Aa
I need reassurance...
Hi,
Let me give some background and then I will ask my question.
I am 19 years old and have been with my boyfriend for a year, he is 20. We had sex for the first time 5 months ago, in February, then we didn't have sex again until the beginning of April. The first time in Feb, we just used a condom, the reason we stopped for a month was b/c i went on the pill and you are suppose to give it a month before it is truly effective.
So when we started sleeping together again in April i was on the pill, however since May we have not used condoms bc we trust each other as far as STIs/STDs go (we were both tested before we had sex for the first time) and b/c we have just never been able to get condoms to work properly for us. They have always broken or come off or we did without b/c of the frustration of not being able to get it to work.
I am on orth-tricyclen and i take it religiously every day at the same time, i have only ever missed a pill twice and doubled up the next day both times.
My period has always been very very regular, and has continued to be regular since starting on the pill.
With everything that I have described what are the chances of me getting pregnant at any point? I assume that they are fairly slim b/c i am very good about taking the pill at the same time each day, but we dont use condoms so there isn't that extra barrier just in case.
I just need some reassurance that by taking the pill every day at the same time, that the pill is in fact 99% effective against pregnancy, so us continuing not to use condoms is ok.
Let me give some background and then I will ask my question.
I am 19 years old and have been with my boyfriend for a year, he is 20. We had sex for the first time 5 months ago, in February, then we didn't have sex again until the beginning of April. The first time in Feb, we just used a condom, the reason we stopped for a month was b/c i went on the pill and you are suppose to give it a month before it is truly effective.
So when we started sleeping together again in April i was on the pill, however since May we have not used condoms bc we trust each other as far as STIs/STDs go (we were both tested before we had sex for the first time) and b/c we have just never been able to get condoms to work properly for us. They have always broken or come off or we did without b/c of the frustration of not being able to get it to work.
I am on orth-tricyclen and i take it religiously every day at the same time, i have only ever missed a pill twice and doubled up the next day both times.
My period has always been very very regular, and has continued to be regular since starting on the pill.
With everything that I have described what are the chances of me getting pregnant at any point? I assume that they are fairly slim b/c i am very good about taking the pill at the same time each day, but we dont use condoms so there isn't that extra barrier just in case.
I just need some reassurance that by taking the pill every day at the same time, that the pill is in fact 99% effective against pregnancy, so us continuing not to use condoms is ok.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
The pill is 99% effective. This effectiveness is based upon 100% compliance with use.
99% of pregnancies can be avoided if it is used properly. As scaredmomof1 points out, there remains that 1% chance. I used the pill for many many years and never conceived until six months after I stopped using it. I have seen many many "pill" pregnancies in my career too! I have noticed that most couples do not find condoms practical over the long term, and usually opt for some other form of birth control.
There is also the option of a diaphragm if you want to increase your odds further.
The only 100% guarantee is abstinence.
I hope this is useful information.
Good luck!
Dr B
The pill is 99% effective. This effectiveness is based upon 100% compliance with use.
99% of pregnancies can be avoided if it is used properly. As scaredmomof1 points out, there remains that 1% chance. I used the pill for many many years and never conceived until six months after I stopped using it. I have seen many many "pill" pregnancies in my career too! I have noticed that most couples do not find condoms practical over the long term, and usually opt for some other form of birth control.
There is also the option of a diaphragm if you want to increase your odds further.
The only 100% guarantee is abstinence.
I hope this is useful information.
Good luck!
Dr B
I think that is a choice you have to make and be okay with no matter what outcome you get. I was on the pill for 5 years never missed taking it once and get pregnant with my son. This also happened to 2 of my family members so it just depends on your body and your response to the pill.
Talk with you doctor about other options as well.
Talk with you doctor about other options as well.
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