To think condoms alone are a sufficient form of contraception?

[ShineSmile]

I do need a fool proof form of contraception as I can't have more children now.

I was thinking of getting a copper coil fitted alongside using condoms, but it has been difficult getting a convenient appointment at the local family health planning clinic (need someone to look after baby whilst I go). They also said they have no gas and air for pain relief, and I'm slightly dreading it.

So AIBU to think just condoms are sufficient as a form of contraception? I don't want to take any hormone contraception.

If you absolutely can't have another child I wouldn't just rely on condoms.

I was told in the contraceptive clinic that condoms are not contraception

Tubes tied instead?

I wouldn't rely on condoms. Too easily forgotten in the heat of the moment or put on after semen has already leaked out and you've had it.

I know loads of children conceived while their parents were using condoms.

IIRC they are 98% effective and that's with perfect use so if you definitely don't want to get pregnant again then I would be backing them up with something else.

Condoms are sufficient as long as you are willing to use the MAP or termination as a back up.

If used correctly condoms are pretty reliable, but not 100%.

You really need to combine them with something else.

We use condoms and the pill. Seriously considering having my tubes tied.

I am taking NO chances. We do not want any more dc.

I've never been let down by them.

Maybe my DH knows himself pretty well, don't know?

I get pregnant super easily so I think I can judge them quite well.

Sufficient isn't really foolproof though is it? The chances are you probably won't get pregnant using condoms. But if you absolutely cannot risk getting pregnant again I wouldn't rely on 'sufficient' and 'probably'. All it takes is for one to accidentally burst or something and you could get pregnant, better to have a back up as well just in case.

Table of failure rates of the various contraceptive methods

BTW, there is a Contraception topic on MN. You might like to have a look in there as there are a lot of discussions of the pros and cons of various methods and a browse might help you decide.

I wouldn't trust them no. If it helps my baby was able to come with me while I got my coil fitted.

Ive used condoms for twelve years and only fallen pregnant in the three times we chose to ttc and therefore did without.

They are perfectly safe when used correctly and there is nothing to suggest that OP is not a capable enough person to use tgen effectively.

I had the implant fitted last May - I had funny periods at first (thick) but no other changes - got it in for another 2 years and will probably get a new one.

Coil was not for me and I forget pills sometimes - so not worth the risk. With implant, it's just "there" nothing to remember/forget - other than to get it replaced!

We use them fine too, have been doing so for years with no issues. As long as used correctly they are very effective.

Here's the contraception topic.

There are other threads scattered in chat, AIBU and general health but it's probably easier to browse the one topic than search all of MN (if you want to look at already posted amassed experience, that is).

Yanbu - cobdoms failure rate is so high to because of people not condoms.

Not getting the right size, not putting it on right, putting it on too late, using it twice (!), using them with something that will weaken the latex, not withdrawing correctly.

I managed fine for 10 years with one partner and no pregnancies. Since TTC - 2 pregnancies so we are fertile.

I am shocked that any adult thinks that condoms are 100% safe. I thought everyone knew they weren't.

My local sexual health clinic accepts walk ins to fit coils. It's not pain free, but I have now had 2 fitted without pain relief, and that was ok.

If you compare the pearl index of iuds with condoms I know which one I would choose! Fail rate of 1% vs. 18% iirc.

"termination as a back up."

Hi, don't worry about having a coil fitted without G&A. It is MUCH less painful once you've given birth!

If you're that despRate to not have kids, abstain from penetration till you've had a copper coil fitted. Or get a prescription for the pill in the interim. You can take your baby with you (there's a nurse in there too and they are happy to hold the Baby or you can keep him on your tummy (unsurprisingly, they are used to seeing mothers with three month old babies!).

It's not comfortable, but definitely don't need gas and air- think the mildest contraction combined with an internal examination and that's the level of pain you're taking about, and it's over in about a minute.

Looking at DS now and thinking YABU!

I had a copper coil fitted without gas and air and it didn't really hurt at all. Having said that, I've now had it taken out as I was getting really bad headaches (although the nurse told me it was unlikely the coil was causing them).

I can only speak from my own experience, but we relied entirely on them for the best part of twenty years, because no other options were particularly appealing. I think I took the MAP two or three times because of the condom coming off or some other malfunction. No unwanted pregnancies, and as we conceived the first time we had unprotected sex, I can conclude we are reasonably fertile.

I am shocked that any adult thinks that condoms are 100% safe. I thought everyone knew they weren't.
But what can offer a 100% rate? Even having tubes tied or a vasectomy cannot