Translation: Each year, less than one woman in 100 will experience an unintended pregnancy when using the patch perfectly. The patch (which used to be sold under the name Ortho Evra and is now only available in the United States [under the name Xulane, the Mayo Clinic notes) is a thin, plastic square thats about 1.5 inches across. Dont use lotions, creams, oils, powders, or makeup at the patch site. If youd rather use a more discreet method of birth control, this may not be for you. While you dont have to remove it to swim or shower because its intended to be waterproof, it can still fall off, Dr. Ruiz says. There are many different types. This past fall (spring in the Southern Hemisphere) Zo released her first . 1, 3 or 6 pack bundles. It can take some time to get used to inserting the sponge. This may cause the patch to fail to stick properly or become loose. No. Do not put the patch on breasts, on cut or irritated skin, or where you had the previous patch . When you take your old patch off, fold it in half so it sticks together, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it in the trash. Pros: IUDs work for between 3 and 7 years, depending on the brand. You should stop using your XULANE patch at least 4 weeks before and through at least 2 weeks after surgery. Each pack has 3 weekly patches in it, so youll use 3 patches per month. Effectiveness: 91 percent. Xulane (prescribing information). Birth Control Myths and Facts | Kaiser Permanente Boy Scouts 1953-1972 Cobra 05-g Red Medallion Patrol Patch Rd Red Twill If you use it perfectly, the patch is 99% effective. The annoying thing at first was minor headaches and some wrinkles on my patch but both went away. The birth control patch. . Birth Control 101: How It Is Affecting Your Skin - Sunday Edit If you start using the patch during the first 5 days of your period, it will start working right away and you wont need backup birth control. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. These methods could be used more consistently than pills because they do not require a daily dose. skin. It contains two female hormones, an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol, and a progestin called norelgestromin.