what birth control do you use? is it crazy to use condoms?

[Anonymous]

Why is a vasectomy drastic? If you're done, have him get it done. Not a zero percent failure rate, but pretty close. That said, we use condoms (thinking about having a third kid, so vasectomy isn't right for now). I'm not wild about the smell and it does feel a little weird, but they're reliable and used properly they don't fail often. (Our one broken condom was non latex)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I had my last annual appointment, my OB asked me about the pill. I told him we were doing fine with condoms, so why not stick with that. He said the failure rate is a bit higher with condoms, so he thought the pill was better. That's all well and good, but I am not excited about hormonal methods so we will keep going with condoms.

Yeah, but is the failure rate higher because the actual condom fails, or is the failure rate higher because people wait too long to put it on???

If used properly, I don't think failure is a huge issue with condoms (i.e., I don't think the "failure" is due to the condom actually breaking or having some sort of hole/defect). The problem is that a lot of people wait to put it on. They think that they can get started and pull out and put it on after few minutes. I think that is the issue. When used correctly (i.e., putting the condom on *before* any actual intercourse takes place), I don't think you have to worry so much about the condom failing.

Just my layman's perspective...

But the way a lot of people use condoms, it's akin to the pull out method. They wait until they're near climax and then put it on. That's risky.

[Anonymous]

Dislike condoms so was very happy that DH got a vasectomy. Granted he doesn't like condoms either so it was a good win win.

[Anonymous]

I can't use hormonal contraception so it's what we've always relied on, no accidents. And when we *were* trying, we got pregnant in 3, 1, 6, and 1 months of trying (not all went to term), so we're decently fertile. Now that we're done, though, the plan is a vasectomy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For us the lasting longer is part of the problem. DH is very good at bringing me to orgasm quickly, but then condoms slow him down a lot. And frankly, once the condom's been on him, oral sex isn't an option.

use your hands?

[Anonymous]

Condoms here too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haate,hate,hate condoms. I have a paraguard and LOVE it. It is by far the best birth control I've ever been on and I've probably tried almost all of them.

Yup! Could not +1 this enough.

[Anonymous]

I'm a woman who hates condoms. Not using condoms is one of the bonuses of being in a relationship, to me. I'd go for an IUD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I had my last annual appointment, my OB asked me about the pill. I told him we were doing fine with condoms, so why not stick with that. He said the failure rate is a bit higher with condoms, so he thought the pill was better. That's all well and good, but I am not excited about hormonal methods so we will keep going with condoms.

Yeah, but is the failure rate higher because the actual condom fails, or is the failure rate higher because people wait too long to put it on???

If used properly, I don't think failure is a huge issue with condoms (i.e., I don't think the "failure" is due to the condom actually breaking or having some sort of hole/defect). The problem is that a lot of people wait to put it on. They think that they can get started and pull out and put it on after few minutes. I think that is the issue. When used correctly (i.e., putting the condom on *before* any actual intercourse takes place), I don't think you have to worry so much about the condom failing.

Just my layman's perspective...

But the way a lot of people use condoms, it's akin to the pull out method. They wait until they're near climax and then put it on. That's risky.

Grown ups actually use condoms that way? I can see a couple of high school kids trying to get away with that, but the thought that adults would is mind blowing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I had my last annual appointment, my OB asked me about the pill. I told him we were doing fine with condoms, so why not stick with that. He said the failure rate is a bit higher with condoms, so he thought the pill was better. That's all well and good, but I am not excited about hormonal methods so we will keep going with condoms.

Yeah, but is the failure rate higher because the actual condom fails, or is the failure rate higher because people wait too long to put it on???

If used properly, I don't think failure is a huge issue with condoms (i.e., I don't think the "failure" is due to the condom actually breaking or having some sort of hole/defect). The problem is that a lot of people wait to put it on. They think that they can get started and pull out and put it on after few minutes. I think that is the issue. When used correctly (i.e., putting the condom on *before* any actual intercourse takes place), I don't think you have to worry so much about the condom failing.

Just my layman's perspective...

But the way a lot of people use condoms, it's akin to the pull out method. They wait until they're near climax and then put it on. That's risky.

Grown ups actually use condoms that way? I can see a couple of high school kids trying to get away with that, but the thought that adults would is mind blowing.

Yep. I'm 38 and should know better. Not quite right before climax, but after a couple minutes.

[Anonymous]

Lifestyles SKYN or lambskin.

[Anonymous]

Ugh, dealing with this now. I got mirena and it perforated my uterus and I had to have it surgically removed. My OB was unsuccessful in his attempts to persuade me to get another so now I'm on the mini pill because I'm still breastfeeding. Except it's making my breasts hurt so bad I damn near can't even nurse. It's horrible.

I hate condoms but they're looking like our best option right now :'(