Birth control patch: Basic Info
The patch is a birth control method that sticks to your skin like a small Band-Aid or a patch you would use to help you stop smoking. It contains two different kinds of hormones, estrogen and progestin, that work together to prevent pregnancy. These hormones are absorbed through your skin. The main way they prevent pregnancy is by stopping ovulation from happening, which means that your ovaries don't release an egg.
All of the patch options are a little less than two inches across. Two are square and one is round, and all of them are only one color—beige. There are three names the patch is sold under: Xulane, Zafemy, and Twirla. Twirla has a lower dose of hormones than Zafemy and Xulane, but it's still really effective at preventing pregnancy.
Quick Facts
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
- Effectiveness
The patch is very effective the way most people use it.
Perfect Use: Over 99% effective.
Typical Use: 93% effective.
- Hormones
The patch contains two kinds of hormones, estrogen and progestin.
- Side effects
Nausea, irregular bleeding, headaches, and sore breasts are the most common side effects, but they’re usually temporary.
- Cost
Could be as low as $0 a month (with insurance) or as high as $44 a month.
- STI protection
The patch doesn’t protect against STIs.
- Ongoing effort
You have to change your patch once a week.
