Dear LaBlueEyez,

You must wear Ortho Evra (the patch) as directed for it to work. If it's uncomfortable, you may be wearing it in the wrong place. If you can't wear it continuously for three consecutive weeks out of four, it won't protect you. If that's the case, you should consider another form of birth control.

Ortho Evra is a thin, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. When used correctly, it's up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy. It should be placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso. If you put it on other body parts, it's more likely to fall off. It should not be worn on the breasts because they are sensitive to estrogen. It should not be worn on skin that is red, irritated, or cut. Also, to ensure that it's effective, it's best to avoid wearing it on areas of your skin where makeup, lotions, creams, powders, or other products may be applied.

The patch must be worn continuously for three out of four weeks in order for it to be effective. It may not be effective if it becomes loose or falls off for more than 24 hours, or if the same patch is used for more than one week. If that happens, follow the directions on the package insert and call your clinician. It may be necessary to use a backup method of birth control, like latex or female condoms.

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.