corner of the square and gently pull it back until it comes away from your skin.
Next, fold the patch in half, so the sticky part is folded on itself, then throw it away. (The reason for doing this is because there may be a little medicine still left on the patch).
If there is any sticky adhesive left on your skin, you can remove it with a little bit of baby oil on a cotton ball.
Be sure to put your new patch on a different skin area that is clean and dry. Lotions, oils, cream, tanning products and makeup on the spot where you place your patch will prevent the patch from sticking.
Now that I've been using my patch... What if I'm more that 1 day late applying the patch on week 1?
If you forgot to restart your patch on time after your week off, apply it as soon as you remember. You MUST use another method of birth control such as condoms for at least 1 week. The first day that you apply your patch is considered Day 1 of your new patch cycle.
What if I forget to change my patch on week 2 or 3?
You can take the used patch off and apply a new patch right away if you are only 1-2 days late changing your patch. The next patch should be applied on your regular Patch Change Day. Using a backup birth control method for 7 days such as condoms is recommended.
What if my patch falls off?
If you have noticed that your patch is off or almost off for less than 24 hours, try to put it back on or replace it with a new one. In research studies, less than 2% of patches came off and less than 3% of patches loosened.
If you don't know how long your patch has been off or you know that it's been more than 24 hours, you will need to apply a new patch as soon as possible to prevent pregnancy. You must start a new 4-week cycle with a new Patch Change Day. It's very important to use another method of contraception for at least the next week to prevent pregnancy.
What if my hormone patch loosens?
If your patch loosens, press down firmly along the edges of the patch with your finger for about 10 seconds. If your patch still doesn't stick, remove and apply a new patch.
Can I still shower, take baths, exercise and swim?
Yes. Showering, bathing, exercise, swimming, or even sweating should not loosen your hormone patch. If for some reason your patch does loosen or fall off, follow the steps above.
Will I get a menstrual period every month?
If you are using the patch for 3 weeks with 1 week off, you should expect your period sometime during the 4th week of your patch cycle. This is the "patch free" week. If you are using the patch continuously you will most likely not have a period since you will not have a "patch free" week.
What if I forget to take my patch off on the 4th week?
Take your patch off as soon as you remember. Apply a new patch on your regular Patch Change Day.
Are there any side effects with the patch?
Some women and young women have reported side effects such as spotting or irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, cramps, and/or skin irritation where the patch is worn. Not every teen can take hormonal medicine especially if you are at serious risk for blood clots. Because the patch gives you 60% more estrogen than the birth control pill, you may be more likely to get blood clots. The patch contains the same medicine in birth control pills, the hormones estrogen and progestin, so it may not be safe for you if you have a history of certain medical problems such as blood clots, high blood pressure, or serious migraine headaches. If you smoke, you should definitely quit to lower your risk of problems. A doctor or nurse practitioner must prescribe the patch. Routine check-ups and measurement of your blood pressure are important
check out the link below for more info and by the way the patch can change her personality