Can I use the patch without taking a break?

You can use the patch continuously, without taking a break. Or you can choose how often you have a break.

During your patch-free breaks, you will get a period-like bleed called a withdrawal bleed. By choosing when you have a break, you can control when these bleeds happen or avoid them completely.

To bleed every month

• apply your first patch and wear it for 7 days

• on day 8, change the patch to a new one

• change it like this every week for 3 weeks

• then have 7 days without a patch – during this time you should have a bleed

• after 7 days without the patch, apply a new patch (even if you’re still bleeding) and repeat the cycle

To bleed less often

• apply your first patch and wear it for 7 days

• on day 8 change the patch to a new one

• continue to change the patch to a new one every 7 days without a break

• when you’re ready, have 7 days without a patch – during this time you should have a bleed

You can only have the 7 days without the patch and still be protected if you’ve used the patch every day for at least 3 weeks in a row.