To think condoms are as good as the pill

[Ribrabrob]

I don't use the pill because I don't like the idea of putting hormones into my body (however can completely understand why others choose to take it and have no issue with it). I also do not feel comfortable with other forms of contraception such as the implant, injection etc. Therefore my one and only method of contraception is to use condoms (always).

Am I naive and unreasonable for thinking this is a reliable and safe method of contraception? (I'm more than happy to be told that I am). Should I look further into other methods?

)For context, I used the pill for a very short time in my teens and I did not like it. It made me feel ill)

---

If you've found this page in search of condoms that have been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best condoms useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

Condoms may have a higher failure rate, but at least when they split you realise instantly, and can take the MAP.
When other contraception fails, you might not be aware until a missed period/mysterious vomiting bug....

I hated hormonal and we have used them successfully in a very long term relationship, good fertility as conceived first try at 3 pregnancies. Helped to delay things sometimes on his side until age took care of that :/ I would say, though, that a mishap or unplanned pregnancy would not have been a huge problem for us - logistical problem, yes, but not life turning upside down.

I had a bad time on the pill plus family history of clots so I have been using condoms for years with same partner now DH. DC1 was conceived after a condom split & MAP (taken asap) failed so now it’s condoms & trying to avoid sex when fertile. DC2 was conceived on first unprotected attempt. Obviously it’s a bit of a pain to “restrict” ourselves although less of a pain then more kids. Do love the lack of wet patch though!

Interestingly 2 of my friends are doctors & they refuse to take the pill. Also re your partner leaving you due to condom insistence your partner could look elsewhere because you don’t like oral/anal/dressing up etc or lack of sex.

Copper coil is a non hormonal LARC, there are other options beyond the pill and condoms!

Three of my friends have fallen pregnant with a copper coil so that was never going to be a realistic option for me!

I've used condoms in all the 3 long term relationships I've had. None of these partners ever mentioned switching contraception and certainly never voiced any unhappiness.

Like others I don't know of any friends who got pregnant when condoms were used, I know several pregnancies resulting from 'pill failures'.

24 years of condom use here, never used hormonal contraceptives, have been with DH most of that time. Used MAP once after a condom split. Two planned pregnancies, got pregnant almost immediately when we stopped using condoms. We are "perfect" users, in the sense that we use them before any penetration, every time.

I think we'll probably use them post-menopause too, as I find semen revolting but rather enjoy sex...

2 pregnancies with the copper coil
0 with condoms
Can't tolerate hormonal contraception.
Been using condoms for 4 years.

I've only ever used condoms as contraception, never tried the pill or anything else, so can't comment on that, but I think with condoms, they are a bit of a faff when you're in a long term relationship and having regular sex. Sex obviously will feel better without them.
So glad I've been sterilised and no longer have to worry about contraception.

I'm 35 and, with the exception of about 6 months on the pill and one go at the depo injection (both of which i couldnt get on with) have only ever used condoms as contraception whether in a casual relationship or long term, including in our marriage. I've only been pregnant once and that was as a result of actively trying to conceive. Condoms are great in my opinion, nobody's hormones get messed with, they smell of strawberries (or whatever other flavour you fancy) and no soggy sheets afterwards.