I just read in another topic that it's noticeable when a condom breaks. I recently became sexually active and am a little worried. We have used protection every time and haven't noticed anything such as breakage or leaking. However, I had previously heard that it can break or have holes without you knowing, is this true? Also, would it be advisable to go on the pill as well as using male condoms?
Thanks in advance.
Posts: 12 | From: California | Registered: May 2009
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It is very noticeable when a condom breaks. Think about when a balloon pops - it's the same sort of deal with a condom. No method of birth control is 100% effective, but if you've been using condoms and you haven't noticed any breaks or leaks, and they haven't slipped off, you can assume that you haven't really had any viable pregnancy risks.
As far as going on the pill is concerned, it's up to you. Using any two reliable methods of birth control will always reduce the chances of pregnancy, but there are other options besides the pill. You may also decide that you're comfortable with using just condoms - again, it's totally up to you. If you want to know what options are available, have a look at our Birth Control Bingo! for a full run-down of all available birth control methods.
-------------------- "Every time we liberate a woman, we liberate a man." ~Margaret Mead Posts: 2278 | From: Townsville, QLD, Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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I figured we were ok since we didn't notice anything that would cause us to worry. As far as birth control goes, I'd rather not have to deal with the possible side effects and everything that comes with it, but it may also be worth that little extra peace of mind. I'll definitely take it into consideration, thanks for your help : )
Posts: 12 | From: California | Registered: May 2009
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Well, there are many methods of birth control: not all of them are hormonal methods. So, how about looking at that link to see what they all are?
If you want, then, we can help talk you through your choices.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • S.E.X: Get my book! Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility. - Robin Morgan Posts: 39771 | From: Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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As far as the nonhormonal types go, I'm not comfortable with placing anything inside me, and also have very sensitive skin. So I had previously thought that the pill might be my best option (I have taken Plan B before and experienced very minimal side effects).
Posts: 12 | From: California | Registered: May 2009
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Plan B, just so you know, is a progestin-only hormonal method. In other words, it doesn't have estrogen in it like combined oral contraceptives do. Mind, that isn't to say that something like a pill or patch wouldn't be a good fit for you: it might. (Didn't list the ring b/c you said you didn't want to have to place anything inside your body.)
But if you did exceptionally well with Plan B and had few to no side effects, you might also ask your doctor about the progestin-only methods, too. The minipill, for instance, is progestin-only, and while it's slightly less effective than combined OCs, since you're also using condoms, that difference would be very minor. The implant and Depo-Provera are also progestin-only.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • S.E.X: Get my book! Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility. - Robin Morgan Posts: 39771 | From: Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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That sounds like my best bet, the minipill that is. The shot is appealing since its every 3 months if I'm correct, but I just worry that there might be a reaction with my skin.
Also, I'll have to go to a clinic of some sort, at my college or even planned parenthood, as I haven't been able to break the news to my mom. A very catholic family and birth control don't usually mix well. Do these clinics usually have all these selections of birth control? Or are they limited?
Posts: 12 | From: California | Registered: May 2009
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If you didn't have any kind of skin reaction to the Plan B, and don't with other injections, I'd not expect one with Depo.
Sexual health clinics usually have all the contraceptive options a private doctor would.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • S.E.X: Get my book! Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility. - Robin Morgan Posts: 39771 | From: Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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And finally, I'm assuming it's safe to say that any chances of pregnancy are very low according to my previous posts?
Posts: 12 | From: California | Registered: May 2009
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-------------------- Heather Corinna, Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • S.E.X: Get my book! Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility. - Robin Morgan Posts: 39771 | From: Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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