How long to use condoms for?

LegacyUser

Hi guys,
Basically i've been going out with a girl for nearly 2 years now. The sex has been great for ages, but in the last few months its just getting a little less sensual for me and I can't feel much anymore at all when we're having sex.

What my question is, is when you are in a relationship, usually how long does the guy use a condom for? I mean, i know theres no set amount of time, but in your experience how long?

Also, my girlfriend is on the pill and has been the entire time. We've never had sex without a condom (except once) and sometimes we've fooled around a little bit without one (intercourse for about 2mins) and she's gotten a bit freaked out in case she could get pregnant. Is there really such a need for this much protection? I know that sounds stupid as you can never have enough protection, but when sex is starting to go down hill because of it, I'm just curious of other peoples experiences...

LegacyUser

withwithout wrote: »

Hi guys,
Basically i've been going out with a girl for nearly 2 years now. The sex has been great for ages, but in the last few months its just getting a little less sensual for me and I can't feel much anymore at all when we're having sex.

What my question is, is when you are in a relationship, usually how long does the guy use a condom for? I mean, i know theres no set amount of time, but in your experience how long?

Also, my girlfriend is on the pill and has been the entire time. We've never had sex without a condom (except once) and sometimes we've fooled around a little bit without one (intercourse for about 2mins) and she's gotten a bit freaked out in case she could get pregnant. Is there really such a need for this much protection? I know that sounds stupid as you can never have enough protection, but when sex is starting to go down hill because of it, I'm just curious of other peoples experiences...

I would say dont bother with a condom... the pill is 98% safe or something... Id recommend getting one of those fertility testing things that test her temperature to see whether she is on her fertile period or not as an extra means...

You could always just pull it out though although most people here wouldn't recommend it

TequilaMockingBird

withwithout wrote: »

I mean, i know theres no set amount of time, but in your experience how long?

About 10 seconds generally.

comongethappy

well, personally, I would say that 2 years is more than long enough, but both people need to be comfortable about it.

As long as she's taking the pill regularly according to instructions, the chances of becoming pregnant should be very, very low (98-99% effective). I think the progestion only pill, called the mini pill, is only around 94-96% effective when taken correctly, but still quite high.

If she's worried about pregnancy she could always consult her doctor to talk over her worries and get his/her opinion? Also, if you're feeling less sensation, would she consider trying a barrier method on top of her pill to be extra, extra safe? She could get a diaphram or a cap, both are placed in the womans vagina to cover the cervix and prevent semen entering, along with use of a spermicide. They must stay in place for a min of 6 hrs and no longer than 24 hrs. A family planning clinic such as wellwoman would be able to provide this service. Only thing is that they need to be fitted by a nurse, and she may be uncomfortable with this. I went off the pill as I tried several and none agreed, my husband didn't like condoms, and he finds no loss of sensation with the diaphram. Only thing is, it shouldn't be used alone if there is no way that you want kids, as it is not the most effective form of birth control. I was told it was only about 80-85% effective, but sources of this information vary. See http://www.familyplanning.org/pdf/Diaphragm2.pdf

Nevyn

withwithout wrote: »

What my question is, is when you are in a relationship, usually how long does the guy use a condom for? I mean, i know theres no set amount of time, but in your experience how long?

Until both parties have had an sti screening.

withwithout wrote: »

Also, my girlfriend is on the pill and has been the entire time. We've never had sex without a condom (except once) and sometimes we've fooled around a little bit without one (intercourse for about 2mins) and she's gotten a bit freaked out in case she could get pregnant. Is there really such a need for this much protection? I know that sounds stupid as you can never have enough protection, but when sex is starting to go down hill because of it, I'm just curious of other peoples experiences...

The oral contraceptive pill is not 100% effective.
Particular pills vary in effectiveness. Some are over 99% effective. While others are only 99% effective bot none of them 100%.

I was on the pill and took it correctly and still became pregnant with my eldest.

dudara

sueme Please post on topic.

dudara

Victor

withwithout wrote: »

We've never had sex without a condom (except once) and sometimes we've fooled around a little bit without one (intercourse for about 2mins).

