Does anyone use condoms?

[MrsHoolie]

Hello. I've had the Mirena coil and Evra patch and I've decided I don't want hormonal contraception anymore.
I have fairly heavy and painful periods so I don't fancy the copper coil.
So as DP doesn't want the snip then condoms it is.
Does anyone use them here?Most people these days seem to be on long term contraception.
Are they very effective (if they don't split/get lost)?

[lettertoherms]

Yes, we do. I was on the pill for years but couldn't stand what it was doing to my emotions anymore.

I think they're effective. A lot on mumsnet seem to think they aren't, but I've never known anyone outside this website to end up with a baby as the result of condom failure - as long as you're willing to get the MAP if they do get torn (which I've never had happen) and you're strict about using them every time.

I do hate them though, and I think they're a little bit detrimental to our sex life, but it's a trade-off to not be on the pill anymore.

[Thegreatunslept]

I'm on the pill but my dp and I often use condoms aswell. We are not in a position financially to have another child so we are extra cautious.
I like having the extra back-up incase I forget to take my pill and it means less mess afterwards too.

[Mintyy]

Condoms are brilliant, especially if your partner is prone to premature ejaculation. If you are very fertile then use with a fertility prediction app to avoid the days when you might get pregnant come what may.

When I was ttc 14-12 years ago, some of us used this kit called Persona. Does that even exist any more?

[Mintyy]

Yes, and of course, there is also the MAP if you have an issue.

Really, I am amazed that people get accidentally pregnant any more.

[AntsMarching]

We use condoms. I didn't want hormonal contraception. And like you, I have heavy periods so didn't fancy the copper coil. My DH not ready for the snip and I'm not keen on having a tubal ligation, so condoms it is. I keep hoping he'll change his mind on the snip, but as I'm not willing to get my tubes tied I can't really blame him for not wanting it done.

[MrsHoolie]

Thanks ladies. Condoms it is then!Good to know people do rely on them long term. And it's good that the MAP is easy to get hold of these days for any splits and stuff.

[CabbagePatchCheryl]

I used them for about 4 years after getting sick of the pill. Only had one splittage and got MAP no probs.

The only thing I would say is that I would get really regular UTIs (maybe 4-6 a year) which were agony and caused me to miss work and I think there is some evidence that condoms can cause these if you are already susceptible. Maybe worth a google if this might apply to you - I think some kinds (with spermicide) are worse than others IIRC.

[SweetsForMySweet]

TMI warning! Cabbage, try going to the lou straight after you dtd(I know it's not very romantic but it is what is advised to avoid UTIs, it will wash out any bacteria iykwim)

There are some non hormonal options such as condoms (male or female), cervical cap, diaphragm.

I know some couples use fertility/ovulation monitors when using condoms so they can have dtd without condoms at some times of the month but I wouldn't advise doing that unless you don't mind getting pregnant. IMO it is not worth the stress of an unplanned pregnancy but it is a personal choice

[CabbagePatchCheryl]

Oh no, I always do that thanks Sweets but I still got more when using condoms than not. Might just be me though!

[SweetsForMySweet]

Cabbage could it be the lube or spermicide causing it, UTIs are awful. Make sure you use the natural cranberry juice from the health shop, the ones in the supermarket usually have lots of sugar added with can irritate more and can cause thrush too

[blueshoes]

I have always only relied on condoms as contraception (am now in mid-forties) including during my marriage and it has served me well. No accidents

[divingoffthebalcony]

Yep. I just can't use hormonal contraception and the coil didn't appeal (to say the least).

Used correctly they are very effective. I don't know why they have such a bad reputation - because they're used incorrectly I expect

I've never had one split or fall off. Never had a pregnancy scare.

[cheminotte]

Have been on coil since Ds2, but used condoms for 10+ years with DP before that as did not get on with the pill.
He appreciated when we were ttc and I was pg not using them, but never had any accidents in that time.

[CabbagePatchCheryl]

Thank you Sweets - seems to have resolved itself these days. Was misery at the time, though. Ugh.

[plannedshock]

We always use condoms, I don't find it too much if a passion killer it just becomes the norm! Although that's interesting the link between condoms and uti's because I have so many through a year!

[FreeSpirit89]

I was on the mirena for 3 years, and even with that I insisted on condoms.

[fuzzpig]

Yes we use them, have never used anything else as the idea of hormonal contraception and the coil freaks me out [anxious emoticon]

Been together 12 years and no mishaps - only stopped twice when SWIing.

Sorry blue shoes but at 'touch wood' :o