• A small, thin, square of flexible plastic worn on the body.
• Continuously releases 2 hormones—a progestin and an estrogen, like the natural hormones progesterone and estrogen in a woman’s body—directly through the skin into the bloodstream.
• A new patch is worn every week for 3 weeks, then no patch for the fourth week. During this fourth week the woman will have monthly bleeding.
• Also called Ortho Evra and Evra.
• Works primarily by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).

Effectiveness depends on the user: risk of pregnancy is greatest when a woman is late to change the patch.

The combined patch is new, and research on effectiveness is limited. Effectiveness rates in clinical trials of the patch suggest that it may be more effective than combined oral contraceptives, both as commonly used and with consistent and correct use (see Combined Oral Contraceptives, How Effective?).

Pregnancy rates may be slightly higher among women weighing 90 kg or more.

Return of fertility after patch use is stopped: No delay

Protection against sexually transmitted infections: none

Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks

Side Effects 

Some users report the following:

Skin irritation or rash where the patch is applied

Changes in monthly bleeding:

– Lighter bleeding and fewer

days of bleeding

– Irregular bleeding

– Prolonged bleeding

– No monthly bleeding

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breast tenderness and pain
• Abdominal pain
• Flu symptoms/upper respiratory infection
• Irritation, redness, or inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)

Medical eligibility criteria, guidelines for when to start, and helping continuing users are the same for the combined patch as for combined oral contraceptives.