This may seem kinda dumb, but I’m very confused as to when I can have sex when I’m using the patch. I take my patch off for my break week and personally don’t have sex during that week as I’m not comfortable with it. However, is it safe for me to have sex the week after (when I put on a fresh patch), as I’ve seen different people saying different things on the matter. Some websites are saying I’m protected during my patch free week and that I’m completely protected after that. And other websites are saying that because I’m removing my patch for 7 days, that I have to have a patch on for a whole week before I can have sex (meaning personally I can only have sex 2/4 weeks of the month). I have looked at the leaflet that came with my patches and it doesn’t specify anything on them so I’m very confused. If someone could help or explain I’d appreciate it😭 💤💤💤⚠️••••••⚠️••••••⚠️••••••⚠️💤💤💤

I’m on the Evra patch too. You are protected if you use your patch as instructed. Even through your patch free week and the week after that. You should have a specific time when you change the patch to have it be more efficient. So like if you change it at around 3 then try to change the next one around 3 too. It’s not that big of a deal but it’s just easier because you’re being consistent with it. Also you use your patches for three weeks so you can then be protected through your patch free week. You only gotta make sure you apply a new patch from a new pack on time after your patch free week to keep the protection up. That’s pretty much it.

You're protected during your patch free week and the week after that. It wouldn't make much sense to have a birth control method that doesn't work 2 weeks out of every month or only half the time

If you’re using your patch as directed you are protected at all times. When you first begin the patch (for the very first time) it takes 7 days to begin protecting you. If you weren’t protected over your break week, then you wouldn’t be protected in the first week of the new pack either (because it would take 7 days to start working). It would make zero sense to have a birth control method that only works for 50% of the month. If you use it correctly (apply your new patches within your usage window, don’t extend your break beyond 7 days, make sure to replace your patch within 24 hours if it falls off, etc) then you are always protected.