started patch incorrectly - need answers

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2003
started patch incorrectly - need answers
2
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 7:16pm
Hi, I posted a message on the "ask the health librarian" boards, but didn't get any answers. Hopefully someone can help.

I just started the patch 6 days ago (on a Tuesday). I didn't start on the first day of my period because my periods have been so irregular the past few months (two a month). So, I didn't really know when a period ended, and when one began. So, I don't know when the patch begins it's effectiveness. I started on a Tuesday (not a Sunday or the first day of my period) and have had sex twice this past week. Do you think I was protected at all?

I'm coming off the IUD that I had for 5 years (the one with no hormones) - so I don't know if the patch has "kicked in" yet or not. What does anyone think? And I'm not quite sure when I should take a preg. test either because according to lots of people who start the patch, their first period (4th week) doesn't come anyway because their bodies are adjusting to the hormones. So, I'm pretty much expecting to miss my period but would like to take a test now, or as soon as I'd be able to - just don't know when. I just don't want to be pregnant and still be using this patch at the same time, you know?

Any info would help. Thanks.

Heidi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 7:38pm

Hi Heidi,


To be safe, I'd use a backup or abstain until you start the 2nd month of patches - just to be on the safe side given how irregular your cycles have been.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Tue, 04-27-2004 - 4:08pm
just for the record, if you're really nervous it takes about 10 days after conception for a standard urine pregnancy test to work. just remember to test your first morning's flow; the concentration of the hormone being tested will be at its highest.