Dear Colbyschic ,

The Ortho Evra patch protects against pregnancy for four weeks — including the one week a woman is "off" the patch. It's similar to the birth control pill in that sense — when a woman is on the 28-day version of the pill, she takes active pills (pills that contain hormones) for three weeks, and then a fourth week of reminder pills.

Used correctly, the patch is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy. However, it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Partners can use female or latex condoms to reduce the risk of infection.

The patch works best when it is changed on the same day of the week for three weeks in a row. If the patch becomes loose or falls off for more than 24 hours, or if the same patch is left on the skin for more than one week, pregnancy can occur. If this happens, she should follow the directions in the package insert and speak with her clinician.

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.