HEALTH SERVICES

The Patch (Ortho Evra®)

What is it?
That patch is a thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. A new patch is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three weeks in a row. The patch releases hormones that work by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). They also thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg. The hormones also thin the lining of the uterus.

How effective is it?
92-99%

Upside

• A weekly form of birth control

• Shorter, more regular periods

• Lower flow and less cramping during periods

• Helps prevent acne

• Reduces the risk of ovarian cysts and cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and osteoporosis

Downside

• Can cause temporary irregular bleeding, and nausea

• Does not offer any protection against STIs

• May irritate skin

Possible complications
Serious problems do not occur very often. In general, using the patch is much safer than pregnancy and childbirth. Combined-hormone contraception users have a slightly greater chance of certain major disorders than nonusers. The risk is increased by being age 35 or older, smoking, and by having conditions associated with heart attack, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, and certain inherited conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting.

The most serious complication of combination pill use is having a blood clot in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. It is important to tell your surgeon that you are using the patch when planning a major operation. Follow your clinician's advice about when you use the patch again.

Serious problems usually have warning signs.
Report any of these signs to your clinician as soon as possible.

• Eye problems such as blurred or double vision
• Pain in the abdomen, chest, or arm
• Severe headaches
• Sudden shortness of breath or spitting up blood
• Unusual swelling or pain in the leg
• Worsening depression
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• A new lump in your breast
• Unusual heavy bleeding from your vagina
• No period after having a period every month