I was put on Ortho Tri Cyclin Lo to stop my abnormal periods and I have been on them regularly since January. They work well and I recently made the big decision to have sex with my boyfriend for the first time. And I was wondering if this type of birth control was good enough for unprotected sex. I have an appointment with my gyn in a few weeks and I told him only condoms untl I find out from an official doctor. But until then I'm totally curious.Anyone know any answers?
2007-03-21 06:34:46 · 10 answers · asked by I'm better than you 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Yes it is. It doesn't matter that it is low dose. With perfect use the pill is 99.7% effective. With typical use (forgetting pills, taking it late) it is 95% effective. As long as it take it regularly there is no need to be worried. Use a condom to protect yourself from STDs.
2007-03-21 06:39:48 · answer #1 · answered by Sky 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
BCPs have an average efficacy rating of about 95% in daily use. This is because women forget them sometimes or they get sick and vomit them back up or whatever.
For some women, the pill MAY not be as effective if you have a high body-fat content because fat absorbs the hormones.
On average though, if you take your pill EXACTLY as you're supposed to, you should have no problems. In clinical studies when taken EXACTLY as they're supposed to be taken, the pill is over 99% effective.
No matter what you use, NO method is going to be 100% (and for comparison, condoms alone are only about 86% effective in preventing pregnancy).
If you've been taking your pill EXACTLY as it has been prescribed, you should be fairly (I would never say completely because of the NO method rule) protected from pregnancy.
Look at it this way: I've been on the pill for over 10 years and have never had a pregnancy scare. Its all in how you use it.
2007-03-21 06:51:36 · answer #2 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No pill is 100%. You should definitely alway use condoms too just in case. You don't want any mishaps to happen. Also when you are on antibiotics it makes the pill less effective. If you forget to take the pill at the same time every day, you could get pregnant or if you skip a day by mistake. It is so much better to not have to worry about being pregnant or have a disease if you use the pill and condoms....
2007-03-21 07:14:19 · answer #3 · answered by hello 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Ortho Tri Cyclin Lo works just like any other birth control; however, you have to remember that it's a low dose which means you are more susceptible to getting pregnant if you miss a dose or two.
2007-03-21 06:42:54 · answer #4 · answered by kat81886 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it is a good type of birth control (99% effective). I've used the same kind for over 2 years now and have never been pregnant. As long as you take it everyday I don't think you should have a problem.
2007-03-21 06:42:44 · answer #5 · answered by Ash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
99% effective when used the right way. Stick with using condoms, why take the risk? I'm in a monologous relationship where me, nor my partner, have any form of STDs. I still use a condom though. 99% is a great number, but who wants to be that 1%?
2007-03-21 08:33:19 · answer #6 · answered by COOLQF 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as an FYI... sex with or without a condom makes NO difference to the girl. Only the guy... and if he is fine with using a condom... Keep using them!! Lo is about 85% effective against pregnancy. Im getting on it right now and spoke to my doctor about it yesterday. Im getting on it because its a very low ammount of hormones. This bc is usually given for dysmenorrhea and making your periods more regular, not usually given to prevent pregnancy as much as other pills are. I really wouldnt start having unprotected sex though.... Even if he has never been with anyone else... It really makes no difference as far as sensations. Good luck
2007-03-21 06:53:39 · answer #7 · answered by Angel Eve 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If taken correctly Lo dose birth control methods ARE effective. However, until you are in a stable, long term, monogamous relationship, it is BEST to ALWAYS use condoms. STDs remain a HUGE risk
2007-03-21 06:40:31 · answer #8 · answered by buddys_angeleyes 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo works the same as a regular strength birth control. As long as it's making your period regular, you can bet that it stopping you from ovulating too. But, still, kudos to you for being proactive and protecting yourself!!!
2007-03-21 06:39:15 · answer #9 · answered by Natty 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I was on the same birth control for years until I decided to get a Mirena IUD it had the highest birth control at 99.9%. I totally recommend it.
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/centres/sex/birthcontrol/mirena.html
2007-03-21 07:13:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