Probably paranoid...but

I recently started having sex about a month ago with my boyfriend.  I have been on Yasmin birth control for several years because of acne and to regulate periods.  I was very happy when my boyfriend came to surprise visit me at school last weekend.  I had just finished taking the placebo week of pills and had only taked the first regural pill that morning and we had sex that night.  The pill is our only source of birth control and this is the first time he didn't pull out (sorry if that was TMI).  I don't know why but I'm feeling really paranoid that I might be pregnant.  I have a funny feeling down there.  My friends say its basically impossible because the pill is still in my system, but I'm worried because I hadn't taken it for a week beforehand.  Does someone that knows more about this offer some opinions?  I'm 19 years old and don't know much about this kind of stuff.

Original Post by crazineko:

Original Post by azirra:

Original Post by crazineko:

 I would still get into the habit of using a condom, and use this as your secondary form of birth control. 

If youre using the pill correctly and you are both STD free there is no need for this.

 Actually, it would be smart to double up.  I work at a pregnancy helpline, and I can't tell you how many calls I receive from women who have STD symptoms when they swore up and down that their boyfriend told them they are STD free.  Things happen.  People cheat on eachother.  I don't know the OP or her boyfriend, but people do stupid things.  If she wants to be a smart cookie, it would do her well to use both a condom and birth control.

 even without the cheating, std's can go into a sort of hibernation. its best to play it safe

Original Post by alibsam:

This is probably the only thing crazienko and I will ever agree on. haha

 Haha.  Definitely a strange occurrence!!

I used to skip the placebo's all the time and did not get pregnant.  That's not to say it's the smart thing to do, though.  Since you are sexually active, I would advise not skipping any pills.

Also, another thing.  I don't think a woman can get pregnant anyway in the days following our periods.  If I understand ovulation correctly, and if you are regular, there is only 4-5 days in a month when your egg is in the right place to be fertilized - and that is in the middle of your cycle (in between periods).  You have to understand your cycle down to the day, though, to be able to plan this.  I could be very wrong about this, but it is how I understand our cycles.

Original Post by cavaliers:

If I understand ovulation correctly, and if you are regular, there is only 4-5 days in a month when your egg is in the right place to be fertilized - and that is in the middle of your cycle (in between periods). 

 Ha!  My parents thought this as well...and then I had a sister!

You have to remember that sperm can hang around for a while as well...

Original Post by njc_18:

I recently started having sex about a month ago with my boyfriend.  I have been on Yasmin birth control for several years because of acne and to regulate periods.  I was very happy when my boyfriend came to surprise visit me at school last weekend.  I had just finished taking the placebo week of pills and had only taked the first regural pill that morning and we had sex that night.  The pill is our only source of birth control and this is the first time he didn't pull out (sorry if that was TMI).  I don't know why but I'm feeling really paranoid that I might be pregnant.  I have a funny feeling down there.  My friends say its basically impossible because the pill is still in my system, but I'm worried because I hadn't taken it for a week beforehand.  Does someone that knows more about this offer some opinions?  I'm 19 years old and don't know much about this kind of stuff.

I can tell you first hand it's not "impossible" to get pregnant off the pill! Though it is difficult. Most BCPs have an effectiveness rate between 95-98%, I think. A funny feeling down there may be psychological though. If it's really nagging on your mind, just take a pregnancy test and see.

Original Post by cavaliers:

 If I understand ovulation correctly, and if you are regular, there is only 4-5 days in a month when your egg is in the right place to be fertilized - and that is in the middle of your cycle (in between periods).  You have to understand your cycle down to the day, though, to be able to plan this.  I could be very wrong about this, but it is how I understand our cycles.

 This is true, women are most fertile right ni the middle of our cycles. However that doesn't mean that you can't get pregnant other times of your cycle. Also, there have been people on the Pill who have still gotten pregnant. It's not 100% effective, although it's probably the most effective form of birth control (no protection against STDs of course).

And the more you stress about it, the more likely you are to make your cycle irregular. If you're that stressed out then take a test and see. And then I'd recommend using a 2nd form of birth control in addition to the Pill, if you're going to be this concerned and stressed all the time. And no, pulling out is by no means a good form of birth control - use a condom or something else.

Just keep in mind that stress can cause your cycle to get off track, even if you're on the Pill. The more you worry about possibly being pregnant, the more likely you are to throw yourself off. That's why I'd suggest taking a test to be sure.... then double up on birth control forms in the future.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness rate in the high 90s for BCP is only if you take them perfectly- that is, at the exact same time every day. I'm talking down to the hour. You can skip the placebos because they don't have any active ingredients in them, but it's best to keep taking them so you make it a habit.

The other points about STDs are valid- some have months or years of dormancy (HIV doesn't show up on tests for months), doctors don't routinely test for others unless you show symptoms, and people lie about their test results. I had a boyfriend (who I loved, trusted, adored, wanted to marry) who told me he was tested twice and it turned out that he never went.

