Hookup Tip #18: The Patch releases meds thru ur skin to prevent pregnancy, but not STDs. Always use a condom.

The contraceptive patch is a hormonal method of birth control. It is a small patch a woman can wear on her skin to keep her from getting pregnant. It sticks to the skin like a Band-Aid. The patch contains both estrogen and progestin. The hormones go slowly into the woman's body through her skin.

Each patch works for only 1 week. You wear one patch each week for three weeks. During the fourth week, you wear no patch at all. This is when you will get your period.

The patch works well to prevent pregnancy. But it does not protect against HIV and other STIs. If you have sex with anyone you think might give you a sexually transmitted infection, you should use a condom.

• More information about the patch
• Information about other hormonal methods
• Need birth control? Find a clinic near you