Skipping a week on the patch

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2003
Skipping a week on the patch
2
Sun, 10-31-2004 - 10:13am
Hi. I'm on Ortho Evra (the patch) and I'm supposed to get my period, or take my week off right around thanksgiving which is when I'm going to see my long distance boyfriend for the first time in months. So, I was wondering how safe is it to just put another patch on for that week and then just take the week off the following week in order to delay my period.

Thanks

AniSue
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Sun, 10-31-2004 - 10:38am
I've never been on the patch however if it is like the pill you can put another patch on then after 3 weeks dont wear one for the week and get your period. Because with the pill you can "skip a period" by just starting another pill pack insead of taking the ineffective pills for the week you should be having your period. My Dr said it was OK to do that every once-in-awhile. But I would call your Dr just to make sure.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 10-31-2004 - 1:31pm
Hi anisue31, welcome!

Skipping or delaying your period doesn't work for every one but on the patch you should have a really good chance of it working for you. You can try extending your cycle by one week (one patch) or try skipping the entire period and use 6 patches consecutively. If you decide to extend by only one patch I would recommend you use the other two in the cycle as spares or get a third patch and have a normal three patch cycle. I say that because the pill, patch and ring were tested and approved for effectiveness when used in a 21/7 regimen. Using only 2 patches (in a 14/7 regimen) is not using it as intended and may not be as effective as if used correctly. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill