To ask if you just use condoms, do you feel safe?

[Isitsafe32]

As in, do you find them trustworthy enough?

After 15+ years non stop on various hormonal contraceptions I am fed up. Currently have implant and i pretty much bleed more than I don’t, skin is worse than ever, libido low, I’m sure it’s affected my mood. I can’t take the combined pill anymore as have migraines with aura. I don’t want the mini pill again as I’m fed up of progestogen as it’s that that causes the random/endless bleeding. Definitely not willing to go through the ordeal of a copper coil.

So that just leaves condoms. I really want to free my body of these fake hormones I’ve pumped into my body for so long. I have no idea what my actual cycle would be like or what my body would be like ‘naturally’ as I was a teenager when I last was fake hormone free!

However it would be very inconvenient to get pregnant right now - not horrific if I’m being realistic but inconvenient. Don’t want to explain any more than that really.

Does anyone use just condoms and has found them fine in the longish term? I am considering using condoms plus an app so I could potentially ‘avoid’ the most fertile times. Would this be very reckless or has anyone done the same??

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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

That's what they are made for, you just need to make sure your partner checks the condom hasn't ripped or anything each time. I've been off contraception for a while now and feel much better for it. I keep track of my periods via my fitness watch app.

I used just condoms for 2 years, and they must have been doing something because when DH and I decided to ttc I got pregnant first cycle.

@AccioCoffee thanks, that’s what I’d plan to do (fitness watch). My partner would be very conscientious I am sure as we agree the timing is inconvenient. It is good to know you feel better - in what sort of ways?

Have you had any splits? I think in the whole time I used to use condoms (when younger etc but always with the pill as well) I had one split in quite a few years. I suppose what freaks me out is the fact that I’d feel i’d Have to go and get the MAP and I’ve never had to take that before!

@Fortheloveofscience good to know!!

I have, but a pregnancy would be impossible for me so I also get him to pull out and avoid the most fertile times. We DtD infrequently as I worry about getting pregnant so much (it would be catastrophic for me). I can’t use anything hormonal so my only other (non-surgical) options is the copper coil.

Hi, this is exactly the method I use at the moment- condoms and an app (clue) which confirms your fertile days, up to around a week.

Id been on Microgynon from age 15- 24, had DS then had to take a mini pill after due to blood pressure.

I was sick of taking a pill, its side effects and plus the new pill made my periods so irregular, I didn't like that. So I came off the pill probably 4-5 months ago, its took that time for my period to return to a normal monthly cycle. I was having cycles but longer than usual until this month.

I do feel safe using condoms and the app reassures me when I am most fertile so I do tend to avoid those days.

I note you really wouldn't like to get pregnant so it would be more reliable once your periods are back to normal so you know your cycle, and give you the confidence to rely on the condoms.

Btw, Amazon sell condoms in a large pack something like 30 for £10.00. It would obviously be inconvenient to run out of condoms so would recomend buying them in bulk :-)

@historyrocks it is good to know though that despite your fears you still use this method and it has been ok!

We’ve used condoms since having DD and it’s fine. Occasional feeling of a lack of spontaneity but perfectly safe and we were used to them within a couple of days. No clean up for me is a bonus!

Yep used them for years since DD (nearly 11) has been born as sole contraception. No issues at all only pregnancy in that time was definitely planned. And both of mine were conceived first time of trying!

We've been using condoms for about 4 years, except when we actively tried to conceive our two children. We're using them again now but also actively avoided my fertile week as we are completely done and I'm petrified of getting pregnant again. I always felt safe using them, but was also okay with a surprise. Now we absolutely do not want any more, there's always that 'what if' at the back of my mind so avoid fertile week to reduce chances.

@Galaxygirl93 thanks! Haven’t had to buy condoms in years!! I get paranoid anyway even with the implant as my periods are so infrequent and random I would really have no way of knowing if I was pregnant (unless I take a test). At least if I’m hormone free then I’ll be more in tune with my body. It’s been a long time so I imagine it would be a while to get back to ‘normal’

Did you find your periods were bad afterwards? I almost can’t even remember my teenage periods!!

Used them for 12 years before TTC. 1 split the whole time. Never any pregnancy scares.

really helpful and reassuring responses - thank you!!

Been using them for over 20 years, and the only pregnancies were intentional. Don’t use anything else, no app, no avoiding certain times, no hormonal anything. Never had one split, but that may be because we use the non-latex ones (Skyn) due to a latex allergy. DH also prefers them sensation wise.

We used them between pregnancies, and after final child was born.

Never any issues, aside from cost!

The best ones are the ones with a kind of looser tip to them? Not just the little bit you pinch I mean!

IME, condoms are effective and reliable so long as you are not lax about proper use.
Of course, there is always a risk but I hated being on hormonal contraceptives and I felt that there was more risk of those failing than a physical barrier.
You can double up with a spermicide, but check that its compatible with the kind of condoms you'll use.

@AltogetherAndrews I remember using Skyn ones before and they seemed good - so this is good to know!!

No I got pregnant after they failed and the morning after pill failed.

@Tableclothing thanks and did you get MAP after that split?

@june2007 by failed do you mean they split? And how quickly did you take MAP? Just intrigued to try and avoid any failures!

@Reinga hadn’t thought of spermicide, is that common to use?

Yes, used them for nearly 15 years and only ever got pregnant x2 when I wanted to.

I had such a bad reaction to the pill my GP said I was at risk of a stroke(!) so I've been too scared to try anything long lasting.

@ActualHornist thanks - I know what you mean I think!

DS2 is the result of a broken condom. I've had the coil 3 times, it's never been an "ordeal", it's a brilliant form of contraception for me, heavy periods for a couple months but after that settled to normal and now I just don't think about it, ever.

Can anyone recommend their preferred/most reliable ‘brand/type’? A PP has mentioned Skyn which I know I have used before!