Facts:

(1) girlfriend has been on the pill for 1.5 months.
(2) been dating faithfully for 3 years.
(3) no stds in either parties.

Questions:

(1) is a condom at all necessary to help prevent pregnancy?
(2) if so, why?
(3) if its because 1.5 months isn't long enough, when is long enough?\

Thanks.


EDIT:

Threw that "help" in there.

I have no idea how long the pill OR the shot is supposed to work, but I do know that both of them are better at preventing pregnancy than a condom.

Nothing is fool-proof. Condoms can break, biology isn't perfect.

1) Condoms are mostly used to prevent std's. It helps preventing pregnancy too, but that's not the main target.

2) I'm not sure about this, but I think you're safe after 1,5 months.

3) It's long enough in my opinion, if you don't feel right wait another month or so. But there should be no problems right now.

Don't forget that it's very important that your girlfriend takes the pill in a correct way, and there are things that can effect the workings of the pill. Like drugs or alcohol. Also, no method is 100% safe. If you're really scared about pregnancy just use the pill and condoms combined.

There are no completely foolproof methods of contraception and it's entirely possible to fall pregnant while using the pill (or a condom, for that matter). However, if she's using it correctly (which shouldn't be taken for granted), the risk is very low. If you're worried or if it would be absolutely disastrous for her to fall pregnant, it's safest to double up, but you should be completely fine having sex without the condom.

I think the Pill would be effective by then, but I'm not sure. Somebody else will have to field that.

I would say you don't need a condom.
I started having unprotected sex with my girlfriend the day before she went on the pill.

Of course, I would hope that in the unlikely and all around suck situation that you got pregnant you would both be willing to have an abortion. If you're both ok with pills/condoms I would hope you are both ok with an abortion.

Using a condom in addition to the pill reduces the risk of pregnancy from "very small" to "very small," basically. If you're not willing to cope with the very small risk of having an abortion or having a child, you shouldn't have sex, even with 2 forms of protection.

-B

[Edit: You can have her ask her gynecologist (or where ever she got the pill) how long until it is effective, but I was under the impression that it is just as effective the first month as the 2nd, 3rd, etc month.]

kay, i take microgynon 30, a pretty standard BC pill, and it was effective immediately if i started takking it on the first day of my period, or after five days if i started any other day. i don't think any would take longer than a cycle to start to work, so, i'm sure you're safe by now.
nothing is fool proof, not even condoms, something can always go wrong. you're pretty safe to go without condoms if she's on the pill, but you can always wear them anyway for extra security and peace of mind.
i'm on the pill, and don't use condoms. it's a tiny tiny chance that we're willing to take for the endless benefits of going without.

seeing as you've been together for three years, i'm assuming you're not 15 or anything, mind if i ask how old you are?

Thanks for all your help, guys. I am aware nothing is full proof and am comfortable with the little risk that is associated with condoms and the pill.

An important peice or info that i left out is that I try never to 'finish' inside her (i say try because, of course, sometimes it cant be helped), so doesnt that even minmize the risk even further?

and to Iso: im 21, she is 20.

It does, although not by the biggest amount. Still, if she's on the pill and you're pulling out, you'd both have to be very unlucky for her to fall pregnant.

Can I ask why, though? It's not as good that way

Sure you can ask why.

Honestly, though, I've never really thought about it... if i had to say, i guess its a fear of pregnancy, we both have a lot to lose at this point in our lives by getting pregnant.

Also, my girlfriend is very talented in another sexual act and I enjoy that very much as a finisher.

1.5 months is long enough. most become effective in a week. The longest i've ever heard is until the next cycle, which is 28 days. you fine, espically since your not cumming in her.