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Hello!
I am confused about whether or not my contraceptive patch is working and I'm fully protected from pregnancy. Three weeks ago when I was on the second week of using the patch it came off first a little then more and more due to rubbing against clothes. When I noticed that it was hardly on me anymore, I took it off and put a new one on, therefore starting a new cycle, which is needed if the patch has been off for more than 48 hours. Just FIY - the patch was never fully off, just partially detached. My doctor said it was fine, because I still had hormones going into my bloodstream, but I've read on the internet that even if it's party detached it means it's not working sufficiently.
Anyway, after I started the third week of the patch a day earlier than my usual change day I was unable to obtain my next set of patches until I was on the eight day. The doctor told me to change it right away and said that it was fine, because it had only been twenty four hours. However, on the same day I started bleeding. I thought that the withdrawal bleed would stop, but it didn't even though I had the patch on. By the end of the week, on Thursday I decided to take off the patch, because the bleed was heavy. I was off for four days, then the bleed stopped.
I started a new cycle on Monday. Even though, it seems like everything should be fine, because I had it one for three weeks, then off for one, I still decided to wait for seven days to be safe. However, I had sex on the sixth day, and I am worried. I have to say that he did not come inside me, so that limits the risk of pregnancy, but I know that it's best to eliminate all fluid contact with the vagina.
I know that with all of that combined, my chances of getting pregnant aren't high, but I'm just confused, as I don't know if there were any real disruptions to hormones in my body. Also, since I've put the patch back on this week my breasts are no longer tender, as they used to be before. Does it mean it's still working, even though I don't get the tenderness that I did when I first started?
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Add a Comment2 Comments
Hi Helena,
Thank you for your advice; I'll make sure to follow the instructions exactly as given to me by my doctor. The reason I took it off was because I was confused about my cycle, as according to my initial cycle I was on my patch free week. Additionally, I saw a YouTube video that advised to take a three day break from hormonal contraception on extended use if you start bleeding, which was what I did, as the bleeding was quite heavy.
Anyway, I'll make sure to use it correctly as prescribed and take the pregnancy test just in case, although I don't think the possibility of pregnancy is significant.
September 18, 2017 - 5:49amThis Comment
Hello. Thank you for posting.
Once the patch is on, you should really refrain from taking it off. I don't think the disruption causes a high risk, you can ask your doctor about this, but once on, it should be left on as prescribed. You didn't need to remove it because of the withdrawal bleed for example. Unless you were advised to by your doctor. In any case, if you are worried about pregnancy, take a pregnancy test for peace of mind.
Helena
September 17, 2017 - 11:57amThis Comment