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

Using condoms only for years with no problems or pregnancy’s.

Also used the pull out method for a year and didn’t get pregnant either

Yes, I have used them for nearly 30 years and only had planned pregnancies.

My natural periods without any hormones last three days. A light first day, medium middle day, and a light last day. My periods on the pill go on for a week plus sometimes and occasionally I get two a month for my money!

The natural periods might be a nice surprise.

@june2007 I mean that’s factually inaccurate. 42 hours isn’t a timeframe anywhere in relation to EHC.

72 hours for Levonelle.
120 hours for Ellaone or an emergency coil fitting.

The MAP won’t prevent pregnancy if you’ve already ovulated, so if you’re very in tune with your cycle and suspect as much it would be wise in those circumstances to arrange an emergency IUD fitting.

Yes use condoms with no problems .

I get them from the nhs freedoms shop - freedoms-shop.com.

You can get 72 Mates ones for about £9.99 .

I get the latex free skyn ones (as allergic to latex) and they are £25 for 72.

Sorry don’t know how to do a clicky link!

Yes, been using them for over ten years and never had an accidental pregnancy.

Iv relied on condoms for 15 years now with 0 accidental pregnancies. Obviously if a breakage happens and your aware you've ovulated recently then get the morning after pill

Never been on hormonal contraception, so for the 16ish years I’ve been having sex I’ve used condoms except when TTC or pregnant. No pregnancy scares, no splits. Have always used Durex

Yes we have used them on and off for 3 years since DS. I also use the Clue app which is good. We then got too comfortable pulling out instead of condoms and I am now pregnant (but we are very happy about it). We never had a split condom though. I was on Microgynon for about 11 years before DS but due to risk of blood clots I now can't take it. I tried another pill and it made me so so crazy I had to stop taking it. I feel so much better with nothing and my periods are much shorter. Heavier than before on days 1 and 2 but then barely anything for 2 or 3 more days. On the pill they were about 8-9 days but lighter. Swings and roundabouts really. I also second buying on Amazon, much cheaper than supermarkets/Boots etc.

Yes, plus pulling out and not having sex during ovulation

we have used condoms only for 8 years...no problems at all...

I had the implant but I hated it and we decided to have a break from hormonal birth control after that. We’ve been using condoms for probably about 8 years and I’ve never been pregnant. We’ve had one tear whilst having sex and I went and got the MAP straight after. Currently, getting pregnant would not work for us (at other times it would have been manageable and we were less cautious) so I track and we avoid my fertile window but will do stuff other than sex if we’re in the mood.

We use durex extra safe. They’re a bit thicker than some of the other durex ones but they’re comfortable for us. I’d recommend getting a variety box and trying the different ones to see what works for both of you in terms of comfort and feeling protected. We get all ours of Amazon by the way. It just comes in the standard brown amazon packs so is discreet. But as we get down to the last two, we order some more in our post sex cuddle so we always have a supply. To help with not killing the mood, as you buy the condoms/they arrive, take all the outside packing off and separate the conforms if they’re not single so in the moment you’re just grabbing one and unwrapping the packet.

DH and I used them for eleven years, up until we wanted to have a family.
No accidents in all that time.
We only used them during fertile times, too. I had a very regular cycle and definite mittelschmerz, so could tell when I ovulated.
If you buy a reputable brand such as Durex, and use them correctly, the failure rate is actually very low. And I found, like many other women, that my libido was vastly better off the pill.

I've always used condoms as a main form of protection. They are very safe if used properly.

As long as they are used properly, they are pretty effective.

Why not try the copper coil? It's tthe best thing I've ever had.

We've used them for nearly 20 years (occasional spells on the pill before remembering why I hate hormonal contraception). Each of my 3 dc was planned and we've had no other splits, scares or failures. I like the neatness of them, though DH would prefer barrier free sex if he had complete choice.

Yep, I won't go on the pill for many reasons.
Had one split and went and got the MAP.
Another one who when TTC fell pregnant first time.

I've been using just condoms for 2ish years, no problems, no splits, no scares

Must be nice to have this problem. (Not snarky - just pissed off with current state of celibacy and infertility.)

Anyway, apparently "perfect" condom use renders them 98% effective. With "real life" use nearer 85%.

I've always found them reliable if we didn't get too carried away to stop and put one on. I've never had one split though. I've never had hormonal contraception, always relied on condoms or by timing my cycle and am now sterilised so I don't need to worry about it.

Never used hormonal contraception and have used condoms only for 12 years now with my DH. No issues whatsoever (we use Durex) and conceived second cycle of TTC for both DC.

Go with your gut and stop messing with your hormones! I think you'll find it easier to conceive when you want to get pregnant too!

Thanks everyone - I honestly had no idea so many people used just condoms and particularly for such long periods - all of my social circle are pill/coil/implant so it’s great to hear some other perspectives!!

Another one who’s used Skyn condoms for years with no problems