Condoms a safe way to keep from getting pregnant?

Question

My boyfriend and I (17 and 19 respectively) are thinking about having sex for the first time. We've been dating for almost 2 years now, and we've been discussing what we'll do and what will happen if I get pregnant. Obviously we don't want that to happen, but my parents are extremely strict, so getting on the pill is a bit difficult right now. I don't know if I should just let everything ride on a condom, so I guess my question is, Should I trust condoms to keep me from getting pregnant, and has anyone ever had one fail?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Good for you for having a serious discussion prior to having sex -- that is a step in the right direction.

Like many others have suggested here, condoms can be somewhat unreliable. I have had scary moments where they have broken, and unfortunately you don't realize this until it's too late.

There are a few things you can do to improve your odds. Like others have said, planned parenthood can get you on the pill for low to no cost without your parents knowing. Short of this, you can try a backup over-the-counter contraceptive like foam or the sponge in conjunction with a condom. Together, the effectiveness is around 99%.

As a backup, you could also plan your encounters according to your ovulation calendar. In coordination with the above, this should almost eliminate any chance of pregnancy. I have provided a link to calculate when you are likely to conceive.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Condoms are 86% effective, and that is if you use them 100% correctly. That means that if your boyfriend loses his errection, it could cause the condom to slip off, or if you are not careful with it, it might make a weak spot and get torn, or if the condom is too old it can get brittle. If you use a lubrication that is not safe for the condom it might wear the material down. It also menas you would have to have a condom every time, and in the heat of passion it's hard to say "No we don't have a condom." Also keep in mind you will have to have all the condom boxes and wrappers that they come with. The more trash you produce by having sex, the higher yours risk of your parents finding it.
I personally would not risk it, or if you do, also use natural planning, meaning have sex after you are sure your period is over.
There are other options, because places like planned parenthood will give even a younger woman like yourslef birth control. If you are afraid of them finding the pills, try something like the nuvo ring. It's easy almost fool proof and 99.95 effective.
Also check out local laws in your state to make sure you are legally able to have sex with him. Last thing you would want is him with a criminal record for statitory rape, and you with a child.
All in all though, sex is a big choice and you should make sure you are both ready emotionally for it.

Answer 3

First I commend you for waiting so long, and also for having an often forgotten conversation.... it shows your responsibility.

To answer the question, condoms can fail. They are not 100%. Even if they were 99.9% fool proof... any chance is too big a chance if you don't want to get pregnant. You can always take the pill, or use another form of prevention. The only 100% sure fire way not to get pregnant is abstinence... just remember that. Good luck... I hope all works out for you and your boyfriend.

Answer 4

You can definitely get pregnant if you use condoms and only condoms. Do not trust condoms to keep you from getting pregnant. I have two kids both are condom baby's.
You can easily go to the doctor and get on birth control pills. They wont tell your parents your on the pill, everything is confidential. Please, make sure you get on the pill. There are also free clinics that will give you birth control pills for free. Call your Local Health department and they will get you a phone number to your local clinic.
My son is 17 months old and my daughter is 7 months old. I got pregnant 5 weeks after having my son. We just used condoms and nothing else.

Answer 5

Nothing is certain!! I know several people who got pregnant using a condom, some on the pill, and some even with the pill and condom!!! If you arent ready for a child,the best thing to do is just wait...I know thats probably not what you want to hear but its true...

Answer 6

If you want to go on the pill, make up a lie (thats what i did) say that you are getting pains ans irregular periods and stuff.
Otherwise yes, condoms are great. If you are worried one has failed then after you are finished tie a knot in the open end and squeeze the other and if anything comes out then take the morning after pill within 3 days of sex. Have fun.

Answer 7

The effectiveness of condoms is listed at 85% with typical use (because most people don't use them perfectly). If they're used properly, the effectiveness is more like 98%. I know many people who used condoms and now have a child (or two).

Answer 8

There are a lot of babies out there whose parents used condoms. Don't just rely on one method . Use condoms and the pill. Talk to your school nurse or couselor , you don't need your parents permission in most states to get birth control. Since he is 19 will his mom take you? IF not go the school nurse route.

Answer 9

Go to your local health department or planned parenthood..

They'll often give out free birth control and wont call your parents. It's all confidential..

Even if you do get on birth control, still wear condoms...just added safety..

Remember though neither of those are 100% effective and there are some people who claim to have gotten pregnant while using condoms and bc

Answer 10

When I conceived my second son we used a condom and it did not break. Condoms are always a good idea to prevent STD's and pregnancy, but obviously not fool proof. Contact your local Planned Parenthood. They can provide you with birth control and information without your parents knowing.