| Forgot to apply a new patch after the 7-day patch-free interval? |
- Apply a new patch as soon as possible.
- Keep the same patch-change day.
- If late by only 1 or 2 days (48 hours or less), there is no need for a backup method.
- If more than 2 days late (more than 48 hours) (that is, no patch was worn for 10 days or more in a row), use a backup method* for the first 7 days of patch use.
- Also, if more than 2 days late and unprotected sex occurred in the past 5 days, consider taking emergency contraceptive pills (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills).
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| Late changing the patch at the end of week 1 or 2? |
- If late by only 1 or 2 days (48 hours or less), apply a new patch as soon as possible. Keep the same patch-change day. No need for a backup method.
- If more than 2 days late (more than 48 hours), apply a new patch as soon as possible. This patch will begin a new 4-week patch cycle, and this day of the week will become the new patch-change day. Also use a backup method for the next 7 days.
- Also, if more than 2 days late and unprotected sex occurred in the past 5 days, consider taking emergency contraceptive pills (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills).
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| Late taking off the patch at the end of week 3? |
- Remove the patch.
- Start the next cycle on the usual patch-change day.
- No need for a backup method.
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The patch came off and was off for less than 2 days
(48 hours or less)? |
- Apply a new patch as soon as possible. (The same patch can be re-used if it was off less than 24 hours.)
- No need for a backup method.
- Keep the same patch change day.
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| The patch came off and was off for more than 2 days (more than 48 hours)? |
- Apply a new patch as soon as possible.
- Use a backup method* for the next 7 days.
- Keep the same patch-change day.
- If during week 3, skip the patch-free week and start a new patch immediately after week 3. If a new patch cannot be started immediately, use a backup method* and keep using it through the first 7 days of patch use.
- If during week one and unprotected sex occurred in the past 5 days, consider taking emergency contraceptive pills (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills).
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* Backup methods include abstinence, male and female condoms, spermicides, and withdrawal. Tell her that spermicides and withdrawal are the least effective contraceptive methods. If possible, give her condoms.
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