Editing Contraceptive patch (section)

==Method of use==
The patch is first applied onto the upper outer arm, buttocks, abdomen or thigh on either the first day of the [[menstrual cycle]] (day 1) or on the first Sunday following that day, whichever is preferred. The day of application is known from that point as ''patch change day''.  Seven days later, when ''patch change day'' comes again, the user removes the patch and applies another to one of the approved locations on the body.  This process is repeated again on the next ''patch change day''.  On the following ''patch change day'', the patch is removed and not replaced.  The user waits seven days without a patch in place, and on the next ''patch change day'' they apply a new patch. [[Extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive|Extended use regimens]], where patches are used for several weeks before a patch-free week, have been studied.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Stewart FH, Kaunitz AM, Laguardia KD, Karvois DL, Fisher AC, Friedman AJ | title = Extended use of transdermal norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol: a randomized trial | journal = Obstetrics and Gynecology | volume = 105 | issue = 6 | pages = 1389–1396 | date = June 2005 | pmid = 15932834 | doi = 10.1097/01.AOG.0000160430.61799.f6 | s2cid = 8831803 }}</ref>

The patch should be applied to skin that is clean, dry, and intact.  This means if skin is red, irritated, or cut, the patch should not be placed in that area.  Additionally, avoid using lotions, powder, or makeup around the area where the patch is or will be placed.<ref name = "Mayo_Clinic_Evra">{{cite web | title = Ortho Evra (Contraceptive Patch). | url = http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ortho-evra/MY01006/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121015203449/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ortho-evra/MY01006/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect | archive-date = 15 October 2012 | publisher = Mayo Clinic | date = 2010 | access-date = 3 February 2011 }}</ref>

===Backup contraception===
:*If someone chooses to begin with their ''patch change day'' as day one of their menstrual cycle, the patch is able to take effect in time to prevent ovulation (see Mechanism of Action below) and no form of backup contraception is needed at all.
:**In the case that one wishes to begin using the contraceptive patch following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage, patch application can be done immediately afterwards.  This can be considered the same as a day one start above, and no backup contraception is required.
:*If a user chooses to begin with their ''patch change day'' as the first Sunday following day 1, it is necessary to use a backup form of contraception such as spermicide<ref>{{cite web | title = What is spermicide? | url = https://picaboo.biz/what-is-spermicide-and-what-effects-does-it-have-on-our-body/ | work = Picaboo.biz | access-date = 2020-05-29 | archive-date = 2020-07-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200728052450/https://picaboo.biz/what-is-spermicide-and-what-effects-does-it-have-on-our-body/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> or condoms for the first week of patch wear.
:*If the user is late placing her patch in the first week, or more than two days late placing the patch in the second and third weeks, they should apply the patch immediately, and then use a backup form of barrier protection for a week.<ref name = "Mayo_Clinic_Evra" />