Something that I learned the hard way when I first started having sex, is that sex can increase the chances of getting a bladder infection or a yeast infection, especially when you're not using condoms (semen changes the pH of your womanly areas). 

 

You might "feel funny" because you're developing something.  Always remember to go pee right after having sex, to make sure all the bacteria in your urethra (the tube that leads from your baldder to the hole you pee out of) gets pushed out.  The friction of sex causes bacteria to be pushed up and can cause bladder infections.

Thanks for all the quick responses!  Its nice to be able to clear my head about this.  I really appreciate all the advice.  i'm going to have a talk with my boyfriend about using condoms.  I also think I will make use out of the student health services here at my university and get a check out.  I tend to be a worry wart and I'm starting to see that I shouldn't be so paranoid about this. 

Original Post by azirra:

Original Post by crazineko:

 I would still get into the habit of using a condom, and use this as your secondary form of birth control. 

If youre using the pill correctly and you are both STD free there is no need for this.

 

That's really not a factual statement at all. Even if it was factually correct, the human condition (and the fact that we lie about going to appointments, getting negative STD test results, or cheat on our partners before or afterwards and exposing ourselves to STDs) really solidifies that that kind of logic is quite foolhardy.

It is quite common knowledge that the pill is not an entirely fool-proof method of birth protection (actually NO methods of birth control are, besides abstinence), with the highest percentages of success rate in the high 90's and only if it is taken diligently (same time every day). Besides that, some people are simply more prone to becoming pregnant! I've known quite a few people who have become pregnant while on oral contraceptives and even one who used the pill AND condoms and became pregnant!

I personally feel that if you really care about your sexual health and preventing pregnancy, you should use both oral contraceptives and condoms, at the very least until you are in a long-term, monogamous relationship. Even then, both partners should be regularly tested for STDs (which can be simply incorporated in with regular checkups!). That way, IF something still happens, as least you can feel good about the fact that you did everything you could. Way too many people learn the hard way - there's no reason for you to as well.

As an aside, that abstinence-only education sure works, doesn't it? *eye-roll*

edit

Hi!  I'm going to tell you just exactly like I tell my 16-year-old daughter at least once a week.  She was a pill baby.  Her older brother was a pill baby.  I was 19 when I got pregnant with her brother.  I was on the pill with both of them and took it just like recommended.  You cannot be too careful!  For safety sake (not just in getting pregnant but, God forbid, an STD (and some are for life, not just 'take a pill, fix it up' but I'm sure you know that) take more precautions than just the pill.  Use condoms, practice abstinence, whatever it takes to keep you happy and healthy!

Jeez you guys are scaring this girl!

I do this nearly every month, I've been on the pill for over a year now for sexual activity and my BF and I were virgins when we got together (we were 15 and I'd known him since we were 12 so yes, I'm sure) and we never used a condom and I've never gotten pregnant

Let me explain my earlier comment which everyone disagreed with.

From Plannedparenthood.com:

Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed. (99% effectiveness)

About 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don’t always take the pill each day as directed.  (92% effectiveness)

I know there are horror stories out there about women getting pregnant despite being on the pill, or despite being on the pill plus using condoms, but look at the stats. If you follow directions, you are covered 99% of the time. If you dont follow directions, you are only 92% covered.

There are two personal choices you have to make: 1) Do you trust that your partner really doesnt have any STDs? 2) Are you satisfied with 99% effectiveness? Depending on the answers, you may choose to use condoms. But STDs aside - it isnt that bad to rely on the pill! I feel like no one here trusts the pill. 99% is pretty darn safe.

 

Original Post by azirra:
Let me explain my earlier comment which everyone disagreed with.

From Plannedparenthood.com:

Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed. (99% effectiveness)

About 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don’t always take the pill each day as directed.  (92% effectiveness)

I know there are horror stories out there about women getting pregnant despite being on the pill, or despite being on the pill plus using condoms, but look at the stats. If you follow directions, you are covered 99% of the time. If you dont follow directions, you are only 92% covered.

There are two personal choices you have to make: 1) Do you trust that your partner really doesnt have any STDs? 2) Are you satisfied with 99% effectiveness? Depending on the answers, you may choose to use condoms. But STDs aside - it isnt that bad to rely on the pill! I feel like no one here trusts the pill. 99% is pretty darn safe.