Eh, ther eis no difference betweent hese two situations. For some people sex only last 2 minutes (or less) and thats plenty enough to get pregnant

TequilaMockingBird

dudara wrote: »

sueme Please post on topic.

dudara

Sorry, couldn't resist!

If your having sex for 2 years and don't want to use condoms, don't. The chances of getting pregnant while your gf is on the pill are slim, but still possible. Thats life. (Literally).

Xiney

I had a chuckle, sue!

If your girlfriend isn't comfortable not using a condom - I wouldn't press the issue. The pill is not 100% effective. What would happen if she got pregnant?

jdivision

You both need to get screen for sti before not using condoms.

dudara

Xiney wrote: »

I had a chuckle, sue!

If your girlfriend isn't comfortable not using a condom - I wouldn't press the issue. The pill is not 100% effective. What would happen if she got pregnant?

But on the other hand, how long it is reasonable to expect him to continue as is, not fully enjoying sex? (Devil's advocate position).

It's a tough one, OP. Personally, I'm happy enough with the pill. I take it 100% according to instructions, and 7 years on, no accidents so far. However, I am aware that it's not 100%. But then nothing is.

GrumPy

OP, have you tried different types of condoms? Theres some extra thin types that still offer protection, but dont feel as much like a swimming cap wrapped around your penis. Featherlite for one is recommended.

seaner

Have you talked to your girlfriend about this?
You should be able to express how your feeling. See if ye can come up with something together.
I'm sure your girlfriend wants you to enjoy your sex life!

Susannahmia

withwithout wrote: »

Hi guys,
Basically i've been going out with a girl for nearly 2 years now. The sex has been great for ages, but in the last few months its just getting a little less sensual for me and I can't feel much anymore at all when we're having sex.

What my question is, is when you are in a relationship, usually how long does the guy use a condom for? I mean, i know theres no set amount of time, but in your experience how long?

Also, my girlfriend is on the pill and has been the entire time. We've never had sex without a condom (except once) and sometimes we've fooled around a little bit without one (intercourse for about 2mins) and she's gotten a bit freaked out in case she could get pregnant. Is there really such a need for this much protection? I know that sounds stupid as you can never have enough protection, but when sex is starting to go down hill because of it, I'm just curious of other peoples experiences...

If you can trust her to take the pill properly you can stop using condoms after you both have had a full sti screening.

TequilaMockingBird

You don't state what your concerns are. If its STIs, get screened. If its pregnancy, and you don't want to use condoms anymore, then you've got to take the (very minimal) risk.

Talliesin

withwithout wrote: »

The sex has been great for ages, but in the last few months its just getting a little less sensual for me and I can't feel much anymore at all when we're having sex.

withwithout wrote: »

but when sex is starting to go down hill because of it,

I'm less than convinced that ending the use of barrier protection is your answer here.

I do prefer to not use condoms myself, so I'm not making a knee-jerk reaction to this (though obviously you do need to consider the risks of your actions) but condoms are only relevant to such a small proportion of sex that I find it hard to see who sex which was "great" could have gone downhill because you use them - especially since you were using them when it was "great" too.

I'd reconsider your diagnosis if I were you.

faceman

+1 for the STI checks first. All couples should do it before getting serious but not many do. Obviously the pill doesnt protect against STI's

Its possible to have an STI and not know about it. chlamydia being the best example.

Nothing to get scared about however.

LegacyUser

Why not get the iplanon contraceptive implant. No messy pills to take (so no worries on throwing up / interference from other medicine). It is 99.x% effective (i.e. Nobody on it has ever got pregnant - she would be VERY unlucky to be the first). GF is on her second they last three years.

Jack B. Badd

2999439e wrote: »

Why not get the iplanon contraceptive implant. No messy pills to take (so no worries on throwing up / interference from other medicine). It is 99.x% effective (i.e. Nobody on it has ever got pregnant - she would be VERY unlucky to be the first). GF is on her second they last three years.

No method of contraception is 100% effective as you suggest by saying that "Nobody on it has ever got pregnant".
From what I can find online, it appears that less than one woman in 100 a year get pregnant in the US when using Implanon.