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Contraception - Management
Combined contraceptive patch not changed or new cycle started late: what should be done?

  • If the woman forgets to take the patch off at the end of week 1 or week 2:
    • If the delay in changing the patch is less than 48 hours:
      • Replace the old patch with a new one as soon as possible.
      • Continue to use the patch as normal, changing it on the usual change day.
      • No additional contraceptive protection is required.
    • If the delay in changing the patch is 48 hours or more:
      • Replace the old patch with a new one as soon as possible.
      • This is now week 1 of a new patch cycle. It is also a new day of the week for changing patches and starting new cycles.
      • An additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms, abstinence) is advised for the next 7 days.
      • If unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place in the previous 5 days, emergency contraception should be considered — see the CKS topic on Contraception - emergency.
  • If the woman forgets to take the patch off at the end of week 3:
    • Take the patch off as soon as possible.
    • Start the new patch cycle on the usual start day.
  • If the woman forgets to put on a new patch at the end of the patch-free week:
    • If the delay in starting the new patch is less 48 hours:
      • Put a new patch on as soon as possible.
      • This is now week 1 of a new patch cycle. It is also the new day of the week for changing patches and starting new cycles.
      • No additional contraception is required.
    • If the delay in starting the new patch is 48 hours or longer:
      • Put a new patch on as soon as possible.
      • This is now week 1 of a new patch cycle. It is also the new day of the week for changing patches and starting new cycles.
      • An additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms, abstinence) is advised for the next 7 days.
      • If unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place in the previous 5 days emergency contraception should be considered — see the CKS topic on Contraception - emergency.
Basis for recommendation

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