posted
This is my first post on here so hiya to everyone firstly!
I have a couple of questions that have been on my mind for a while now.
Im from ireland and here its still a little taboo when youre 15 and wondering about sex and I read on an american site like this one that condoms are really only for protection for stds and not birth control which freaked me out a bit since here the only thing you can get are condoms and if you want anything else to stop pregnancy you have to go to a clinic and get your parents involved. So Im just wondering if most people rely on condoms (which I always thought was the deal) or if they use much else?
I'm 15 and still a virgin but I wont be too long before me and my boyfriend start doing stuff so its just been on my mind...
Posts: 9 | From: Ireland | Registered: Jan 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Condoms ARE effective for preventing the transmission of STDs. Anything you hear about "The HIV virus can pass BETWEEN THE LATEX MOLECULES!" is blatant misinformation.
-------------------- "I need no warrant for being, and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction." ~Ayn Rand Posts: 85 | From: Savannah, Georgia | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
(Pssst.... Menthol. I think you misread a tiny bit the question. Emma was asking about whether or not condoms were effective against pregnancy, not STIs. )
Emma, the answer to your question is, yes, condoms are a form of birth control. They're highly effective against pregnancy when used properly (with lube since it does help reduce the risk of breakage).
Not to the point of 100 % protection against pregnancy, but still highly effective at about 98 % with perfect use.
As for your other question, yeah some people only use condoms as a contraceptive method, others will couple it(back it up) with another contraceptive method such as the pill and others simply will choose another contraceptive method aside from condoms. So it really depends on who you ask.
But it's important to remember that condoms are the only method that protects at the same time against STIs.
posted
Thanks a million! My best friend had a scare with her boyfriend because their condom broke so I had that on my mind aswell but hearing the 98% chance has put my mind a bit more at ease now.
When a condom is used correctly (that means before ANY genital contact occurs, being applied correctly, and adding additional lubricant) it provides close to perfect pregnancy and STI protection.
Condom breakage is almost always due to improper use, and in that case, protection is considered compromised. In that case, emergency contraception is recommended if it can be obtained. Posts: 4636 | From: USA/Northern Europe | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
hi emma im from london and if u wonted to go on the pill or other contraception u should be able to go to ur gp with out a family member as u have docotor/patient confendatility they wont be able to tell ur parents. hope that helps u out a bit.
Posts: 31 | From: london | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
Copyright 1998, 2013 Heather Corinna/Scarleteen
Scarleteen.com: Providing comprehensive sex education online to teens and young adults worldwide since 1998
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
)
Printer-friendly view of this topic