What is the effectiveness rate of the birth control patch?

The birth control patch has an effectiveness rate of approximately 99% when used correctly and consistently. This means that if 100 women use the birth control patch for one year, about 1 woman would become pregnant. The patch works by releasing hormones into the bloodstream to prevent ovulation, and its high effectiveness comes from the fact that it is a hormonal method that eliminates user error associated with other forms of contraception, such as barrier methods.

For the highest level of effectiveness, it's crucial to follow the usage instructions precisely. This includes applying a new patch weekly for three weeks and having a patch-free week in the fourth week. If used properly, the patch can provide reliable pregnancy prevention, which is why its effectiveness rate is cited as near 99%. Other answers reflect lower rates that do not accurately capture the patch’s potential to prevent pregnancy when used as directed.