the pill

LegacyUser

hey, quick question, i've been on the pill for about six months and anytime i've had sex with my boyfriend we've always used a condom. He suggested that we should try it without a condom while i'm on the pill. I'm pretty sure that it's still not 100% so think it would be stupid but he says it is. Was just wondering if anyone has any information on it?
I'm 21 and don't want to take any chance that may risk it!

thanks

kittenkiller

http://www.menstruation.com.au/periodpages/thepill.html
Says that's it's between 95% and 99.5% if taken correctly.
My advice would be to do what you're comfortable with.
Personally I'd only rely solely on the pill if I was in a place where an unexpected pregnancy wouldn't be the end of the world.

Danniboo

I know plenty of people who have become pregnant while on the pill so personally I wouldn't risk it. Also are you 100% sure you're bf is clean .

dudara

The only method that is 100% pregnancy proof is abstinence.

Otherwise, there is always some risk, no matter how small.

If taken correctly, the pill is very effective (take the figure of 99.5% as quoted previously). But it is not absolute.

It's really up to you to decide what is an acceptable risk for you. Additionally, you may want to consider STIs.

Nevyn

The pill won't protect you form sti and hiv, I would suggest you both get tested before you stop using condoms.

LegacyUser

thanks a million guys

we are each others firsts so i presume that means the sti thing is clear?

im going to stick to to the condom, no point risking it

fend

You would have to be extremely unlucky to get pregnant whilst taking the pill correctly.

Danniboo

fend wrote: »

You would have to be extremely unlucky to get pregnant whilst taking the pill correctly.

Not necessarily missing just one taking it late, vomiting diarrohea, illness and that extra 2 - 5 % that's not covered. I know several people that have got preggers on the pill and i'm only one person. It really is more common than people think.

dudara

I don't doubt Danniboo that you know people who became pregnant while on the pill. I would be sceptical however that all were taking it correctly (which includes knowing what to do when ill, on antibiotics etc).

The sheer volume of questions we get here in PI about the pill clearly shows that a lot of women are taking the pill, without ever fully understanding it.

LegacyUser

I've been on the pill for about four years, have an alarm set on my phone so that I take it at the exact time every day. I've never used condoms when I was with my long term boyfriend and I never got pregnant. None of the people I know have gotten pregnant while on it either. That said, it is possible, but by taking it correctly, in my opinion, you're pretty safe. Basically, if you do decide to continue using condoms, as long as you're taking the pill correctly, don't be worrying if a condom breaks.

sam34

Danniboo wrote: »

Not necessarily missing just one taking it late, vomiting diarrohea, illness and that extra 2 - 5 % that's not covered. I know several people that have got preggers on the pill and i'm only one person. It really is more common than people think.

missing one or taking one late isnt taking it correctly.

similarly, having diarrhoea and not abiding by the 7 day rule is also not taking it correctly

Danniboo

dudara wrote: »

I don't doubt Danniboo that you know people who became pregnant while on the pill. I would be sceptical however that all were taking it correctly (which includes knowing what to do when ill, on antibiotics etc).

The sheer volume of questions we get here in PI about the pill clearly shows that a lot of women are taking the pill, without ever fully understanding it.

Exactly, imagine how many people are out there that haven't come on PI that aren't taking it correctly, scary. I'd never advise anyone to rely on the pill only, it'll only be a few months before there's more PI's saying pregant and don't know what to do.

ConsiderThis

Danniboo wrote: »

Exactly, imagine how many people are out there that haven't come on PI that aren't taking it correctly, scary. I'd never advise anyone to rely on the pill only, it'll only be a few months before there's more PI's saying pregant and don't know what to do.

You anecdotal evidence about knowing lots of wemn who ahve become pregnant while on the pill doesn't accord with the statistics. Just becasue I know some women who wanted to get pregnant, when their partners didn't want them to get pregnant, and who mysteriously seem to be the same women I know who also got pregnant when on the pill, doesn't mean that the pill doesn't work.

The statistics on the pill speak for themselves, and anyone who is concerned about getting pregnant while on the pill might consider consulting their GP who prescribed it, rather than relying on anecdotal evidence.

Nevyn

There is a difference in what is termed perfect use ( following the instructions and never missing a pill or being late taking one) and what is termed typical use which accounts frankly for user error.

With perfect use it is said to be 99.7% effective.
With typical use it is said to be 92% effective.

Danniboo

ConsiderThis wrote: »

You anecdotal evidence about knowing lots of wemn who ahve become pregnant while on the pill doesn't accord with the statistics. Just becasue I know some women who wanted to get pregnant, when their partners didn't want them to get pregnant, and who mysteriously seem to be the same women I know who also got pregnant when on the pill, doesn't mean that the pill doesn't work.

The statistics on the pill speak for themselves, and anyone who is concerned about getting pregnant while on the pill might consider consulting their GP who prescribed it, rather than relying on anecdotal evidence.

How is it anecdotal? They were on the pill, they used it correctly they got pregnant. Fact id say. Anyways everyone has their own ideas I wouldn't risk it anyways.