 

Let me clarify, that less than 1 out of 100 if taken correctly means the effectiveness is more than 99% safe. In fact most sites state that it is 99.9% (1/1000 births per year) effective if taken correctly. That number is also actually safely rounded. I've even seen 99.99% (1/10000 births per year) effectiveness if taken correctly. The real number may be 99.9999%, but there is no way to tell how many people are actually taking the pills correctly. These numbers were estimated in testing and when testing any sort of pill, you can't use 10,000 subjects in your study. If you look around the web, you will see that there are a couple of births per 100 people on the pill each year. http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/cont raception/contraception_birth.html suggests that 5-8 couples will have an unplanned pregnancy each year even when on the pill. This is largely (99.99% of the time or whatever it may actually be) due to improper use of the pill, or other factors such as the subject being overweight (this is known to reduce the effectiveness), or specific medical issues the subject is already dealing with.

Original Post by azirra:

Let me explain my earlier comment which everyone disagreed with.

From Plannedparenthood.com:

Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed. (99% effectiveness)

About 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don’t always take the pill each day as directed.  (92% effectiveness)

I know there are horror stories out there about women getting pregnant despite being on the pill, or despite being on the pill plus using condoms, but look at the stats. If you follow directions, you are covered 99% of the time. If you dont follow directions, you are only 92% covered.

There are two personal choices you have to make: 1) Do you trust that your partner really doesnt have any STDs? 2) Are you satisfied with 99% effectiveness? Depending on the answers, you may choose to use condoms. But STDs aside - it isnt that bad to rely on the pill! I feel like no one here trusts the pill. 99% is pretty darn safe.

 

Oh, I don't distrust the pill. I'll still use it. But I have been in that 1% just sayin'. No harm in her just having a pregnancy test done, if nothing else it'll put her mind at rest.

Original Post by njc_18:

You're right, he only told me about the test.  He did make the appointment when I was in the room so I know that at least he went.  I trust him and I guess I just don't see the incentive about lying to me to give me a disease.  But, I guess I can understand your suspicions and will ask to see proof..

Seriously? um.For sex. Most people won't agree to have sex with you if informed that you have herpes, warts, syphilis, ect. I doubt you would've said " Lets do it!" If he had given you the results of any STD. It's unlikely one would gladly nod and smile. Then go along into a sexual relationship knowingly to gain a VD from the experience. The STD knowledge puts a damper on the hot and heavy.

 It's not always the case but it's best to protect yourself. People have no problem showing you proof. They aren't offended unless they're hiding something from you. Always use birth control but please remember... with any method... There is the chance of pregnancy.

 I suggest that you take every precautions not to become pregnant at an inopportune time in your life. However, ALSO take them in order to remain STD free. Even if you trust your ' boyfriend ' it's important that you take care of you. It's important to be cautious because it's in your own best interest. I'm a firm believer that Words are Words. Show me. Prove it through actions. Show me Facts. You need people to show you before you go along blindly.

 The ' weird ' feeling you're having could be an STD. I'm not saying this to scare you, but to be realistic. Pregnancy is just one of many risk you take when having sexual relations with people. Always do your research so you aren't blind sided at later date. More people have std's than you think... and most of which are our good friends to be honest. I think that you should seriously google the statistics of people with STD's. It's an eye opener! Some aren't even aware they're carriers. So they lie in belief it's the truth to save themselves from a wasted test. . . So be careful for you.

Another wonderful thing that I'd like to share with you is someone may prove it. However, there is nothing stopping them from picking up an STD while within a relationship with you. Some people are cheaters even though their partners think they're within an exclusive relationship. Even someone that only cheated ' once ' can bring you home a life-long STD. So be sure that the people given your trust earn it. It would be in your best interest to just be tested for pregnancy and STD's. That way you have back your peace of  mind on the matter. Either way. You know for a fact that way.

Everyone looks at the statistics of birth control methods in question. To be serious the odds of you being pregnant on birth control are less likely than you having an STD. I'd like you to go research the statistics for those with STDs. It's unnerving.

Original Post by njc_18:

Thanks for all the quick responses!  Its nice to be able to clear my head about this.  I really appreciate all the advice.  i'm going to have a talk with my boyfriend about using condoms.  I also think I will make use out of the student health services here at my university and get a check out.  I tend to be a worry wart and I'm starting to see that I shouldn't be so paranoid about this. 

 It's better to be careful because you're a worry wart... Than have an std because you were carefree in all seriousness. Protection is important for more than pregnancy. Everyone stresses the baby factor but the STD factor is just as disturbing.

Original Post by baby_creature:

Something that I learned the hard way when I first started having sex, is that sex can increase the chances of getting a bladder infection or a yeast infection, especially when you're not using condoms (semen changes the pH of your womanly areas). 

 

You might "feel funny" because you're developing something.  Always remember to go pee right after having sex, to make sure all the bacteria in your urethra (the tube that leads from your baldder to the hole you pee out of) gets pushed out.  The friction of sex causes bacteria to be pushed up and can cause bladder infections.

 Good advice. It could very well be an infection forming. People aren't as prone to such things prior to being sexually active. Yeast and badder infections are fairly common too.