The birth control patch is a topicalcombined hormonal contraceptive methodthat contains synthetic forms of the hormones progesterone andestrogen.
Hormonal contraceptives work by preventing ovulation and reducing the chance of pregnancy.
How Does the Birth Control Patch Work?
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
Regardless of their brand or generic name, all birth control patches work the same way.
How Quickly Does It Work?
Each birth control patch lasts for one week.
After a week, youll remove the patch and apply a new one to your skin.
After three weeks, youll take a week off and get yourperiod.
Youll repeat this process for as long as you prefer using the patch as your contraceptive method.
Keep in mind that birth control patches may not work immediately to prevent pregnancy.
The patch picks up where the other hormonal contraception left off, with no backup method necessary.
Then, you should use a backup method for the first week until the patch becomes fully effective.
This timeline differs if youre starting the patch following amiscarriageor abortion.
If more than five days pass, you should use a backup method until your next period.
Other factors may affect how long it takes for the patch to work effectively.
If youre not sure, use a backup method or check with a healthcare provider.
How Effective Is It?
With perfect use, theexpected failure rateof the birth control patch is less than 1%.
However, mistakes happen.
Patches may fall off, or people forget to change them on time.
Twirla, which currently has no generic version, contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.
However, some healthcare providers prescribe medications off label for other reasons.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such as bodycomposition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
You should only wear one patch at a time and remove it after seven days.
Applying a birth control patch is similar to applying an adhesive bandage.
When changing patches, place the new patch on a different spot.
When applying the patch:
Side Effects
Side effects may occur while using a birth control patch.
Safely Using a Birth Control Patch
Birth control patches may not be safe for everyone.
Brand-name and generic options are available by prescription, including Xulane, Zafemy, and Twirla.
The original brand, Otho Evra, has been discontinued.
Like other hormonal birth control methods, studies reflect that birth control patches provide asafe and effectivemethod of contraception.
Birth control patches contain two hormones: a progestin and an estrogen.
After applying a patch, the body absorbs these hormones through the skin steadily over a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store birth control patches at room temperature.
Typically, each patch comes in an individually-wrapped pouch.
Keep the patch in the unopened pouch until ready to use.
Smoking while using any jot down of hormonal contraception increases the risk of blood clots.
This risk is highest in women aged 35 years and older who smoke.
In this case, you likely need additional protection to prevent pregnancy.
Put on a new patch as soon as you remember, then restart a new four-week cycle.
Use a backup contraceptive method for at least seven days after placing the new patch.
Food and Drug Administration.Ortho Evra label.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception and birth control methods.
Food and Drug Administration.Orange book: approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.
DailyMed.Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit label.
Food and Drug Administration.Twirla (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) package label.
Britton LE, Alspaugh A, Greene MZ, et al.An evidence-based update on contraception.Am J Nurs.
