spermicide

Birth Control Bingo

Click through a series of detailed questions to narrow down your own best methods, become a pro on what method your partner is using, or windowshop in-depth info pages on each contraceptive option. With 25 integrated pages of teen and twentysomething-specific information, plenty of links, questions and answers, we've done our very best to help you protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.

The Buddy System: Effectiveness Rates for Backing Up Your Birth Control With a Second Method

You already know that no method of contraception is 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. You probably also know, however, that there are reliable methods which are very effective when used properly, and that if you use contraception correctly and consistently, pregnancy becomes a whole lot less likely. But did you know that by doubling up and using two methods, with almost any combination you use, you can get mighty close to that 100% with most combos?

She's five days late: are condoms REALLY effective?

John B asks:

My girlfriend and I had sex about a week and a half before her period was due with a spermicidal condom on. Now she five days late and I'm really worried. We took a pregnancy test and it came out negative. I keep hearing that you can take a HPT after a missed period but, isn't there still a certain amount of days you need to wait regardless of a missed period? My worry, even after we took the HPT is that we had sex so close to her period that the test wouldn't be accurate for another week or so. Also, do spermicidal condoms work pretty well?

The pill, and condoms, and a sponge...oh my!

chica asks:

I am normally on the Pill, but due to sickness, stopped taking it and began waiting for my next period to begin it again. It has been over a month since I had my last period. Anyway, my bf and I had sex for the first time recently. I wore a Today Sponge and he wore a new condom both times. He also pulled out both times, just in case (we were very careful in lubing, using condom, and sponge, etc). What are my chances of being pregnant?

Today I had a rush of watery pink discharge (what is this??) and now I believe I have my period. I am bleeding, but not heavily and it doesn't look normal (not as thick). I took the Pill today since I think I have my period. It has been about a day since the last time we had sex, but I am worried still. Should I take Emergency Contraception just in case? Even if the condom didn't break, should I take it to ease my worried mind?

We were so careful, but what constitutes the small percentage of failure in condoms? I don't think I am pregnant, but I am worried. Especially wondering if I should take the EC just because I am within the 5 day period...

What's THE BEST condom?

soapsud asks:

Hey, I really need to know what is the best condom to use if it's your first time using one? I've had sex before, but I just never used a condom.

Your Map to the Condom Aisle

so many choices... asks:

My boyfriend and I have sex often, and when we do we use a condom as often as possible. But when we go to get condoms there are so many to choose from! There are ribbed ones, spermicidal, ones that are specified for "her" pleasure and vice versa, ultra thin..and more. What is the difference in all of these? Do any of them really give more pleasure or feel any better than a plain lubricated condom?

The condom broke, and my period is late, but he didn't ejaculate: could I be pregnant?

ania asks:

Okay so me and my boyfriend had sex...we were really precautious about this and well, the condom with spermicide broke. He didn't cum and he went pee before we had sex so it killed all the precum. Should I be worried because I still haven't gotten my period..I'm like 5 days late. He said I'm not pregnant and I want to believe him but idk if I should just blow off worrying. I stress easily..and I have symptoms of PMS but could they also be early signs of pregnancy. I've had cravings, breakouts, mood swings, and I don't know if I'm ovulating. I honestly have no clue.

Can you please give me some answers, should I be worried, how much longer should I wait until I get a pregnancy test?

Condoms, Pregnancy Fears

Lindsay asks:

My boyfriend and i recently had sex twice (unfortunately more than three days ago, so Plan B is not an option). He was really "anxious" the second time and kept becoming hard although he couldn't really stay hard. The condom kept rolling up slightly (it was still about an inch from the tip so it didn't fall off). He would re-adjust it as soon as he could and since he had cum not even an hour before, there was no cum in this condom yet. I was just wondering if that was still safe, like is there more of chance of pregnancy from that? If it helps, the condom had spermicide lube and did not break (i filled it with water to be sure). Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.