birth control question?

Question

I want to stop taking my birth control pill that I've been on for 15 years now. I feel like I have anxiety because of it. I don't want kids. Can I trust a condom?

Answer 1

Condoms are not 100% effective so there is a chance. Perhaps, if you really don't want kids and by the sounds of it you are old enough, speak to your doctor about the possibility of getting your tubes tired or something

Answer 2

GODDAMMIT I DESPISE PEOPLE WHO FEEL THE NEED TO WRITE A F**KING NOVEL!!!!!! PUT LINKS IN FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!


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A condom by itself is about 80% effective.

If you use a condom in conjunction with spermicides (74%), another barrier method (like a diaphragm - 80%), or periodic abstinence/fertility awareness (75%), you may be able to gain an efficacy rating nearly the same as the pill.

If you think however that your anxiety issues are caused by the pill and you're HAPPY with the pill otherwise (and you're afraid of pregnancy) then you might consider changing the formulation OR you might consider permanent sterilization. Both are viable options to discuss with your doctor.

Answer 3

NO! Condoms tear. Talk to your doctor about the anxiety, they may be able to change the prescription. Or you can always try another form like the ring, or maybe the shot? Try not to have sex while you are trying to get you body used to something new. Good luck!

Answer 4

Condoms are actually about 99% effective, but sometimes they are difficult to put up with. I know what you mean about the anxiety, and Nuva-Ring has the same hormones ...therefore, no relief from anxiety....an IUD might be right for you, they do make one that stays in place for 10 years and works without hormones, but it does have drawbacks...heavy periods, cramping etc....condoms are trustworthy, but remember to check them often DURING sex. The biggest difficulty is finding a good size for your partner....and remembering to make sure it didnt roll off prematurely!

Answer 5

No birth control is 100% effective.

What were you on?

There are different other forms of birth control you can try.

Talk to your doctor.

(I strongly encourage you to NOT get depo provera, its horrible!)

Answer 6

Not entirely...I'd try on of the following...

The Ring — NuvaRing — is a reversible prescription method of birth control. It is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week. The ring releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month.

The combination of hormones works in two ways. Usually, it keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). Less often it thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from joining with an egg. The hormones also thin the lining of the uterus. In theory, this could prevent pregnancy by interfering with implantation of a fertilized egg. But there is no scientific evidence that this occurs.

Pregnancy can happen if an error is made in using the ring — especially if

* the unopened package is exposed to very high temperatures or direct sunlight
* it slips out of the vagina and is not replaced within three hours
* it does not stay in the vagina for three weeks in a row
* it is left in the vagina for more than three weeks

If any of these things happen, follow the directions in your package insert, and call your clinician.

Effectiveness

The ring is a very effective reversible method of birth control. With typical use,* although no studies have yet been published, it is assumed that the ring will be more effective than the pill — eight out of every 100 pill users become pregnant with typical use. Fewer than one woman out of every 100 women who use the ring will become pregnant with perfect use.**

Certain medicines, including the antibiotic rifampin, certain drugs used to treat mental illness or to control seizures, certain anti-fungals that are taken orally for yeast infections, or certain HIV protease inhibitors may make the ring less effective. Ask your clinician for advice. Until then, use an additional method of birth control.

The regular use of oil-based vaginal anti-fungals (medicines for yeast infections) while the ring is in place may increase the level of hormones released into the blood. This will not reduce the effectiveness of the ring.

Implanon® is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm.

How the Implant Works

The implant contains progestin. Progestin is a synthetic hormone similar to the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries. It works in two ways. It keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). It also thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from joining with an egg. In theory, it could prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, but it has not been proven that it does.

How Well the Implant Works

Results of long-term studies will not be available for some time, but researchers estimate that Implanon will be up to 99.9 percent effective for up to three years.

Certain medicines and supplements, including the antibiotic rifampin, St. John’s wort, certain anti-fungal drugs that are taken orally for yeast infections, and certain drugs used to treat mental illness, seizures, or HIV, may reduce the effectiveness of the implant.

How the Implant is Used

After taking your medical history and giving you a physical exam, the clinician will numb a small area of your arm with a painkiller. The implant is inserted under the skin. Insertion takes only a few minutes. Protection against pregnancy is immediate if you get the implant during the first five days of your period. Otherwise, use an additional method of contraception for the first seven days.

Diaphragms, caps, and shields are soft latex or silicone barriers that cover the cervix.
# The diaphragm is a shallow, dome shaped cup with a flexible rim. It fits securely in the vagina to cover the cervix.
# FemCap is a silicone cup shaped like a sailor's hat. It fits securely in the vagina to cover the cervix.

The Basics

The letters "IUD" stand for "intrauterine device."

IUDs are small, "T-shaped" contraceptive devices made of flexible plastic. IUDs are available by prescription only. A woman and her clinician decide which is the right type for her, and the clinician inserts it in her uterus to prevent pregnancy. Two types are now available in the U.S.:

* ParaGard (Copper T 380A) — contains copper and can be left in place for 12 years
* Mirena — continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin, and is effective for five years

How IUDs Work

Both kinds of IUDs work by preventing sperm from joining with an egg by affecting the way they move. The hormone in Mirena increases effectiveness. It thickens cervical mucus, which provides a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It also prevents some women's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation).

IUDs also alter the lining of the uterus. In theory, this may prevent pregnancy by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg — but this has not been scientifically proven.

IUDs have a string attached that hangs down through the cervix into the vagina. A woman can make sure the IUD is in place by feeling for the string in her vagina. A clinician uses the string to remove the IUD.

Effectiveness

The IUD is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of 100 women who use ParaGard or Mirena, one or fewer will become pregnant during the first year of typical* use. Fewer than one will become pregnant with perfect** use. Fewer pregnancies occur with continued use.

It is very important to remember that the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom with the IUD to reduce the risk of infection


# Lea's Shield is a silicone cup with an air valve and a loop to aid in removal. It fits snugly over the cervix