Birth Control Failure Rates

[jl80]

would you say the sponge is a better form of birth control than spermicide alone?

[Brandye]

If you mean without the condom, maybe a little better. Theoretically the sponge absorbs the semen as it liquifies and kills the sperm swimming in it. In practical use, the "failure" of the sponge is about the same as spermicide alone.

Alone sponge equals about alone spermicide. Either one with condom is better than either one alone.

Barrier methods (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap) protect against that not often event that the man's urethral opening is directly against the cervical os upon discharge. The power of that first shot will get many sperm into the uterus without being exposed to spermicide. All those (400 million) sperm wandering around need to be captured by the spermicide because it is quite easy for sperm to swim around the edge of the diaphragm or, even, out the open end of a condom if you linger.

In short, all barrier methods REQUIRE chemical backup and the sponge has that onboard.

[arutha]

Originally Posted by Brandeye

protect against that not often event that the man's urethral opening is directly against the cervical os upon discharge. The power of that first shot will get many sperm into the uterus without being exposed to spermicide

Its probably not very much difference and I know there is always some chance, but does that mean there is more chance of pregnancy if you ejaculate right in front of the cervix opening than anywhere else in the vagina?

Not my main question though. Are diaphragms as effective as condoms in terms of BC? Or close to?

[Brandye]

Diaphragms, always used with vaginal jelly, have about the same effectiveness as condoms alone.

There is no way to measure exactly where the ejaculation took place relative the cervical os. But, if you line up the male urethra with the cervical os, there is a direct route into the uterus with that first, strong pulse.

[afflemming]

I missed pills and didn't use condoms what are my chances? Plus I was due for the red death on thurs. And its now tues and i ve got a test that I'm doing after school (grade twelve) hope mom doesn't walk in!

[Brandye]

Erratic use of the pill actually increases a woman's chance of becoming pregnant. Based upon your limited statement, there is no way to tell what your chances are.

Read the sticky Caution: Take Only as Directed. That explains how the pill works in your system. If you do not use the pill regularly, there is no point in taking it. Make certain you read the instructions for the pregnancy test and FOLLOW THEM PRECISELY.

[xfiendfyre]

I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but this is something that I have been wondering for a very long time, and have not been able to find a suitable answer for it anywhere. I've read every single post in this thread and this question has not been quite covered for me yet.

I'm on the pill and take it consistently (the farthest I've gone from my scheduled daily time has only been an hour, and that only happened once in the 3 months I have been taking it). My boyfriend and I have been doubling up with condoms as well, but I was wondering for future reference: if I used the pill (as consistently as I am taking it) and a spermicide-nothing else besides these two methods-would that be considered "safe" and/or adequately protected against pregnancy? Especially if, IN ADDITION, he pulls out before ejaculation? Are any reliable statistics known? We're both squeaky clean (lost it to each other and never fooled around with anyone else) but could there be anything else (since there shouldn't be the STI factor...) that I would still need a condom's protection from? (Besides pregnancy, I already know that, hehe). I feel stupid asking it, but I figure I would rather be safe than sorry...

Thanks in advance for all help!

[pinkFlames]

If you are squeaky clean as you put it, there really is no point in doubling up with any of the methods you've mentioned while on the Pill.

[Brandye]

Well, look at the failure rates. They are multiplicative. That is, if there is a fifteen in a hundred failure rate with a condom and a fifteen in a hundred with spermicide, then the resulting failure rate using both is .0045 or four and a half in a thousand. Failure rates are measured in 100 women using a technique properly for a year. The pill, in actual use, is a bit less than three women per hundred.

You will find no statistics showing three or more techniques because no one tests that. We use the statistical method. The fact remains that any time a penis is in a vagina, pregnancy is possible - very remote sometimes but possible.

[EvilEvilKitten]

Doubling up and even tripling up is NOT just about anti-disease and anti-pregnancy, it s also about BOTH partners taking the responsibility to practice safe sex.

If he can't wear a condom while she's taking BCPs etc. then he' is not a man and not worth her time. Why? Because he's letting her bear the full weight while he gets off scot-free. Also she's pumpig herself full of hormones at some risk and he's too damn chicken to wear a condom?!?!? WTF?? Got the message yet? You do it because it is part of the deal and it shows RESPECT.

Showing that you respect your partner and that you also respect yourself is worth doubling and even tripling up on the protection.