QuestionIm 23, have no children, and am currently on my period.
I have been on ortho evra for 3 years. Every month about midway through my cycle i have spotting or breakthrough bleeding for two or three days. I do not have any other troubles.
I asked my obgyn if I were having any problems and she laughed at me and said I was fine.
I will be gettin married next month. I have never been in a very active sexual relationship. I have always used a condom for backup protection, but I do not want to have to continue to use a condom with my husband.
Is the breakthrough bleeding a sign that my patches may not be working? Is there a possibility that my chances of becoming pregnant are greater because I have breakthrough bleeding every month? Do you think I should be be trying other forms of birthcontrol? I am not very good at remembering to take a pill at the same time everyday; thats why i love the patch.
If you agree with my doctor that I do not have a problem and should have no increased risk of pregnancy then I will stop worrying. If you think I need a second opinion; I will schedule an appointment with another doctor. This is definitly not a good time for little babies!
AnswerIf you are using the OthoEvra patch correctly and place it on every week, you are completely protected against pregnancy, even if you have some breakthrough bleeding in mid cycle. You are even protected during the week that you do not have the patch on. Your doctor is correct. The bleeding that you occasionally get in mid cycle is due to fluctuations of hormone balance. As long as you take the patch, you are protected. You do not have to use back up methods at all.
