What is the risk of pregnancy after short break from patch?

Question

Hello doctor,

A couple of weeks ago, I stopped using my contraceptive patch to have a withdrawal bleed after using it continuously for four months. I then reapplied a new patch four days later. Five days after reapplying the patch, I had sexual intercourse but used the withdrawal method. Is there a high chance that I am pregnant?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on what has been described, the chance of pregnancy is very low. When a contraceptive patch containing Ethinyl estradiol and Norelgestromin is used continuously for several months, ovulation is usually well suppressed. Taking a short break to allow a withdrawal bleed and then reapplying the patch after four days generally maintains contraceptive protection, especially when it is restarted within seven days.

Sexual intercourse occurred five days after restarting the patch. By this time, the patch hormones are already active again. In addition, the withdrawal method, also known as the pull-out method, was used, which further reduces the risk of pregnancy.

Overall:

The patch hormones were active again.
Ovulation is unlikely.
There was no ejaculation inside.
Therefore, the pregnancy risk is very low and not considered high.

I would suggest the following:

Continue using the contraceptive patch as scheduled.
If there is anxiety, a urine pregnancy test can be done after 14 days from intercourse for reassurance.
Irregular spotting or delayed bleeding can occur after temporary interruption of the patch and does not necessarily indicate pregnancy.

For maximum reassurance in the future, using condoms for the first seven days after restarting the patch is ideal, although in this situation it was not strictly necessary.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.