is this ok?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2003
is this ok?
7
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 11:15am
Hi. I first wanted to say how helpful this board has been. I recently started having sex and also started using the pill as birth control. I have been on the pill for about 4 months now. For the first couple months I was using the pill with condoms as a back up. However, during the last month my bf and I have not used condoms while having sex. I am very meticulous about taking the pill and have never missed taking one. I'm wondering if it would be ok to continue this not using condoms. My bf and I are in a monogamous relationship and are both free from STDS. I know the ways that pills may be ineffective in terms of if i throw up after taking it or if i'm taking medication like antibiotics. I just feel more comfortable having the back up but i'd still like to know if i'm taking a risk. Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
In reply to: gem1405
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 11:35am
Hi!

I, too, have been on birth control and have been having intercourse for about the past 5 months. I use the pill and my boyfriend and I also use condoms. We are both STD-free, just like you and your boyfriend, but we just like the security of the extra protection. We only put the condom on when he is going to ejaculate, which means the majority of sex is condom-free (very nice!). Yes, there is semen in pre-ejaculatory fluid, but much less than in the semen itself. Using the condom GREATLY reduces the risk of pregnancy (from 1 in 99 to 1 in 9603), so we can basically have worry-free sex. I wouldn't say you are taking a risk, per say - I have plenty of friends who only use the pill but no condom and have not had any pregnancy scares - but using a condom makes a huge difference in your chances of getting pregnant. A condom may not be as fun as the real deal, but at least you won't freak out every month!

Hope this helped!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2004
In reply to: gem1405
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 12:40pm
Hi There,


After 4 months, you should be good to go. If you do throw up, miss more than 2 pills in a row, or take antibiotics you may want to use a back up method. Otherwise, have fun!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: gem1405
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 5:00pm
If you're uncomfy using it at your ONLY protection then maybe you should go back to using the condom or what about spermicide....As long as you take your pills correctly(not missing any or "throwing up") you should be ok...I used it as my only protection for a year or so before dh and I decided to have a baby....And it was effective....good luck
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: gem1405
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 5:31pm
Birth control pills, taken as directed, are 99.5% (5 women out of 1000 using the pill perfectly for a year would get pregnant) effective at preventing pregnancy. If you're okay with that statistic, fine! And if you're not and want to use backup protection for that last 0.5%, also fine!

I've been using some form of hormonal birth control for 7 1/2 years, only using backup when absolutely necessary, and we've had no problems whatsoever. But we're okay with the statistics and are happy with things the way they are.

What you do is up to you!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2003
In reply to: gem1405
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 11:59pm
I just wanted to thank all who responded. I'm seriously considering going back to using condoms as a back up just for my peace of mind. Right now I don't let my bf come in me but i guess that doesn't really reduce the risk. I'll talk to him about it. Thanks again.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2004
In reply to: gem1405
Thu, 08-12-2004 - 6:10pm
Hi.Not to encourage you,but i use depo and it has worked well for me,but nothing is foolproof.Best to speak to your doctor,good luck to you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2004
In reply to: gem1405
Mon, 08-16-2004 - 6:36am
Hi girl! I have been on the pill, with regular check ups and breaks, since 1996. I used to have a back up till 3 years ago. I just felt more comfortable having a back up, but now I don't use it any more: my bf and I have a strong monogomous relationship and I feel comfortable with him. I can only let you know about the percotians I use now:

- always check if there is any interaction with the medications and antibiotics you are taking and even then take your meds 4-6 hours after you have taken the pill.

- have regular check ups.

- be careful if you have any bleading when taking the pill. You might need a higher level of hormones.

- I still use a back up in those few days when I am not taking a pill before I get my period.

All the best.