tampon breaking a condom?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-11-2004
tampon breaking a condom?
3
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 10:54am
My boyfriend and I want to sex when we get together tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am on my period. Normally, we would just wait until it was over, but he's leaving for three weeks the day after tomorrow. I've checked other posts and message boards, and the common consensus seems to be that it's OK to have sex during your period. I just want to know what precautions I should take beforehand. Should I take the tampon out or leave it in? If I leave it in, does it pose the threat of breaking his condom (or any other threat?)? Our main concern is my getting pregnant. I know that the risk is statistically lower during my period, but I'd feel better if I knew for sure. Typically, he pulls out before he comes (even with a condom), but I just want to know ahead of time if any danger is posed.

thanks a lot!

~Jennie~

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 3:48pm
Hi Jennie, welcome!

If I were you I would not have vaginal intercourse with a tampon inserted. Not only is it probably uncomfortable but there is a much greater chance of the condom breaking. If you are cycling naturally (aren't on hormonal contraceptives) there is a small chance of your becoming pg from unprotected intercourse while on your period if you have irregular or very short length (21-25 day) cycles. If you are going to use condoms you should be quite safe. You can add to your protection by also using a good 2% Nonoxynol-9 (the active ingredient in most commercial spermicides) spermicide. You can get some brands of spermicide in pre-filled applicators. Spermicides can be purchased in the family planning section of pharmacies near the condoms. If you are looking for something for flow control during intercourse you might want to try Instead http://www.softcup.com/ a menstrual cup that can catch your flow and you can have sex while it is inserted. The Instead cup can be purchased in the feminine hygiene sections of most pharmacies. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Take care,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-11-2004
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 6:37pm

IMHO, ouch, ouch!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Mon, 09-13-2004 - 1:37pm
Definitely take the tampon out. I've heard of women accidentally putting a tampon in when there was already one in. Ended up having to go to the doctor so that he could go in and find the first tampon. Leaving it in would push it to far in and if forgotten, could cause some problems.

Tampon out, towel underneath you, and wash after. I've had sex when I've had my period before. Lots of people do. Not a problem. Just take the tampon out.