posted
I want to begin using the ortho evra patch without having had any previous experience with birth controls except for condoms. Anyhow, I've been getting myself familarized with the instructions on using the patch and it only tells you how to START using it DURING your period, and never how to start the patch when you're not on your period. Is it okay to start using the patch when you're period has passed for about a week? It says to wait a month after use before it becomes effective. On some websites it says wait 2 weeks. Realistically, which is true? Thanks for your comments and advice.
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I'm not fully clear on what you're asking, but you should be using the patch on a 3 weeks on, one off cycle. So, after your third patch, go without for seven days for withdrawal bleed to occur. At the end of those seven days, start a three week cycle again.
One full cycle of full weeks is the soonest I'd advise going without backup birth control. However, continuing to use condoms as backup is smart anyhow, especially if you and your partners have not both been monogamously practicing safer sex for at least six months AND each had at least two full STI screens with negative results.
Posts: 63417 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
connie...just like with other hormonal contraceptive methods you have to start the sunday after your period starts so that 1) it will be effective and 2) it wont mess with your cycle too much
Posts: 147 | From: NJ | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Thanks for your replies. I understand now that it's better to start using the patch during your period, but is it impossible to start a week after your period ends--even if it throws off your cycle? Will this make it take longer to become effective?
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
hey. i just want to say that like any other time you want to take hormonal birth control in any way other than as directed (eg skipping periods), you need to talk to your doctor first. in this case, it sounds like a bad idea to me, and you might as well just wait 2 weeks until you get your period. but if you do decide its what you want to do, talk to your doctor.
em
Posts: 786 | From: Washington, DC | Registered: Dec 2000
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posted
I'm on ortho evra and the woman at planned parenthoos said that I could start taking it that day (it was a monday and i had been off my period for a week) because I have a 28 day cycle normally so the extra week was fine... at least thats what i assume was the reason. i mean you should talk to your doctor or whoever you go to but they should be able to figure something out. Posts: 273 | Registered: Jun 2002
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