What is it?
A very thin, beige, smooth patch that is worn on your buttocks, upper arm, abdomen or back that continuously transfers estrogen and progestin into your bloodstream. A new patch is worn each week for 3 weeks and then the fourth week is patch–free.
How it prevents pregnancy?
Ortho Evra ® works like other combined hormonal methods. It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation – stops the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical mucous to prevent sperm from joining the egg.
How do you use Ortho Evra ® ?
http://www.orthoevra.com/ortho-evra/ortho-evra-patch.html
Effectiveness
The theoretical effectiveness rate is 99%, based on studies that have been done to determine how effective a method itself can be, apart from user behaviors. The actual effectiveness rate of 92% reflects what happens to the pregnancy rate in a group of people who do not use this method correctly some of the time and who do not use this method every time they have intercourse.
Advantages of Ortho Evra ®
- Nothing to do right before having intercourse
- More regular, shorter periods
- Less: menstrual flow and cramping, acne, iron deficiency anemia, excess body hair, premenstrual symptoms, as well as related headaches and depression
- Protections against ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, noncancerous growths of the breast, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis
- Fewer occurrences of ectopic pregnancy
- Less abdominal side–effects compared to the pill
- Ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use is stopped
- Protects against pregnancy for one month
- No pill to take daily
Possible Disadvantages to Ortho Evra ®
- Rare but serious health risks, including blood clots, heart attack and stroke – women who are over 35 and smoke are at a greater risk
- Other side effects include temporary irregular bleeding, weight gain/loss, breast tenderness, nausea – rarely, vomiting, changes in mood and other discomforts
- Skin reaction at the site of application
- Menstrual cramps
- For wearers of contact lens, a change in vision or the inability to wear the lenses
- May not be as effective for women who weigh more than 198 pounds
- Does not protect against STDs; for STD protection use a condom (male or female)
Sources