only 1 method of BC

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-25-2004
only 1 method of BC
5
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 10:47am

My bf has problems with condoms: he cannot keep his erection with them on. We decided that we would have sex without condoms, since I am on the pill, as long as we both got tested. We both did, and everything is okay.

However, I am starting to get cold feet. The thing is, I spoke to a friend, and she told me that she knows 3 girls who got pregnant from solely relying on the pill (and for the record, they apparently took it properly). Does anyone have an idea if this is just a weird coincidence, or if the pill really isn't as effective as they say?

Also, anyone have any backup method suggestion? She said that requesting that the guy pull out before coming usually works well (as long as the girl is also on bc, of course). What about spermicidal lube?

Thanks in advance!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 11:25am
The pill is 97 - 99.9% effective if taken properly. The girls you talk about I would bet did not take it properly or might have been taking medications at one point that dropped it's effectiveness.

bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2005
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 12:23pm

jewels cci,

I know that I had a condom problem, and later figured out it was because I wasn't buying the right size...too tight. TROJAN Greens were better, but now I have discovered the new TROJAN Magnum and the feel is awesome...like not wearing one at all. Another secret is to put 4-5 drops of lube...I use AstroGlide...inside the tip of the condom before I roll it on. That really removes the very last of any discomfort.

The Pill is hi-90s effective if taken properly. Its very important to take it at the same time everyday. The higher-dose ones you can be off by +/- 2 hours but with the low-dose ones you need to be out by no more than half an hour. Absorption can depend upon what you eat within a two-hour span of when you take your Pill...grapefruit juice is bad, as is milk or antacids.

The women that you spoke of likely did not take their Pills properly or might have been taking medications that dropped it's effectiveness. Consult your OB/GYN, do reasearch on the internet, read the publications from your mfgr.

Always use a backup method if you ever miss a Pill, mis-time it, vomit, or whatever. Condoms are a good primary method, and in your case if you REALLY DO NOT WANT AN ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY then they are a good secondary method. Experiment with him, someday when you are not worried about the effectiveness of your Pill then lube him up, slip on a condom, see if that improves his performance...it won't matter if the excess lube lets it slip off. Try a few things...its to his benefit to...for the times in your lives together (and someday maybe apart) when a condom is the only way.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2004
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 4:06pm

I agree with the others.....the very small failure rate is almost always due to human error.....not the pill. If it's taken every day at the same time (Pick a time like when you eat dinner....that's usually the same no matter how late you sleep in the AM) the hormones trick your body into thinking it's pregnant, and you stop ovulating. If you don't ovulate, you CAN'T get pregnant!

I took the pill for 8 years when I was married, and I never got pregnant, and I know I was capable of getting pregnant, because I already had 3 children.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 6:48pm

We never used a secondary method in all the years (15) that I was on BCPs. The only time we used 2 methods at once was when I was nursing and that was diaphragm and gel. We never used withdrawal either. Just the pill.

I always took mine when I brushed my teeth before going to bed at night, but there were times when I did that at 7pm and times when we went out and it wasn't until 2am that I took it. I also (over the years) forgot more than once to take it and would take 2 the next day then resume the usual schedule, just as recommended by the doc and the inserts. With the lower dose ones, there is a smaller window but I don't think you have to worry about taking it at *exactly* 9pm every night. I'm not recommending a method of skipping pills but for most women it does happen occasionally with no problems.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 7:02pm

May I suggest you try a lovers ring with the condom. Lovers rings will help a man hold an erection. Once the erection is achieved simply put on the ring and have fun.
Also you might try Kama Sutra balm this also helps a man hold an erection longer.

Christine
www.spicyromance.com