Dear Ashley1987,

You have to visit a family planning clinic or your health care provider for a prescription for the Patch.

The Patch, also known as Ortho Evra, is a thin plastic patch placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three out of four weeks. It releases combined hormones that protect against pregnancy for one month.

Some clinics, like Planned Parenthood, provide confidential services to teens and don't require parental consent for birth control services.

Once a prescription is obtained from a clinician, patches may be purchased at a
clinic or drugstore.

To make an appointment for confidential birth control counseling at your nearest
Planned Parenthood, call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.