Q:
I removed my patch for 2 days because of skin irritation, my period started at the beginning of my third week. The instructions say to put on my new Week 1 patch on the Sunday after my period starts, does this mean I should skip my Patch Free Week altogether, or should I still go a week without a patch?
A:
First, if you are having skin irritation from the patch, you will probably need to switch to another contraceptive method, as it is likely to be a continuing problem.
Second, stopping the patch in your third week, even for two days, leaves you unprotected for the remainder this cycle, and you need to use a back up method, like condoms, or remain abstinent.
Third, the bleeding can continue for some time as your endometrial lining is now unstable from stopping and restarting your hormones. If it remains heavy for more than a week, you should be getting in touch with your health care provider.
If you are determined to stay with the patch as your contraceptive method, you will need to start over on Sunday with a new patch cycle, and consider it "unprotected" until you finish a full month cycle again, as there is a possibility you might ovulate during the next cycle because the hormones were interrupted this cycle.
~The Doc
