Norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol, both female sex hormones, are used together to create a combined hormonal contraceptive patch for women. The product is more widely known by the brand name Ortho Evra.

Together the two hormones are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, which is the same as using birth control pills (the majority of which are also combined hormonal contraceptives). Many women choose to buy norelgestromin/ethinylestradiol patches over birth control pills for the added convenience; patches are applied once a week, while pills must be remembered once per day.

Contraceptive Patches

Patches are very easy to use, and second only to subdermal implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs) as far as being low-maintenance. Vaginal rings, such as those offered by NuvaRing, are also more convenient than pills, being administered only once per month, but some women find rings uncomfortable, and are sometimes accidentally removed with tampon use or intercourse.

Most contraceptive patches are beige-colored squares, resembling a Band-Aid, which are typically applied to the waist, buttocks, upper thighs, upper arms, or back of the shoulders, where the medication is gradually released over time. Patches should never be applied to breasts, and damaged patches should be discarded as they may not release medication correctly.

Patches can be worn while showering, swimming, or otherwise engaging in regular activities; it is very unusual for a patch to fall off, and when they do it is usually a result of being exposed to excessive sweat or steam. If a patch does fall off, a new one can be applied in its place and treatment may continue as normal.

Effects, and side effects, from contraceptive patches are similar to those encountered with any combined hormonal contraceptive. While most women buy norelgestromin/ethinylestradiol patches primarily for birth control, some use the medication for other benefits--women who use combined hormonal contraceptives are less likely to develop:

• Acne
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Non-cancerous breast tumors
• Vaginal dryness
• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pre-menstrual symptoms

Like birth control pills, patches are typically used on a 28-day cycle. A Patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week, after which the 3-week cycle begins anew.

On Menstruation

Women using combined hormonal contraceptives often notice periods are more regular, lighter and shorter. This is because the bleeding that occurs is not true menstruation, but what is known as withdrawal bleeding.

When a woman is not using hormonal birth control, the lining of the uterus thickens each month (and undergoes other changes, called decidualization) in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. If no egg is implanted within each cycle, the thickened uterus walls are shed, producing menstruation.

Hormonal contraceptives keep the hormones responsible for monthly uterine changes at low, steady levels. The uterus does not thicken or otherwise undergo monthly changes for so long as combined hormonal contraceptives are being taken. When hormonal contraception is interrupted--as it usually is for one week each month--the uterus will attempt to shed its walls, but since they have not thickened, the resulting bleeding is short and light.

There is increasing evidence that there is no particular benefit in promoting monthly withdrawal bleeds. Thus an increasing number of women buy norelgestromin/ethinylestradiol patches to use continuously, avoiding monthly bleeding altogether. Women interested in using the product in this manner are advised to speak with a doctor before starting treatment.

Kiwi Drug--The Pharmacy at your Fingertips

Kiwi Drug clients have the opportunity to buy norelgestromin/ethinylestradiol patches at low prices unlikely to be found elsewhere. We guarantee patches--like all our products--are 100 percent authentic, produced by legitimate, authorized manufacturers.

Women who do not have a prescription to buy norelgestromin/ethinylestradiol patches may be issued one by our online doctor. There is no extra charge for our online doctor services and it takes only moments; you'll simply need to answer a few additional questions during checkout. Click on checkout to get started!