Birth control pill patch

Start Free Visit. The birth control patch and the birth control pill are both excellent options for preventing unwanted or accidental pregnancy. Both forms of contraception are easy to use, convenient and as much as 99 percent effective when used perfectly.

Despite these similarities, there are also several key differences between the birth control patch and the pill. Designed for use every day, the pill is convenient, safe and very effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

Today, two different variations of the pill are available. The combined birth control pill uses a mix of estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent pregnancy. The combined hormonal birth control pill works by stopping ovulation. The progestin-only pill, however, stops ovulation only in about 40 percent of women who use it, but also works by thickening cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Used at the same time every day without any missed doses, the birth control pill has a success rate of 99 percent.

The birth control patch is a newer form of contraception that came to market that works similarly to the birth control pill. Like the combined birth control pill, the birth control patch uses a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent unwanted or accidental pregnancy. Unlike the pill, which delivers its hormones through the gastrointestinal tract, the patch delivers them into the bloodstream via the skin.

The hormones in the patch stop you from ovulating, thicken the cervical mucus and may also prevent fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterine lining. Like the pill, the patch is highly effective when used properly. If used perfectly, the patch is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Your cost for birth control may vary based on the type of birth control prescribed, the pharmacy you choose and your insurance coverage. Physical exams and pap smears, or cervical cancer screenings, are important, and should be scheduled based on your age and risk. The current recommended guidelines from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are every 3 or 5 years for most women.

But birth control can be prescribed at any time and is not dependent on a physical exam or test. Birth control online. A safe, easy way to get birth control today. With a quick online visit, our certified practitioners will send a prescription to your nearest pharmacy, in about an hour. Pills Take at the same time every day. Patch Apply to skin and replace weekly. Ring Insert a new ring once a month. Some research shows that the birth control patch may increase estrogen levels in the body compared with combination birth control pills that are taken by mouth.

This may mean there's a slightly higher risk of estrogen-related adverse events, such as blood clots, in patch users than in people who take combination birth control pills. You'll need to request a prescription for the birth control patch from your health care provider. Your health care provider will review your medical history and check your blood pressure. Talk to your health care provider about any medications you're taking, including nonprescription and herbal products. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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Sections for Birth control patch About. Overview Birth control patch Open pop-up dialog box Close. Birth control patch The birth control patch is a contraceptive device that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Birth control methods.