Should I?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-18-2004
Should I?
6
Sat, 08-20-2005 - 2:44am
Okay, so I find myself pondering something and was hoping for some sensible advice. I only see my guy once or twice a month, if that. We are both very responsible and always use condoms and such. The thing is, getting pregnant is the last thing either of us needs and I don't like the idea of trusting condoms alone. I was wondering if ya'll thought that getting on the pill or something in addition to the condoms was a good idea or not, taking fully into consideration the frequency of sex (well, lack of) and the economic factor. Any advice would be great! Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2005
In reply to: supermariogirl
Sat, 08-20-2005 - 9:40am

When you consider that the efficacy of condoms is in the 80% range.....that means there is a 20% of getting pregnant. THAT is a pretty high percentage. I wish I had a 20% chance of winning the lottery!

The "frequency" of sex could change at any time. The economic factor? I have no idea what b/c pills cost these days, but whatever it is.....when you weigh THAT against the cost of raising a child......it's cheap at twice the price! Do you have any idea what a month's supply of diapers and formula costs? Better to pay for the pills!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
In reply to: supermariogirl
Sat, 08-20-2005 - 1:51pm

If I needed to use BC and pregnancy was an absolute no, then I would get on the pill whether I was having sex once a month or every day.


bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
In reply to: supermariogirl
Sat, 08-20-2005 - 7:33pm
Hey Hey HEY there, i was thinking the same thing b/c i just had sex for the first time and i was wondering ok now should i get the patch/shot? (i dont swallow pills--ever since i was young thing) i dont know what to do either. im glad u postsed one b4 i did.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
In reply to: supermariogirl
Sat, 08-20-2005 - 7:48pm

What type of female BC you use, pill, shot, patch, IUD, etc. is something you have to discuss with your ob/gyn.


bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-19-2004
In reply to: supermariogirl
Sun, 08-21-2005 - 1:20am
Hey I defenitely suggest you talk to someone at Planned Parenthood, Student Health (if you're a student) or a doctor to see which option is best for you. For long-term pregnancy protection IUD is statistically the best method, however, it has side-effects like occasional bleeding and it runs up to $300 (lasts about 5 years). The patch is a popular method, with same percentage protection as the pill, and it runs at about $30 (per patch). The pill is the most popular method and I use it myself (and most of my friends do too). The thing I like about it is that the doctor matches you with a pill that fits your body best. For example, you can get on pills that mimic your natural hormone cycle (like Alesse), and I like that because I like to keep healthy in the most natural way possible. But you should still speak with someone about it because you have to remember to take it every day at the same time, and if you can't do that, you should not get on it because it will decrease the effect. Also, if you're heavily dependent on caffeine, you shouldn't get on the pill because it decreases the effect of it. Pills usually run $20-30 per pack (per month), however, if you're a student or on a lower income, you may be able to get it for free at your local health department. I hope this helped. Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-18-2004
In reply to: supermariogirl
Mon, 08-22-2005 - 7:58pm
Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I have a doctor appointment this week. I've been lurking here for a couple of years or so and I think ya'll are awesome!