Emerging Issues in Reproductive Technologies - Can a sticker prevent pregnancy?
Your beau unexpectedly plucked you out of your office last night and took you on a wild adventure through the city, head spinning and your mind blissed out. As your head hits the pillow (after some hot sex, of course), you think 'EEK- did I take my Pill today? It's sitting by my bedside at home. There's no way I'm getting in a taxi now. Tomorrow I'll take two!' All you well informed CAKE.Girls know that a twofer not only reeks havoc on your sensual bod, but also decreases the efficacy of this contraceptive option.

Well, perhaps there will be a new, Pill-less hormonal option on the market within the year. Currently awaiting U.S. government approval is the world's first Contraceptive Patch. Manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc., this matchbook-size adhesive hormone Patch is as safe and effective as the Pill. The Patch prevents ovulation by delivering continuous low levels of estrogen and progestin to the body. To add to the yumminess of your night - the Patch can be worn on your ASS or abdomen. No joke! But don't bite it off just before intercourse, it doesn't work that way. The patches must be prescribed by a doc and replaced each week. Cost is yet to be determined. Side effects are reported to be similar to that of the Pill. The upshot is that the Patch is easier for women to use, as it diminishes the hassle of ingesting a Pill each and every day.

With all this talk about the Bush administration's budgetary plans to up the dose of abstinence only (until marriage) education for kids nationwide, it seems ironic that this hormone-pumping patch is the talk of the town. CAKE's on top of it, so check back for updates about the Contraceptive Patch.

Jessica Zucker, MPH - Contributor

Sources: JAMA, NARAL, National Women's Law Center