A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:My partner and I have been using condoms for a long time as the primary means of contraception. I've tried the pill (5 of them actually) and have had really awful reactions to all of them. Oddly enough I don't have a negative reaction to plan b. My two questions are, one, how many times a year is reasonable to take plan b? I've had to use it 4 times already in the past 10 months (frequent/daily need for condoms) and it's making me and my partner feel like we're contraception stupid or something. Is that a normal amount to need it? Do most people who use only condoms need it occasionally? Two, since plan b is a progesterone-only pill, does that mean I'll be able to tolerate a progesterone-only pill, the depo shot, or any of the other progesterone-only options? We're getting very frustrated with the lack of options for contraception, since there's nothing out there for men except condoms.
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reader, anonymous, writes (4 November 2010): OK, still, go to the doctor. Pharmaceutical companies DO make progesterone-only pills.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (4 November 2010): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionWe never have completely unprotected sex. I only use it every few months at most, but female condoms have the same problem as male condoms. As well IUD (Mirena not copper, but copper is expensive and not covered by insurance), implant, patch, etc... are all hormonal. No other contraceptives, like the diaphragm or sponge are nearly effective enough for me to trust (a 15% failure rate? I wouldn't trust that at ALL). Other than one of us getting sterilized, am I missing some kind of "miracle" contraceptive? I really won't do hormones anymore. They were horrible. They wreaked havoc on my system.
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female
reader, Madalo 1  +, writes (3 November 2010):
As the name suggests, Plan B is a second option, for emergencies only. Yes, when condom is your primary contraception you tend to use Plan B more often because of some accidents like breaking or whatever; and sometimes, for whatever reason you can have unprotected sex. I'd recommend that you go to a doctor and they'll find a suitable contraceptive for you coz surely you're not the only one with reactions to regular pills.
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female
reader, tennisstar88 +, writes (3 November 2010):
 Plan B should only be used in emergencies, but there is no medical reason why you can't use it more than once. However, Plan B should never replace birth control because it's not as effective. If you have unprotected sex after taking Plan B it cannot protect you from being pregnant.
Actually over the years there are actually a lot of forms of contraceptives ranging from a pill that makes you only have 4 periods a year to vaginal inserts. Like jmc930 you need to consult your gyno who will help you find the contraceptive that best suits you. Every woman's body reacts differently to birth control.
But I would definitely not continue with how you're using Plan B.
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reader, anonymous, writes (3 November 2010): Go to your doctor. Taking Plan B - a method of contraceptive that is to be used as a final resort - so frequently probably isn't great for you.
Your doctor should be able to find a type of contraceptive that is right for you. Just be upfront and tell him/her that you have reactions to regular birth control pills, and you should be able to find a solution that is right for you.
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