This is just a quick question from me and my boyfriend of 3 years. We haven't had a
vaginal intercourse yet and I just recently got on birth control because we were thinking
about taking our relationship to another level. A myth that we heard was that after a
while a couple will gradually stop using a condom if the girl is on birth control. Personally
I believe that we sould make it a priority to use both controceptives(sic) if engaging in
any sexual activity. If we use the pill correctly do we have to use a condom as well? This
is strickly(sic) for pregnancy purposes!!!!

Please e-mail use(sic) back ASAP

Hi! I'm glad you asked this... This is an issue for a lot of young people who are sexually
active, and who want to practice safer sex.

The truth is, a lot of couples *do* stop using condoms after a while of using birth control
pills. *However*, I'm a huge advocate of doubling up contraceptives, for a couple of
reasons.

First of all, *nothing*, and I do mean *nothing* is one hundred percent. I've heard of
people on the pill, taking it as directed, who used it as their only form of contraception,
getting pregnant. Scary, but true.

Second of all, there's the trust issue. While I don't doubt that there's trust in your
relationship, you *never know*. It's always best to take that extra step of caution, even
if you feel almost *totally* sure of the other person.

Finally, and the best argument (since I do think that people can trust each other), the
pill is *so* easy to forget. I know tons of people who use condoms as a backup simply
because they forget to take their pill. It's easy to do, especially if you happen to be
stressed out, or whatever; if you use a condom every time, you have a backup in case you
take a placebo at the wrong time, or forget your pills somewhere, or forget to take it for
a day or two.

I hope this helps! If it doesn't, write back, and I'll try again.

Take care, and stay safe,

Pandora