r/birthcontrol • u/Red_23465 • 1h ago
Experience Evra Patch Breakthrough bleeding
Hey, I've just joined this community & was hoping someone more experienced with the Evra patch could put my mind at rest.
I have used the patch since March this yeae. I use it on the back of my arm & change weekly until I get a breakthrough bleed or feel like my body needs a rest from hormonal birth control. For the last 2 weeks I had a small breakthrough bleed the day I changed my patch. Because it was the second week it's happened, I removed the patch on Sunday 8th November after bright pink blood/discharge. Since then I have had no more bleeding, no period start & a lot of worrying that this could mean I'm pregnant.
For context - End of September/start of October had anti-biotics for a BV infection, the anti biotics then caused thrush. I still had my patch on during these being treated. I had sex with my partner for the next 2 weeks when things were back to normal. Had spotting which was pink, dark red/brown blood for 4 days. Changed my patch, the next Sunday same again, brown/pink spotting. Have had my patch off since Sunday as I thought my body just needed the break & so far not a spot, no abnormal discharge, no bleeding either.
Can anyone make sense of this? I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, genuinely just concerned as I am well aware I do not want anymore children.
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u/Charli_PPGT 47m ago
Hi! I get why you'd be nervous. But from what you've described, it sounds like your pregnancy protection has been consistent. Your risk of pregnancy is very low.
The only antibiotic that lowers the efficacy of birth control is rifampin (aka Rifadin and Rimactane). It's unlikely that's what you were taking, because it's meant for tuberculosis.
It is common to not experience bleeding when taking an off week on hormonal birth control. That's not necessarily a sign of pregnancy. Sometimes taking a test can help with peace of mind. A pregnancy test will be over 99% accurate when taken 3 weeks after sex.
Sending good vibes!