Pill, patch, ring, shot? Lots of terms, but one basic concept: this category of BC uses hormones to trick a woman’s body into not getting pregnant. How? By making sure that no egg is released from the ovary or that the cervix prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. Hormonal methods are great for preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Click a question to compare methods. Or, read up on a specific method by clicking the boxes below.
The patch is worn on the skin, similar to a band aid. It has two different hormones in it. Each patch works for one week, then is changed for a new patch. During the fourth week you don’t wear a patch and your period comes.
People who may have trouble taking a pill every day but can remember to change a patch once a week; people who don’t mind wearing a visible patch on their body.
The patch is worn on the skin like a band aid and releases hormones through the skin. A new patch is worn each week for 3 weeks. During the fourth week no patch is worn and you will get your period. The patch will not fall off during showering or swimming or even with exercise.
You can get a prescription for the patch at a clinic near you.
The patch is 92-99% effective.
NO. For STD protection use condoms with this method.
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