question

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2004
question
4
Thu, 09-16-2004 - 6:36pm
i sorta started the patch when i wasnt on my period. will it work still?

it said to wait 7 days before unprotected sex, but i didn't, i waited about 5 and then 2 days later again... i kept the patch on though, took it off only to change it on my "change day." my question is will i be protected? there's all sorts of instructions that I read but didnt heed (i'm not stupid or a dumb teen i'm just i don't know maybe subconciously i want a baby??) help, i'm going loony.

Avatar for lucy4980
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: tek_buddygirl
Thu, 09-16-2004 - 8:06pm
If you didn't follow the instructions and had unprotected sex, then there is a possibility you could be pregnant.

If you want to have a baby, then you need to decide if this is a good time in your life to have one - both you and your partner need to be financially, emotionally, and mentally ready for parenthood. If this is not a good time to have a baby, then be faithful to your birth control.

When and if you decide to have a baby, plan it. Please don't just screw up your birth control and have an accidental pregnancy. Doctors recommend women be off birth control for at least a few months before conceiving. It's much more healthy for you and the baby that way.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2004
In reply to: tek_buddygirl
Thu, 09-16-2004 - 8:36pm
Thanks... Just as a clarification, I didn't exactly go into all the details as to why I didn't start it as it said to on the box, but there IS a legit reason that I explained to the dr., and she said it might be okay, but that I should wait at least a week for it to be effective (that last part I didn't do - by choice I think).

Anyway, i'm not "messing" with it, just wondered if it still works if I didn't start on the period, or on the sunday after as it says on the box. The dr. said that it might be okay... wondered if anyone had done something similar since I've searched online and haven't found anything similiar to my situation.

As to wanting another baby, I would swear up and down I don't. Honestly but then I wonder sometimes. Emotionally I think I am ready, but as far as "us" as a couple ready and all the other ready's you need to be, we are not so that's really why I started the patch. But I find myself longing sometimes... However, until the "right time" I have and will keep it on and just hope I'm lucky. (problem is determining what I really consider lucky).

Okay enough with my babbling. Thanks for your response! Hugs.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: tek_buddygirl
Thu, 09-16-2004 - 9:17pm
Hi tek_buddygirl, welcome!

>> there IS a legit reason that I explained to the dr., and she said it might be okay, but that I should wait at least a week for it to be effective (that last part I didn't do - by choice I think).

It might be ok, or, it might not. That behavior is called risk taking or "user error" and is the largest single reason for unintended pregnancies while using hormonal contraceptives. We try on this board to emphasize the importance of using your contraceptive method correctly. Using it any other way will reduce its effectiveness. The only person who can look out for your sexual health is you. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2004
In reply to: tek_buddygirl
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 9:44am
About your not starting the patch on your period - you should be fine for that. The big effect of that is that your periods may not be regular as quickly. So you will probly have more breakthrough bleeding that you would have had otherwise. Or at least, that's how I understand it...

You are at risk for pregnancy from the 5 days in sex tho. You can test about 2 weeks after that time and should be able to tell by then. If a home test comes up positive, don't take the patch off until you see a doctor and get it confirmed.

Good luck and I hope it works out.

Susan