Hello, I have a question about Evra patches. I started using contraception (for the first time in my life). I applied the first patch according to the doctor's recommendation on the 1st day of menstruation (1st day of the cycle). My menstruation started on 23.07 around 3 p.m., I put a patch on my hands in the triceps area on the same day at 11 p.m. The next day, i.e. 24.07, I felt a lot of pain in my whole hand on the side where I put the plaster. I didn't know if it could be from the patch or maybe I just slept badly, but when the pain didn't go away for a few hours, around 13/14 (24.07) I peeled off the patch and put on a new one on the same day at 8 p.m., so about 7 hours of break from wearing the patch passed. This time a new patch in a different place (buttocks) and it's ok. This is new to me and I wonder after:
1) Should the day of changing the patch, i.e. applying the second one, be counted from 23.07, so I would have to replace it today on 30.07, or count from the next day of application, i.e. from 24.07 and I replace it on 31.07 if I'm not mistaken.
2) Has contraception been discontinued? I don't know how to perceive it due to the fact that I changed the patch at the very beginning of the cycle and a few hours after applying the first patch, and my body is not "accustomed" to contraception, so I wonder if I am protected. On the one hand, I started using it on the first day of the cycle, but on the other hand, I stopped it for a few hours and I'm afraid whether it works or not, because I've heard that if it starts after the 1st day of the cycle, you have to wait a week for protection. My menstruation has always been regular (possible postponement by 2/3 days sometimes or during trips) and lasted 6 days, where the last day was more spotting. Currently it's day 8 and I'm still bleeding and it's not on the basis of light spotting as usual, i.e. it's very light bleeding, but not as small as it usually was on this day, there are also clots, sometimes bigger, but not all the time. You feel good.
3) The last question, if the patch wrinkles a bit and today it bent slightly in one place, but it doesn't peel off and sticks well (possibly the sides minimally and slightly dirty edges, but it's from the glue), is it ok?
The first photo is from the day before yesterday, and the larger fold that appears in the second photo is only tonight.