What if you take the birth control patch off early?

Answer 1

First, what type of bleeding are you experiencing? Is it like a very light period - this may just be spotting, OR is it very heavy and bright red (could be a hemorrhage or miscarriage)? If it is the latter, definitely call the doctor and if you are losing a lot of blood, go to the emergency room! If it is light - like a light period or even a regular period, it is probably less serious. In this case call the doctor and discuss what is going on. Based on what you tell them, they will let you know if they think it is something that needs to be seen to right away or if it can wait. Possible reasons: How long have you been using the patch? It is not uncommon for a woman to experience spotting during the first 6 months or so of use. If you are on "Ortho Evra Lo," you may be experiencing breakthrough bleeding - this is common in estrogen sensitive women, and these women may require a Birth Control with a higher dose of estrogen (greater than 20 mcg). At any time, did the patch fall off? If so, was there a long time before putting on a new one or was there a long period of time between when you changed patches each week? Stopping the estrogen for a long (i.e. a day) period of time can cause you to get your period. It also increases your chances of pregnancy and the bleeding could indicate miscarriage. The patch may also be less reliable for women >198 lbs (not saying this is you!) and could also result in a pregnancy. Finally, there are other medical reasons for vaginal bleeding. Talking/seeing your doctor will help rule this out (or in!). Hope this was helpful..

Answer 2

Continue taking your pills until you reach your non-hormone week. Do not stop taking them if your period started early! Start taking the next month on time. You probably started break through bleeding. If you are new to the pill, this should stop after a few months once your body adjusts.

Answer 3

If you miss a week of the birth control patch, apply a new patch as soon as you remember. Use a backup method until you've used the patch correctly for seven days. Consider using emergency contraception if you've had unprotected sex in the last five days.

Answer 4

If you put on the birth control patch a week late, you may be at risk of pregnancy. Use a backup method until you've used the patch correctly for seven days. Consider emergency contraception if you've had sex in the last seven days.

Answer 5

Your period will arrive early if you miss pills but doing this is risky as you wont be protected against pregnancy.

Answer 6

If you start the birth control patch one day late, use a backup method of birth control, like condoms or abstinence from vaginal sex, until you've worn the patch for seven days.

Answer 7

If you put on a new patch on the week your period is due, you may not have bleeding or you may have irregular bleeding. You will not increase your risk of pregnancy by doing so.