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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

BF didn’t use a condom when I’d asked him to

261 replies

Overreactionmaybe · 25/09/2021 21:37

I’m so upset but I don’t know if I’m overreacting and being a drama queen. My boyfriend of a year really shocked me this morning. We went out last night and had a few drinks. I’m on my period and in the moment last night felt that we could take the risk of not using a condom (I’m not on any other contraception). This morning I felt that I’d been a little unwise and although it’s low risk at this time in my cycle it’s not a risk I wanted to take so I said I wanted to use a condom. He got one out ready but when it came to it he said he wanted to start without one. I agreed but reminded him that I did want to use one. Then a few minutes later he said he was going to cum. I froze as I didn’t expect this would happen and I didn’t object. After he came I felt quite upset. Straight away I said I’d wanted to use a condom and he said I was ok without one a few hours before. I was really quiet and he realised how upset I was. He’s been really apologetic and acknowledged that consent at one time does not equal consent in a different situation.

However, I’m so shaken. I feel really panicky and tearful. I’m on my own tonight and I can’t get my breath. I’m so upset this has happened but I feel guilty for being arsey about it.

There is a history of experiences during past relationships of being coerced into sex and my boundaries not being respected. But probably no more than what most other women have experienced.

I feel ashamed at being so upset and worried that I am being over dramatic. I’m tired so maybe after a good sleep I’ll feel better.

Prior to this my bf has always been extremely respectful and understood and agreed with all my feminist leanings so this seems out of character.

I’m not sure why I am posting but I just need to get this out there as I don’t have anyone else I can share this with right now. I would be grateful for any thoughts about whether I should just put this to the back of my mind and get on with things or is this a dealbreaker?

OP posts:
WishingYouAMerryChristmasToo · 25/09/2021 21:40

He was told specifically what you wanted -he started without and could have withdrawn -he didn't.
He co-coerced you by starting and then NOT following through. I would feel violated and for me it would be non consensual sex and I couldn't get past that. Trust would have gone for me, relationship over.

Rainbowqueeen · 25/09/2021 21:41

It would be a dealbreaker for me
I’m sorry this happened to you Flowers

ThisIsStartingToBoreMe · 25/09/2021 21:41

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Takingonthejellybelly · 25/09/2021 21:46

No sorry I don't think she gave mixed signals at all- she reminded him specifically that whilst it was ok to start without, she wanted to use a condom.

I think he's let his nice guy side slip and you've seen another side. All your feelings are completely valid. You have no reason at all to be ashamed nor are you over reacting.

If you chose to end it, you'd be perfectly right to do so for you- the trust is broken.

Huge hugs. I'm sorry this happened to you

Overreactionmaybe · 25/09/2021 21:48

Yes I acknowledge the mixed signals. I regretted the risk the night before and really didn’t want to start without a confirm this morning. But I didn’t want to make a fuss. I know I have a problem with asserting myself in the moment.

OP posts:
GeorgeMichaelBluth · 25/09/2021 21:49

Your choice about your body was not respected. I too would dump him for this.

Rosesareyellow · 25/09/2021 21:51

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HippoNamedBooBooButt · 25/09/2021 21:51

You did not give mixed signals, DO NOT beat yourself up about that. Last night was one thing, this morning you said you wanted to use a condom. He has taken advantage. Yes, maybe you should assert yourself more in the moment, but I understand how difficult that can be. I'm sorry, but what he did was wrong and I agree with a pp that this would be a deal breaker for me. Please talk to someone about this irl. Also, go see a doctor to get emergency contraception as although this time of your cycle is low risk, there is no time that is NO risk. Be kind to yourself, take care x

ItsSnowJokes · 25/09/2021 21:52

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Mischance · 25/09/2021 21:54

You need to use a condom right from the start in order to be as sure as you can that it will be effective.

MrsMaizel · 25/09/2021 21:55

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Womaninthistown · 25/09/2021 21:58

No mixed signals. Consider the nonsense you’re writing. It sounds like the OP was very clear and consent can change from second to second if she chooses let alone separate sexual acts.

OP, so sorry this happened to you. I would feel the same. I do suggest getting the morning after pill. I have conceived at the end of my period as I don’t ovulate than long afterwards. It would absolutely be a dealbreaker for me.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 25/09/2021 21:59

What he did is absolutely not OK.

