How to Use a Contraceptive Patch

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Designate a specific day of the week to apply your contraceptive patch for the first time.

   This will also be the day that you replace your contraceptive patch with a new patch on a weekly basis, so you may want to pick the most convenient day in your schedule or a day you can easily remember.
2. 2

   Step 2: Select a clean and dry place on your body to place the patch where it will not be irritated or rubbed by your clothing.

   The contraceptive patch will be most effective if you place it on your abdomen, buttocks, the front or back of your upper torso, or the upper part of your outer arm.
   
   Do not apply the patch anywhere on your breasts. , The patch will have 2 halves of clear liner attached to the adhesive side to help simplify the application process. ,,,,, The contraceptive patch will remain on your skin during bathing, strenuous exercise, swimming, and all other activities. ,,,,,, If you forget to change your patch during week 1 of your monthly cycle, apply a new patch as soon as you remember and designate that specific day as your new "patch-change" day.
   
   Use a backup birth control method for the next consecutive 7 days.
   
   Use the same strategy if you forget during week 4, but keep your "patch-change" day the same.
   
   If you forget to replace the patch after 1 or 2 days during weeks 2 or 3 of your cycle, change your patch immediately after you remember and keep your "patch-change" day the same.
   
   You will not need to use backup birth control unless you have allowed more than 2 days to pass before you remember to change the patch.
3. 3

   Step 3: Open the package containing the contraceptive patch carefully to avoid accidentally removing the clear liner attached to the patch itself.

4. 4

   Step 4: Peel 1 side of clear liner from the contraceptive patch without touching the adhesive with your fingers and place it to the clean

5. 5

   Step 5: dry area of skin you have prepared.

6. 6

   Step 6: Peel the remaining clear liner from the other half of the patch and secure it firmly to your skin.

7. 7

   Step 7: Press and hold the patch against your skin with the palm of your hand for at least 10 seconds.

8. 8

   Step 8: Gently run a finger along each side of the square patch to ensure it is sticking completely to your skin.

9. 9

   Step 9: Wear the patch for 7 days in a row without removing it.

10. 10

    Step 10: Remove your contraceptive patch on your designated

11. 11

    Step 11: or seventh

12. 12

    Step 12: day by peeling it from your skin and folding it in half with the adhesive sticking to itself.

13. 13

    Step 13: Dispose of the used patch immediately by placing it into a trash can.

14. 14

    Step 14: Place a new

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    Step 15: unused contraceptive patch on a different place of your body within your abdomen

16. 16

    Step 16: buttocks

17. 17

    Step 17: upper torso

18. 18

    Step 18: and upper outer arm regions.

19. 19

    Step 19: Repeat the process of removing and applying a new patch on the same day every week for 3 consecutive weeks.

20. 20

    Step 20: Leave the contraceptive patch off your skin for week 4

21. 21

    Step 21: during your menstrual period.

22. 22

    Step 22: Follow explicit instructions as advised by your prescription or health care provider if you forget to change your patch on time in order to prevent pregnancy.

Detailed Guide

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