Known as Othro Evra, aka "the patch" the birth control patch is a thin, beige, smooth patch that looks a lot like an oversized Band-Aid. It releases hormones similar to those found in birth control pills (estrogen and progesterone), through the skin to stop a female from releasing eggs (or ovulating).

You place the patch on your upper shoulder, buttocks, abdomen, or upper arm and you leave it there for one week. After one week, you take off the old one and apply a new patch and do so again for the third week. After three patches, you remove it, have your period, and then put a new patch on seven days later. Basically, you wear a patch for three out of 4 weeks each month.

When used perfectly, the patch is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. The patch offers NO protection against sexually transmitted diseases, so a condom must also be used during intercourse.

Like the Pill, there can be side effects. Most girls will have lighter, more regular periods and no or less cramps. Others will experience some skin irritation where the patch is applied. They might also experience nausea, breast tenderness, or headaches. And it might not be effective for girls who weigh more than 198 pounds.

The patch is ideal for women who want regular periods, have heavy or long periods, have bad cramps, or who will find it easier to remember to change patches every week than take a pill every day.

You need a prescription for the patch, just like you do for other hormonal methods. The cost varies depending on where you go for a prescription. Usually, you'll pay less if you go to a family planning clinic, like Planned Parenthood (about $30-$35 per month), versus a private doctor's office. But it really depends on whether or not you have health insurance.

For more information, click on "the patch."