Q for everyone + bleeding issues

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2004
Q for everyone + bleeding issues
2
Sun, 02-15-2004 - 2:17pm
My question for all of you out there... do you 'double-up' your protection? It seems that most my friends who are on birth control continue to use condoms (even in a monogamous relationship). This confuses and scares me a little, as my boyfriend and I never use condoms anymore. I am on the pill and have been for about a year. What is the point of buying pills (or any other form of birth control, for that matter) if you're going to continue using condoms? (I understand the exception would be if you have multiple partners and are watching out for STD's)

My question about me... I'm really hoping someone out there can help, or has had a similar situation in the past. Three weeks ago I took a round of antibiotics, and I have been bleeding ever since. I'm taking my pills regularly, and have been on active pills the whole time, but I'm still spotting/bleeding. What is going on? How can I make this stop? It's really starting to drive me crazy! I went through a month of breakthrough when I first went on this pill (Ortho Cyclen), but I thought those issues were resolved. Help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 02-15-2004 - 3:16pm

Hi ravenowski,


I don't use a backup...bf and I are monogamous and STD-free, but we keep some condoms on hand in case I were to forget a pill (not an issue now that I'm on the patch though) or take antibiotics (or any other meds which could decrease the effectiveness of the pill).

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 7:51am
In my experience, my boyfriend and I tend to "double-up" just before he ejaculates, because condoms contain the mess. Other than that, the only reason my boyfriend and I would use them is if I were on medication that impacts upon the effectiveness of my contraception.


Janet