Dear lilyogi_06,

A girl can become pregnant as soon as she goes off the patch. This is also true for the pill and ring — the ability to become pregnant returns as soon as a girl stops using these methods of birth control.

The patch, also known by the brand name 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.

Used correctly and consistently, the patch — like the pill and the ring — is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy. Remember — the patch, pill, and ring offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections — only latex and female condoms reduce the risk of infection.

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.