[Janster]

You can NEVER be too careful. If you're not planning on having kids, then being OVERLY careful is BEST.

Being on the pill is one of the best things I've ever done. Been on it for 18 years....married 14 years. My husband also withdraws.
I've never been pregnant.

If you're just starting the pill....give it time to work. I think they say wait one month?.... I would wait 2 months before being 'relaxed' that its working.

Good Luck!!!
There's far too many unplanned children in this world already!! Protect yourself!!

[WildChild]

Look into diaphrams, they can be a good barrier method as long as STIs aren't a concern.

[kira]

Some people are allergic to spermicide which eliminates those options. Diaphragms and caps use spermicide. If you end up with symptoms while using film or similar you'll want to be sure to ask a doctor/gynocologist about backup forms of birth control that don't have it.

[kerry-]

I'd say pill and condom as many women make silly mistakes while on the pill and condoms can split, can't be too safe! And besides the withdrawl method is not only really uneffective but well..gross lol

[ashisbaby17]

Obviously a condom is the only thing to protect you from STD's but a few things to keep in mind as far as other forms of birth control, use them gradually. I was using encare insterts for a year with my ex before I got my tubal and things were fine. With my new boyfriend I couldn't because they cause a burning reaction. Just make sure you read the warning labels of everything you are considering before using them. The VCF film contains the same ingredient that causes the burning so we weren't able to use those either. I do have to say the inserts were much easier than the film. Imagine putting a listerine strip on you finger, wetting it, and tying to get it off. Now imagine you only have one finger to get it off. Trust me it's annoying.

[sourpuss]

I used the film for the first time last month and it was awful. Burning for a few days afterward. I gave it a second (and 3rd) chance and my body has adapted to it with no real side effects.
ashisbaby, if you fold it up it's much easier to insert.

[Fish]

Hmm, all good things to think about. We're doing the long distance thing right now so we have way too much time to think about what we are going to do the next time we are together...we're going on a road trip to Texas next week (it's been over a month since we've seen each other...). I think we're going to give spermicide a try first.

[Fish]

So I found this website that lists the effectiveness of combining birth control methods. I know I can't post the link on here but if anyone wants it just pm me. They list every possible combination. We are not worried about a 0.04% decrease in effectiveness between combinations, so we are going to try without a condom or spermicide and use withdrawal. Tomorrow night cannot come soon enough!!

Combination Oral Contraceptives ("The Pill")
99.7% effective alone with perfect use - 92% effective alone with typical use
Combination OCP + Cervical Barriers = 99.98% effective with perfect use - 98.88% effective with typical use
Combination OCP + Male Condoms = 99.99% effective with perfect use - 98.8% effective with typical use
Combination OCP + The Sponge = 99.97%effective with perfect use - 98.72% effective with typical use
Combination OCP + Female Condoms = 99.98% effective with perfect use - 98.32% effective with typical use
Combination OCP + Emergency Contraception* = 99.97% effective with perfect use - 98% effective with typical use
Combination OCP + Withdrawal = 99.98% effective with perfect use - 97.84% effective
Combination OCP + Spermicide = 99.94% effective with perfect use - 97.68% effective with typical use

[Fish]

Heck, or even forget about withdrawal. I guess we'll see how it goes. NOW I understand why you girls have been saying you don't need to use a backup method if you take it perfectly...which I do.

[Fish]

Update- So the spermicidal film was a no go because something in my bag leaked and penetrated the wrapper. That along with hearing about nasty infections and irritations, we decided to abandon that idea. We've decided to just use the pill, no condom, and withdraw. So far so good. Much, much better without a condom.