Is the patch effective?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Is the patch effective?
4
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 12:18pm
Hi. I am 25 years old and have been a "patch" user for approx. 5 months. My question is, what period of time do I need to be on the patch before I can safely have sex without the use of a condom?

Of course I know there is a risk anyway without using one, and I am in a commited relationship - but -is there a safe time frame? Or should we always use a condom?

thanks for any info!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 4:32pm
The user instructions that come with the Patch recommend using back up for your very first week on it and after that, you`re good. To be on the safe side, many medical professionals recommend using condoms for a month (that way, if your period is off the first month, you don`t have to worry about being pregnant). After 5 months, you should be good to go without a condom, hon. (: As long as you use your patch properly (change it on time, replace it if it comes off, etc.) you`re protected.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 10-13-2004 - 4:38pm
Hi only1vonda, welcome!

The patch is effective after being worn correctly for 7 days so after that there is no need to use back-up unless you are on medicines or supplements that might reduce its effectiveness. This board recommends using back-up for the entire first cycle while you are learning to your pill/patch/ring correctly so there is less likelihood of an 'Am I pg?' freak-out if Aunt Flo is on a different schedule and has a different duration and/or consistency then when you are cycling naturally. You guys shouldn't need condoms if you aren't on meds. Thanks for posting.

Good Luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Thu, 10-14-2004 - 8:45am
Thank you all so much for your response. I really needed some positive reassurance!

Thanks again! La Vonda

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2003
Thu, 10-14-2004 - 3:48pm
I was on the patch for a 18 months after having my son. I loved it. I got my period on time every month. If you read the information that comes with your patch, it says you are fully protected after only 7 days wearing the patch. My husband and I never use condoms, and the patch was fully effective for us, which was important because I got pregnant while taking the pill. Every time I changed my patch I rubbed it on really hard and then went around the edges with my finger nail, to make sure it was on really well. Taking a little more time made my patch stay on every time without fail. It was wonderful. I just stopped taking it two months ago, as we would like another baby. And I haven't gotten pregnant yet. So I am sure you are probably as protected as it can get.