Initiating Birth Control Patch Use

When to Start the Patch

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that birth control patches can be started at any time during the menstrual cycle, as long as the user is reasonably certain they are not pregnant, but may need to use backup contraception for the first 7 days depending on when they start 1, 2
If started within the first 5 days of the menstrual period, no additional contraceptive protection is needed, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 3
If started more than 5 days after the start of menstrual bleeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using backup contraception, such as condoms, or avoiding sexual intercourse for the first 7 days of patch use 2, 4

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that women with amenorrhea can start the patch at any time if pregnancy has been ruled out, and should use backup contraception for the first 7 days 1, 3
For postpartum women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends starting the patch immediately if not breastfeeding, and using backup contraception for 7 days if ≥21 days postpartum and periods haven't returned 2, 5
If breastfeeding and less than 6 months postpartum, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that no additional contraception is needed, but otherwise, backup contraception should be used for 7 days 6

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women can start the patch immediately without waiting for their next period when switching from another contraceptive method, but may need backup contraception for 7 days depending on the previous method 4

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises always applying a new patch on the same day of the week, and if a patch becomes partially or completely detached for less than 24 hours, trying to reapply it or applying a new patch immediately 7
If a patch is detached for more than 24 hours, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends starting a new cycle with a new patch and using backup contraception for 7 days 8

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that if severe vomiting or diarrhea occurs while using the patch, the contraceptive effectiveness might be decreased, and recommends continuing to use the patch but using backup contraception until 7 days after recovery 7