On patch and spotting

[wendysculy]

I have been on the Ortho Evra patch since Jan. 2012.  My patch fell off about two weeks ago and then I started my cycle.  After that week I put a new patch.  This week on Wednesday my husband said that I should change my patch cause it looks like it might come off but I didn't do it until Thursday because that is my normal day to change the patch. On Friday I was spotting  a little bit. I figured that my patch came off or was not on good enough. Now it is Sunday and my cycle has not started. I was wondering if I could be pregnant. I took a test but it was negative. I thought if I was pregnant it may be too soon to get a positive result. My husband and I are thinking about trying for a baby in Sept but so I did stop taking any meds that would interfere with pregnancy.  At least I don't have to worry about that.  I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else before.   Maybe I just put the new patch on soon enough that it stopped my cycle or I was spotting because I am pregnant.? thank you any info would be helpful

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The spotting you are describing certainly could be the result of switching the patches.  If you were my patient, I would recommend taking another home pregnancy test, and if negative, waiting to see when your cycles will resume.
If you WANT to be pregnant, there is no cause for alarm here--only if you DON'T want to.
Good luck!
Dr B

[wendysculy]

Its Monday and I have a little red when I wipe but only once.  It is so strange for me.