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The Pill - Should we still use condoms?
We have been married 4 years and we have always used condoms & the pill. At first it was because we didn't want to get pregnant right after getting married and then we kept doing it bc we still didn't want to get pregnant THEN my hubby got cancer and we kept doing it bc we had to because he was on Chemo. Yesterday we got the news that he is CANCER free and we are allowed to try & have kids starting in Feb/March. He cleared us for not using condoms but after so many years of using double protection I am nervous about getting pregnant before its been 6 months since the chemo. Is the Pill VERY effective or do you think we should continue to double up until February? Part of me thinks its smart to double up but the other part of me thinks its silly that we are married & still using both!
What do y'all think?
Re: The Pill - Should we still use condoms?
Congrats to you and your H on the cancer-free status!
I would not use condoms with the pill--whether I was married or not. The pill, if taken properly (same time every day, not forgetting pills, etc.), is so effective that using condoms in addition seems like a pointless kill-joy.
Thank you,
xoxo
Hey...also from the "Burgh". First congrats to your and your H for beating cancer. So wonderful!!
Secondly, my husband and I only use BC and we have never had a problem. I set my alarm and take it at the same time every day. If you do miss a pill just double check in your packet if you need a back-up method.
DH and I also want to start trying to concieve around Feb/March. But I am done with BC as of now. I should start a new pack on Sunday, but I am not going to. Instead, we are going to use condoms for a few months and let the hormones get out of my system. That could always be an option if you are looking to get off the BC before you TTC.
Hi ladies, I'm also from the Pittsburgh area! Congrats on the cancer free diagnosis!
LiLou902, we sound very similiar! I set the alarm on my phone so I never forget to take my pill and we've never used a back-up. DH and I are going to start TTC in January. I'm finishing up this cycle on BCP, then we're going to use condoms for a month. Then it's baby making time!
Congratulations on the cancer free diagnosis! I don't want to be the rain on this parade, but I felt the need to chime in. The pill is usually quoted as being 97-99% effective when used appropriately - meaning that most women you ask will say they've never had a problem, but some do. Also if you don't take the pill at about the same time everyday your protection drops to at least 92% or lower. I can understand why you would want to not use the condom anymore and if you're doctor said it's ok then most likely you should be fine. However, if it was me I would continue to use 2 forms of protection until the time that it was definitely safe to get pregnant (that's just my opinion). Good luck with everything!
To the TTC ladies- congratulations on your upcoming plans- my only word of warning is condoms are usually quoted as being about 85% ish in preventing pregnancy and lower if not used appropriately. These stats I believe are based on year long use, but keep in mind some women will end up ovulating more then one egg after coming off ocp which means you are at a higher risk of having multiples and/or getting pregnant before you planned.
Sorry to be a worry wort, but just wanted to give you a complete picture to make your decision on (this is what they teach us in medical school).
Best of luck to you all!
One of my best friends got pregnant twice while using the pill. If you are not ready to get pregnant keep up with the double protection.
Better safe than sorry!
Thanks to all the commenters. I was embarrassed to ask the question but it helps that others weren't embarrassed to answer.
Hey Pittsburgh Girls PM me sometime if you want :0)
First- Congrats on the cancer free! Very exciting!
On the other hand, I have a cousin who got pregnant while on BC. She just found out that she is pregnant again, she had an IUD in and still conceived.
While BC is 99% effective while taken correctly, it all depends on your body and how fertile you are.
To the others who are TTC Good Luck!
Just a little advice: I would stay on the pill if I was you and continue to use the condoms, just for saftey percautions! I was on bc since I was 16 years old (now 25). I had been on the pill, then did 5 years on the shot, and went back to the pill. (because I had heard if you stay on the shot too long it can cause fertility problems) Well my Dr changed my pill because of some side effects I had started having to the first new pill I starting taking after the shot. I was on that pill for 1 month and came up prego. (Found out one week before my wedding date, lol)