Patch

How it works:

You place a patch on your skin that you change every seven days. It works by releasing a combination of hormones that naturally occur in your body. The patch prevents pregnancy by stopping your body from releasing an egg. Because remembering to change the patch every week can be hard to do, the patch is only 91% effective at preventing pregnancy for most people.

Perks:

• Decreases period cramping

• Makes periods lighter

• Regular periods

• Can use continuously to not get a period

• Can stop the method on your own

• Can reduce acne

• Very good at preventing pregnancy

Drawbacks:

• Must remember to change patch every week

• Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Requires a prescription