Contraception

LegacyUser

Ok, here's the story.

Been with my gf for 3 years now since i was 18, everything's grand. We've always used condoms and the pill, but to be honest, condoms are becoming a real pain in the hole now(no pun intended:D) As we all know there is a HUUUUUUGE difference from wearing a condom to not, and i'm getting to the point where i *wouldn't mind* not wearing one. Now i know that it probably wouldn't make a difference as she always takes the pill religiously!! but we're both quite paranoid so even if she was a day late with her period we would be FREAKING!!

I suppose my question is, are there any more affective forms of contraception that doesn't involve a condom? Would the injection be better(as in there is no chance of missing a pill or anything), the only thing about the injection is it often makes periods irregular and that wouldn't go down well what with all the paranoia:eek:. I don't suppose there is any kind of male 'pill' yet?

Any help is much obliged:)

Gordon

Ask a professional for professional help.

I have no problem people discussing contraception types but this is not the place for you to base your contraceptive decisions from, or rather - your girlfriends contraceptive decisions.

Today is Sunday, go to a doctor or sexpert tomorrow. People can also advise you as to what different professionals to go to as I wouldn't know.

This thread is not about percentage differences in differing contraceptives, it is a discussion on peoples experiences.

LegacyUser

I hear what you're saying, i suppose one thing i'm looking for is some kind of reassurance with regards to only using one form of contraception such as the pill/injection etc. Up until now we've used both pill and condom because it gave us piece of mind that we would prevent pregnancy, which we have, but in reality it's just as likely, or for want of a better word, unlikely, to get pregnant when only using one contraceptive. It's all in the mind i guess.

What sexpert could we go to? I don't really see the point in paying to go and see a GP who will only tell me what i already know(stats etc).

Nala

I was on the injection for 6 months last year, and I doubt I'll ever go back on it. It turned me into a psycho pretty much overnight. It ruined my relationship as well. The mood swings I got were unreal. I'm normally a fairly happy-go-lucky type of girl but while I was on the injection I was irritable and got angry/upset/both over absolutely nothing. Yes, it is very effective as a contraceptive, but bear in mind it is non-reversible. Unlike the Pill, which you can stop taking at any time, when you have the injection done, it is in your body for a number of months, which isn't good if you have any bad side effects. Side effects can include weight gain (doctor told me I'd put on about 5 pounds per year) but I didn't experience that. But I'm naturally skinny.
You can also only go on it for a few years bacause it increases your risk of osteoporosis. My doctor told me to only stay on it for while I'm in college (4 years) and then go on the Pill.

On the plus side, it is convenient, and unlike the Pill, stomach illness/vomiting/diahoerrea won't stop it from working.

Seraphina

Paranoiddroid wrote:

I hear what you're saying, i suppose one thing i'm looking for is some kind of reassurance with regards to only using one form of contraception such as the pill/injection etc. Up until now we've used both pill and condom because it gave us piece of mind that we would prevent pregnancy, which we have, but in reality it's just as likely, or for want of a better word, unlikely, to get pregnant when only using one contraceptive. It's all in the mind i guess.

i know exactly what you mean, i used to be like this too, but condoms were a major problem with my current bf, so i decided to go to the doctor about it.

she assured me that the pill is a perfectly reliable form of contraceptive on its own, once its taken properly. hundreds of women use it that way, and the stats that say 1/2 in a hundred women will get pregnant is from not being careful using it. the reason condoms are pushed so much is because of the rise of sti's recently, and younger people sleeping around etc.

of course if she misses the pill or is sick, you've gotta use condoms, but you've also gotta stop being so paranoid :P
so we stopped using condoms a few weeks ago. the sex is much better and no pregnancies yet

b3t4

OP, do a search in this forum for "depo provera" (medical name for the injection or search for injection). It has been discussed here a number of times.

A

r3boot

• pills don't stop STI's condoms do.
• Pills llose some of their effectiveness if they are missed OR the person taking them goes on antibiotics/has the runs or is vomiting.

Efficacy of the pill depends on the type as well.

TerrorFirmer

Am I the only male that finds sex with a condom just as great as without?

Bluebells

Give the injection a go but it might end up with you having less sex depending on the effects it has on your gf. I found it a nightmare but its different for everyone.

Wibbs

I've heard a lot of similar stories to Nala's with regard to the injection. Speaking as a bloke I'd be very cautious of taking anything that was irreversible for months. That said I know other women who swear by it. Get as much info as you can especially from other couples that have tried it.

MobileInfantry wrote:

Am I the only male that finds sex with a condom just as great as without?

I'd say you were unusual(and bloody lucky) as for me(and for other men I know) the difference is huge. I know today with std's on the rise again condom usage goes without saying but I personally find them very restrictive and dulling. Incidentally so does the GF. I still wear them though as the possible consequences of not don't bear thinking about.