[Fish]

My boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years and both of us are virgins. We are going to start having sex soon, so I was just prescribed Loestrin 24 Fe. Obviously we do not want to have babies any time soon so we are looking at our best bet for preventing pregnancy so we want to use 2 forms of BC. Assuming I take my pill as directed, are we better off using condoms or spermicide? We are monogamous and if all remains as planned we will be each other's one and only sex partner (so STD's are not a concern).

[LanaBear]

I hate condoms. It really is a different feeling with or without. My opinion, if you are going to use two, opt for the spermicide.

[kira]

Condoms would be more effective than spermicide but condoms also lower sensation and make sex much less enjoyable for both people. You are already going overkill since so long as you take your pill at the same time every day your odds of getting pregnant are lower than if you used condoms. They are lower than any over the counter form of birth control you can buy. If you do feel the need for something physical though spermicides will have no effect aside from having to slip something in right before sex. If your boyfriend is already sticking fingers in there he could probably do it without either of you having to pause. I used VCF a few times which is a film you fold a couple times, push against the cervix, and let it dissolve. The problem with spermicides is allergies. Lots of women including me are allergic and while the amount on a condom may not bother you stuffing a large amount in your vagina can cause a fire. The effect increased every time we used it until my tissue was swelling and producing so much heat it got too hot for him to be comfortable and I was swollen for a few hours afterward.

For a not over the counter option you can get fitted for a diaphragm or cap. These sit over the cervix to provide a physical barrier as well as sometimes being filled with spermicide. You have to get one your size though and be shown how to place it so you can't just get them in stores.

[Fish]

Overkill is better than having a baby at this point, lol.

Where do you buy the spermicidal film? I've never seen it (well I suppose I've never looked either, lol).

[Fish]

Thanks! I just went to their website and ordered a free sample.