Rhythm Method

[findmyprince.livejournal.com]

Hi, I'm new. I'm kindah interesting in trying to ahve sex with my lover without condoms for the first time. I'm on birth control (Ortho-Tri), but I'm still worried about the pregnancy risks. I'm curious about the rhythm method, and I know that I have a very consistant period thanks to birth control....but when am I at the least risk of getting pregnant. I've been doing research and alot of the answers are different. Generally all the sites say "after ovulation".

So what would be a good guess on days when I can effectively use the rhythm method? Right after or before my period and for how many days?

Thanks.

Comments

[shmi85.livejournal.com]

I'm not an expert on the rhythm method at all. However, when you're using hormonal birth control, you do not ovulate. The hormones in the pills fool your ovaries into thinking that you're pregnant, so they do not release any eggs.

So . . . there's really no way to use the rhythm method "correctly" when on birth control, as far as I know. I don't know how much you know about how the pill works -- besides supressing ovulation, it thins out your uterine lining so that if you do ovulate for some reason, the egg has a much smaller chance of attaching to your uterus successfully. Birth control also thickens your cervical mucus quite a bit, making it even more difficult for sperm to even enter your uterus. I'm much more confident about the pill's effectiveness (or any drug's effectiveness), when I understand how it works. That might help you become more confident about having sex without a condom while on birth control at any time in your cycle.

[lindsey-nichole.livejournal.com]

in addition to what the other comment said, when used correctly, birth control pills are safe to use as your only form of bc. as long as you aren't taking any antibiotics or anything else to weaken the pills effectiveness, it is "meant" to be your only form of protection against pregnancy. some women feel comfortable using condoms in addition to the pill. since i am in a monogomous (doesn't look like it's spelled correctly, haha its late and im tired!) relationship, we rely on the pill to prevent pregnancy. i've never worried about pregnancy, and i'm sure if you ask around enough most women who use bc pills correctly will tell you the same thing.

you may even want to check out birthcontrol for more info :)

[bitpsych.livejournal.com]

The rhythym method is completely pointless while you're on the pill. It's impossible to use it because you aren't ovulating.

You ought to do some research about how the pill works... then you might trust it a bit more. The pill actually has two backup methods built into it, so to speak. In case you DO ovulate (which is rare), it's really difficult for sperm to make it through your cervical mucus. In case they DO get through it, and happen to get to the egg, this fertilized egg would have to implant in an almost nonexistent uterine lining.

This is why the pill is 99.5-99.7% effective ;)

[ourika.livejournal.com]

I agree with everyone else - learning about how your pill works can make you feel more comfortable with using it as your own form of birth control. But if it doesn't, you can also look at using spermicidal methods in conjunction with the pill. There are various forms of spermicide that you would insert inside before intercourse (you'd have to check the boxes for more exact instructions). There are spermicidal films, spermicidal foams, spermicidal sponges, etc.

[penguin-lover.livejournal.com]

also on ortho-tri... since i started having sex ive never had so much as a scare. its a really effective pill and it works really well. thats all i can give you input on i guess... if youre worried about losing that extra protection you get with a condom i wouldnt, cause you cant get much safer than birth control. not nowadays, anyway.

[indreamsx.livejournal.com]

aside from a tubal ligation, hormonal birth control is pretty much the best contraception. take your pill at the same time every day, try not to take anything that has a lot of vitamin c (fruit juice, multivitamin etc) around the same time you take your pill (i read in a community somewhere that it may decrease effectiveness, so don't take my word for it but it's just something to watch out for), use a backup method if you get put on antibiotics or have been vomiting or have diarhhea, don't take st. johns wort, keep your weight under 155 lbs. i think that's all. back in the day my boyfriend & i (now husband) had sex just about everyday for a full year & i never got pregnant. right now my weight is above 155 thanks to a nasty medication i was put on that made me gain weight so we're using condoms, but if my weight was lower than that i would trust the pill again.

if you're scared about going without condoms, you could use a spermicide or a diaphragm. the rhythm method is useless when you're on the pill, as is charting your period because the physical signs of ovulation (cervical mucous & whatnot) generally aren't there. also, it's not a bad idea to have a plan in case you do get pregnant. like if you would opt to have an abortion, have the money set away for it & know which clinic to go to. or if you are pro-choice then talk with your guy about whether you would choose adoption or choose to raise the child. i know it took a lot of pressure off me after me & my husband had a good long talk about what we'd do.

[findmyprince.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your info. Never knew about the vitamin C thing (I'm a vegitarian, and I don't drink soda or anything sot hat could be a problem), and I am under 155 lbs(101 lbs last time I was weighted), but I've always had a problem with taking my pill at the same time everyday. Just because of what I'm doing everyday, but I'm never more then an hour off. Thanks for the input, it was helpful.

[tisiphone.livejournal.com]

One thing my sister found helpful was to take it right after she brushed her teeth in the morning. That's usually within 15 minutes consistently (unless you're a late weekend sleeper :>) and it becomes part of the routine fast.

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

i'm well over 200 pounds and have relied on hormonal birth control pills as my only method of contraception for over 5 years. i am not and have never been pregnant. the 155 pounds is a myth, and compounded by society's idea that fat is terrible and bad. you of course do what you want with your body and your pills, but i thought i'd offer my experience.