bc and condoms vs just bc? risky?

**Kaystrwbry42** · 12-10-2009 12:15 PM

I've been in a relationship for an extended amount of time. Both clean of any STD's. I have been on birth control (taken each day at the right time) for a year and wonder the risk of getting pregnant if I stop using condoms on top of the birth control. Will the birth control be effective enough to prevent pregnancy every time?

**LanaBear** · 12-10-2009 12:29 PM

There is a risk with everything, but IMO you don't need anything more than the BC pill if that is what you are on. You should just relax and enjoy the feel of sex without that barrier between the two of you.

**WildChild** · 12-10-2009 12:44 PM

I was on BC for years, until I developed a problem with clotting. Never used condoms, never got pregnant. Now this was in the 70s and 80s and the product was somewhat different, there seemed to be few side effects but the effectiveness should be the same.

**Fish** · 12-10-2009 05:15 PM

you could always try spermicidal film, I think the brand is VCF (you can get a free sample from their website)- someone on this board recommended that to me. But I'm with you about not wanting to take any risks, being over protected is better than the consequences that come with bc failure imo.

**the wench** · 12-10-2009 05:16 PM

i hate condoms lol

**Mes T** · 12-10-2009 05:18 PM

Birth control pills are 99% effective, and I believe the way they calculate that is to see what your changes are of getting pregnant, after a year, of having sex 4-5 times a week.

That 1% that is left over is usually due to taking the pills incorrectly.

I've also heard that if a woman gets very ill, the pill isn't as effective at that time.

So if I were you, I would lose the condom completely unless either a) you skip a pill or b) you get very sick.

**sourpuss** · 12-10-2009 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Fish

you could always try spermicidal film, I think the brand is VCF (you can get a free sample from their website)- someone on this board recommended that to me. But I'm with you about not wanting to take any risks, being over protected is better than the consequences that come with bc failure imo.

Have you tried the film? I had never heard of it until my doctor recommended it to me last week.

**WildChild** · 12-10-2009 06:14 PM

We had a poster on here who told of their experiences with the flim
http://www.womens-health.com/boards/...-micronor.html

I know there was another thread because it prompted me to look it up and I was concerned over the side effects. Like any product going into your body you should read up on it first.

**Fish** · 12-10-2009 09:57 PM

No I have not tried it yet because I have not had sex yet but I'm hoping to try it in the next couple of weeks. They send 3 free samples in the mail so it doesn't hurt to try. I have read that it makes some women more prone to infection though. I'll post my experience with it after I use them.