[Tinuviel]

Here I sit, all crampy and waiting for my period. Happy to find a forum where I can openly discuss whether my chosen forms of birth control is effective.

My boyfriend and I aren't in a position at the moment to support a little one, so we are both doing our best to make sure we're responsible about protecting ourselves until the time is right. We didn't want to go as far as sacrificing sex, as we both enjoy and feel it's an important part of our relationship, so I started shopping around for contraceptives as soon as we decided to become sexually active.

I started Ortho Micronor (POPs), a progestin only birth control pill, back in March. They are less effective, but I have a history of migraines and so could not use combination pills or the NuvaRing. I still get my period regularly and have missed two pills very recently, but the only side effect was bad cramping and mild numbing during the first pack. In addition to this, I also use Conceptrol spermicide gel during sex.

My boyfriend uses condoms regularly, and they have been effective to an extent. We've had them slip down a few times due to too much lube and medication causing a loss of erection, but they have not fallen off or spilled.

I suppose my question is, what are the chances of becoming pregnant while using all of these forms of contraception? Is anyone else using this method? As you can tell, being paranoid isn't a concern, we just want to be safe.

[lizzardb63]

I think if you're taking the mini pill (regularily), using a spermacide and condoms, your chances are slim to none. As long as all of these methods are used correctly I wouldn't worry about pregnancy.

[DreamP346]

BC is super effective if you use it correctly. As long as you are sticking to the recommended way of taking it, you shouldn't have to worry.