A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I am going away with my boyfriend next month and I am really excited! :DI have been with my boyfriend for 7 months officially now and it is going great! We never argue and it's well... perfect :DRecently I went on the pill, we are both virgins but I just wanted to be 100% sure I wouldn't get pregnant when we fool around.I was planning on getting an implant before we go away on holiday (we are planning to lose our virginity to each other then) But now I am thinking, how will I know it is actually working? Would I be best just to carry on taking the pill? Or should I get the implant, still take the pill and of course use a condom?Oh and another question what is spermicide ? Is there anything else I can use to ensure I don't become pregnant :) ?Thank you for your time x
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female
reader, celtic_tiger +, writes (16 November 2011):
 I agree with all the other answers - but want to add another point.As you are happy on the pill at the moment with no side effects, it probably is not wise to start changing and swapping the type of hormone method (and brand) that you are using be it in pill or implant form....... many women react in different ways to these things and you may risk suddenly being faced with nasty side effects which you have not experienced before. You have no idea how you might react to a new brand and it could be pretty messy. I have first hand experience of a bad reaction to a brand of pill that didnt work for me, it sent me totally loopy and gave me horrific mood swings, and depression. I lost my boyfriend because of it.If you are happy and healthy on the pill you have now, stick with it! :)
A
female
reader, Miamine +, writes (16 November 2011):
 You can contact the nurses at the NHS by telephone 24 hours a day, they can answer any questions to do with your health. No you can't take the pill and the implant together, you will overdose on the hormones. I don't know much about the implant, so I'm not sure how long it takes before you are protected. Using the implant and a condom, or the pill and the condom should be all you need. Condoms should be used with a spermicide, it's a gel based lubricant, which can kill any sperm if the condom breaks. Check with the nurses or your own doctor about how the implant works. If you will not be covered by the time your ready for sex, then just stay on the pill instead. The implant is prefered by the NHS, especially for young people, because it lasts for months (I think they have a year one) and often young people forget to take the pill.
Here's the number for NHS direct,(0845 4647) call them and check about the implant. I just checked, they even got website online help. Type in your details and I guess the answer comes back to you. https://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/CheckSymptoms/SATs/contraceptionadvice.aspx
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A
female
reader, person12345  +, writes (16 November 2011):
 I'm not a doctor, but I've looked into this stuff pretty obsessively myself (don't want to get pregnant either).
You cannot have the implant at the same time you are on the pill. They are, for all practical purposes, the same drug with two different delivery forms. That would put a dangerous level of hormones into your body increasing your chances of dangerous, possibly fatal side effects.
The pill and implant are similar in terms of effectiveness, with the variation between them with perfect use being less than 1%. The main difference between the two is that the implant does not allow for human error and maintains a more consistant level of hormones.
If you're interested in the implant you should go talk to your doc.
It's not necessary to use a condom in addition to the pill or implant unless you've had diarrhea or vomiting or taken certain kinds of antibiotics. It explains everything you need to look out for in the little pamphlet that comes with the pill. You should always keep one around for these questions or what happens if you miss a pill, etc... These might vary slightly from pill type to pill type.
If you're nervous though, a condom plus the pill is more than enough.
Spermicides aren't particularly effective alone. They generally are only used in conjunction with the more ineffective barrier methods like a diaphragm. Spermicides may interact with condoms and cause pretty nasty reactions in a lot of women. It's really not necessary to use condoms, the pill, and spermicides.
It's good you're trying to be responsible about this, you should both take a trip over to a women's clinic together and talk to the doctor or a nurse together (they'll often do these for free). They can help you find the best method for you.
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A
female
reader, KittieS +, writes (16 November 2011):
 Hi there,
I would suggest just stick with the pill, when taken correctly its one of the best forms of contraception. I've used it for 16 years and never had a pregnancy scare I take it regular as clockwork, if I miss a pill refrain/use an alternative method (I h ave also been in long term relationships where we have both been fully tested so condoms did not become necessary) please remember antibiotics interfere with the contraceptive pill!
I digress, stick with the pill in my opinion, depending on how long you have been together you should decide if condoms are also necessary. As for spermicide most condoms in the UK already have spermicide on them, I don't think it's necessary to go down that route too the pill and the condom should be sufficient.
We have great pharmacies in the UK so if you don't want to see your doctor pop to boots, and speak openly to a pharmacist!
I'm so glad for you, that you have waited. I waited till I was 19 and my first sexual experience was a little awkward but in a nice loving way, it never hurt, I felt completely at ease and it was a wonderful experience - I'm happy you have both found each other!
Kitties x
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (16 November 2011):
 You'd have to discuss the timing and efficacy of these choices with your doctor. Generally, the advice is to use a hormonal method combined with a barrier method to really minimize the risk. So the pill plus a condom, or the implant plus a condom.
I do not believe that being on the pill allows you to also have the implant; it's one or the other for hormonal types of birth control.
Talk to your doctor to ensure you are choosing what it best for you!
Best wishes!
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A
female
reader, k_c100 +, writes (16 November 2011):
 Now I am not an expert, so I would suggest you see your doctor about this for confirmation - but I dont think you can take 2 forms of birth control at the same time. So I dont think using the implant and the pill will work - the pill is so effective that having the implant wont do anything for you.
As long as you use the pill and a condom then you will be fine. You dont need anything more than that I promise! I have been using the pill for 8 years and have never even had a pregnancy scare in that time, with my long term partners I dont even use condoms as we both get tested and then stop using them.
All you need to be sure of is that you are taking them at a similar time each day, that you dont have sex without a condom if you have been sick or had diahorrea, and again you dont have sex without a condom if you are on antibiotics. Illness and antibiotics are the only things that will stop the pill from working, and incorrect taking of the pill (i.e. missing one, taking one late etc).
Here is some info on spermicide - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermicide
You could use spermicide if you like, it is another method of reducing your risk of pregnancy but you need to be careful what you buy as it needs to be compatible with condoms (check what material your condoms are made from and then what spermicide/lubiricant is compatible, otherwise the lubricant/spermicide can stop the condom working). But I really dont think it is neccessary if you are using both a condom and the pill - you honestly dont need anything more than that!
But I do recommend you see your doctor - raise your concerns and they will be able to tell you what is best to do and what will definitely work.
I hope this helps and good luck!
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