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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Does anyone just use condoms?

116 replies

AirRaidShelter · 29/07/2019 17:03

I don't want a coil inserted because I'm a wimp and not keen on the pill as it took me along time to regain periods when i stopped it. Would you just use condoms? Or too risky?

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

OP posts:
FlamingNeedle · 29/07/2019 17:03

Yeah we just use condoms. Fine for us.

amymel2016 · 29/07/2019 17:03

We’ve used just condoms for 12+ years and never gotten pregnant accidentally. As long as they’re used correctly they are 100% effective.

Osirus · 29/07/2019 17:04

We would just use those if we needed to. I really don’t like hormonal contraception.

They’re fine if used properly.

We have fertility issues so don’t use anything. If we miraculously end up with another baby it would be a bonus.

Original poster
AirRaidShelter · 29/07/2019 17:06

I have fertility issues and finally regained periods after having a baby. However im now single and feel i may need double protection?

OP posts:
icebearforpresident · 29/07/2019 17:06

We did for about 6 years, I had been on the pill then switched to the implant so had a good ten years of hormonal contraceptives. I had no issues with them but wanted a break. It worked for us, only got pregnant when I wanted to be but we definitely went into it with the mindset of it wouldn’t be a disaster I was to get pregnant. When my second baby was about 6 months I went back into the implant.

FourEyesGood · 29/07/2019 17:08

We just use condoms (since DD was born 8 years ago) and have never had a scare. I hate hormonal contraception.

idril · 29/07/2019 17:09

Worked fine for us for 12 years.

hungryhippie · 29/07/2019 17:11

We do. Never had a problem and have used them for 5 years.

BobTheFishermansWife · 29/07/2019 17:11

Yes, I've been with dp 6 years, I came off the pill just before we got together as I had been on it for 15 years and wanted a break. We have relied on condoms our entire relationship, and have only had to use the morning after pill three times for spilt condoms. I think if used correctly they are the safest form of protection.
I've just had our first child and am expecting the contraception chat with my GP at his 6 week appointment, but I think we will be back to using condoms only when we start having sex again.

Merryoldgoat · 29/07/2019 17:12

I did/do for the best part of 14 years.

Both times we decided to TTC we stopped condoms and I was pregnant within two months so I’m pretty impressed with their efficacy.

Someonesayroadtrip · 29/07/2019 17:13

Yes, I can't used hormonal contraceptives, I was refused a sterilisation, can't have the copper coil as I bleed too heavy, so I'm down to the option of condoms.

ooopsupsideyourhead · 29/07/2019 17:22

I’ve only ever used condoms in 18 years. Never had a scare.

vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 29/07/2019 17:26

Under rated contraception choice, if you ask me.

SillyNameChanger · 29/07/2019 17:28

I used a combination of condoms and withdrawal depending on where I was in my cycle. I have regular cycles so would just "risk it" the 4-5 days before my period was due.

FurryGiraffe · 29/07/2019 17:35

We've used condoms for the last 15 years (and occasionally taken a chance and used nothing very close to my period). Worked fine for us and have conceived within 1-5 months of trying on the three occasions I wanted to get pregnant. I agree their efficacy is much underrated.

Missingstreetlife · 29/07/2019 17:35

You used to be able to get a diaphragm (Dutch cap) from family planning, it's a good alternative to condoms. Condoms are ok but can split or come off. If you are not super fertile they are probably ok, esp if you are familiar with your cycle and avoid piv during ovulation. If you get pregnant v easily use another method too. Amazing that women still have to struggle with this.

AutumnGlitterBall · 29/07/2019 17:36

We have for over a decade. Got pregnant within a couple of months both times we stopped and not had any scares while using them.

Original poster
AirRaidShelter · 29/07/2019 17:37

Getting pregnant would be a nightmare though Blush

OP posts:
DowntonCrabby · 29/07/2019 17:38

We did, successfully for 14ish years until DH had the snip that was after our surprise DD though!

Worlds0kayestmum · 29/07/2019 17:38

We do and it's fine. I hate hormonal contraceptive and this works for us. Before that we used the withdrawal method but only because we were happy to have a baby if an accident happened although only fell pregnant when actively ttc

LoafofSellotape · 29/07/2019 17:39

We did for 10 years no problems at all.

StrawBlueRas · 29/07/2019 17:45

Quick question for people who use condoms alone:

Do you go for specific “proper” brands like Durex/Mate etc. or will you happily use a “supermarket” brand, such as Wilko’s own condoms?

Just asking because I have had 2 pregnancies but only ever used condoms (both times sex was unprotected but second time I took the morning-after pill within 48 hours and still got pregnant!). My DH thinks that condoms should always be “legit Durex ones” but I’ve used Wilko ones and seen/felt no difference - plus they’re waaaay cheaper!

Stayawayfromitsmouth · 29/07/2019 17:45

I have my whole life. Only ever got pg when we wanted to. Never had a scare. We're very fertile. Both dc conceived on first try .

Pinkout · 29/07/2019 17:50

Yes, I successfully used them for five years between DC. If you use them correctly they’re as effective as any other contraceptive.

blackteasplease · 29/07/2019 17:51

Yes I always have. Only have the two children that were planned!