He may agree with all your feminist leanings in a virtue signaling way, but I’m afraid he’s just shown you who and what he really is.

Womaninthistown · 25/09/2021 22:00

@MrsMaizel

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Horse shit. I pity you if you think this man’s behaviour is acceptable.
Nanananani · 25/09/2021 22:01

Bollocks @MrsMaizel she objected at the beginning, she only consented to sex with a condom. Fucking hell no wonder women don’t report rapes etc.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 25/09/2021 22:01

@MrsMaizel

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At what point does this logic kick in?

If she said no to sex at all then he had sex with her but she froze, with him continuing knowing she explicitly said no to the act, was she sending a mixed message?

Because she was previously ok with not using a condom?

Because she previously consented to sex anyway so he should take that as future consent, too?

What a dangerous logic to follow.

She expressed her wish clearly then froze when it wasn't respected.

It's very, very common for victims of any sexual assault to freeze. People think fight or flight are the two responses, freeze is an equally (if not more) common one too.

Fernando072020 · 25/09/2021 22:01

Doesn't sound like mixed signals to me. Sounds like you were very clear and he went against your wishes.
Just because you didn't use a condom before and started without, doesn't mean your want to end with a condom cancels out.

I wouldn't stay with him. He altered the "conditions" agreed upon while having sex without your consent. That's unacceptable

Dancingonmoonlight · 25/09/2021 22:02

You allowed it and then said it wasn’t to happen again. He asked for it to happen again and you agreed to start off only. He could have withdrawn if he didn’t want to wear a condom. He should not have come inside you. It clearly has upset you and you are shaking thinking about it hours later. I would find it hard to trust him again and it would be the end for me.
I think you have to speak up and object so nothing like this happens again in future relationships.
I hope you are ok OP.
I would also take emergency contraception.

Guiltypleasures001 · 25/09/2021 22:04

The op froze its a classic flight or fright scenario , she was thinking on a base level of survival not condoms

I'm so sorry this happened your feelings are your and valid, take some time and decide what you want. Phone the rape helpline if you feel the need for clarification and to talk it through

He has walked a very fine line, but first do check your contraception and if you need any further help
Thanks

Babyiskickingmyribs · 25/09/2021 22:11

I think whether or not you decide to stay with your bf, you need a new method of contraception. The rhythm method is making you anxious because it’s not effective enough for you to be comfortable with your risk of pregnancy at this time in your life and relationship. So you either need to go with condoms 100% of the time used from the first point of genital contact, or a form you control entirely - pill, ring, IUD, implant, injection, diaphram - whatever might suit you personally at this point in your life. You can also double up on contraception and use one that you control plus condoms on top of that - you risk of pregnancy goes down hugely if you use a barrier method and a hormonal method at the same time. I know not all methods can be used by all women though.

LorenzoVonMatterhorn · 25/09/2021 22:11

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SuddenArborealStop · 25/09/2021 22:19

This happened to me with a friend it took me a long time to deal with as I see him as abhorrent but I know the wider group would have a misogynistic debate on the merits of my sexual assault. So I kept quiet and stopped associating with a lot of people just to avoid him.
I believe he has hurt you. You are not to blame. I suggest you talk to someone to come to terms with your emotions around his actions.

Morechocolatethanbarbara · 25/09/2021 22:25

It's so shit that women still find themselves in these situations with supposed "nice guys"

When she says "I want you to wear a condom" he should either:

A) wear a condom, or

B) not have sex

He should NEVER coerce his sexual partner into doing something she doesn't want (having sex without a condom) and he should CERTAiNLY NEVER have unconsensual sex (in this case sex without a condom)

That is Rape.

I am so sorry OP that you have been put through this, I'm not surprised you are shaken.

He is not that kind man you thought he was and he is not to be trusted.

Breve his actions, not his words.

LadyLolaRuben · 25/09/2021 22:26

There were no mixed signals. You didn't want him to ejaculate in you in that instance and you were clear about that. He disregarded your wish and prioritised his own wants. For me the trust would be broken. I'd have to end the relationship

Morechocolatethanbarbara · 25/09/2021 22:26

*Believe

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