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What Is the Birth Control Patch?

The birth control patch is a thin, beige, 1¾-inch (4½-centimeter) square patch that sticks to the skin. It releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

How Does the Birth Control Patch Work?

The combination of the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the patch prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries during the monthly menstrual cycle). If an egg isn't released, pregnancy can't happen because there's nothing for the sperm to fertilize.