Are you looking for a birth control option that doesn’t require you to take a pill every day? Ortho Evra, the birth control patch, may be right for you.
The Ortho Evra birth control patch is a small skin patch that contains the same hormones as many popular birth control pills. Women choose it for the convenience of a patch they only have to change weekly versus a pill they must take daily.
How Does The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Work?
The Ortho Evra birth control patch contains two hormones – an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol and a progestin called norelgestromin. The birth control patch releases these hormones slowly and continuously over the course of 7 days. The hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.
The Ortho Evra birth control patch prevents pregnancy in three ways:
- It prevents the egg from being released from the ovary.
- It makes it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
- It changes the uterine lining, preventing the egg from attaching to the wall of the womb.
Advantages of Ortho Evra
Many women have switched to Ortho Evra from other methods of birth control. Some advantages of using the birth control patch are:
- No need to remember to take a birth control pill every day.
- The birth control patch does not inhibit sexual spontaneity.
- When used correctly, Ortho Evra is highly effective.
- The side effects of Ortho Evra are relatively minor.
- If desired, it can be discontinued at any time.
- The Ortho Evra birth control patch is comfortable, discreet, and easy to use.
- The patch stays in place during exercise and while showering.
In addition to birth control, Ortho Evra offers the following benefits:
- Ortho Evra regulates the menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.
- It reduces iron deficiency due to menstrual blood loss.
- It lowers the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- It reduces the incidence of benign ovarian and breast cysts.
- It reduces the risk of certain cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancers.
The Once-A-Week Contraceptive
One of the biggest advantages of using Ortho Evra is that you have to change the birth control patch just once a week. Studies suggest that women are more likely to use the birth control patch correctly compared to a birth control pill.
Women should replace the Ortho Evra patch on the same day each week for three weeks and then wait for a week during which a menstrual period occurs before applying another patch. The Ortho Evra patch can be applied to one of four areas: chest (front or back, excluding the breasts), upper outer arm, abdomen, or buttocks. Doctors suggest changing the Ortho Evra patch location every time in order to prevent skin irritation.
Effectiveness of Ortho Evra
The Ortho Evra birth control patch has been shown to be as effective as hormonal birth control pills. Three worldwide clinical trials of Ortho Evra showed an effectiveness rate of 99.7% among women who used the birth control patch correctly. Most unintended pregnancies occurred in women whose weight was over 198 pounds (90 kilos). The following factors may increase the risk of pregnancy:
- Weighing more than 198 pounds.
- Using certain medicines such as antibiotics, HIV medications, anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, antifungals, diabetes medication, and some herbal supplements.
- Forgetting to change the patch on schedule.
- If the patch falls off and is not replaced within 24 hours.
- If the patch is not kept sealed until it’s applied, or if the patch is trimmed or not stored properly.
Before Using Ortho Evra
The Ortho Evra birth control patch is a prescription medication. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your gynecologist before deciding to use Ortho Evra, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- You are older than 35.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- You have any drug allergies, especially to any ingredient contained in Ortho Evra.
- You are taking any prescription or over-the-counter-medication, including herbal preparations, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
- You have a history of irregular menstrual periods, endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or growths in the uterus.
- You have a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps in the breast, abnormal mammogram, or breast cancer.
- You have a history of stroke or blood clots; diabetes or high blood sugar; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels; high blood calcium or potassium levels; or heart problems.
- You suffer from migraines or severe or persistent headaches; mood swings or depression; or seizures.
- You have a history of adrenal, liver, gall bladder, or liver problems; yellowing of the eyes or skin; or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- You are overweight or you have swelling or thyroid problems.
- You are a regular smoker.
Considering your medical history, your doctor can help you decide if Ortho Evra would be an appropriate birth control method for you. If the answer is "yes," your doctor and/or a licensed pharmacist can tell you how to use the Ortho Evra birth control patch correctly. Also, be sure to read the patient information that comes with the birth control patch.
Disadvantages and Side Effects
The Ortho Evra birth control patch usually has only minor side effects in healthy young women who don’t use other medications. The following side effects may occur but are likely to disappear within two to three months of use:
- Mood changes
- Headaches
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain and breast tenderness
- Skin irritation at the site of the patch
Remember that your doctor will generally prescribe the Ortho Evra birth control patch only after judging that the potential benefit to you is greater than the risk or unpleasantness of side effects. Serious but rare side effects such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack may occur in Ortho Evra users who are older than 35 and who smoke.
Other disadvantages of using Ortho Evra may include:
- Ortho Evra users are exposed to 60% more estrogen than those who use other hormonal birth control methods, meaning users are at a greater risk for estrogen-related side effects.
- Like all hormonal birth control methods, Ortho Evra does not provide any protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Who Should Not Use the Patch
The Ortho Evra birth control patch is not recommended for:
- Women 35 and older who smoke cigarettes.
- Women who weigh more than 198 pounds.
- Women with a history of cardiovascular disease, blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes.
- Women with history of breast, uterine, or liver cancer.
- Women with a history of depression and headaches with neurological symptoms.
- Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
In short, Ortho Evra is a safe and effective birth control method for healthy young women who weigh less than 198 pounds and who do not smoke. The Ortho Evra birth control patch may be a good choice for women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day or who have difficulty swallowing pills.
If you decide that the Ortho Evra birth control patch may be right for you, talk to your doctor.
For more information about birth control in general, visit our online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.
