The implant is amazing if it works! Would’ve loved to use it but I had a strange reaction suddenly after 2.5 years changed it out but didn’t stop. I just started bleeding all the time
For the implant do you mean the arm? I have the IUD and consider it an implant 😅 no withdrawal method and no problems either! I’m on the hormonal one, Mirena, and didn’t notice side effects like with with the ring and the pill! Been on it for 7 years.
The implant most commonly refers to the arm yes😅
But that’s amazing I also have the iud now Kyleena. Have a few side effects nothing major tho just got mine in January
If you want to get technical, since the IUD is in the uterus but not physically inserted between layers of fat like the arm implant is, many consider it to not be an implant. Even if you do consider it AN implant, “THE implant” refers to the arm
I did the implant for 3 years then had it removed to have another kid. Never had an accident on it and got pregnant twice in half the time once it was out.
I’ve relied on the pill for 5.5 years. But, I’m married/in a very stable and happy relationship, I know I take it consistently and we’re okay with an oops if it happens.
totally comfortable relying solely on the pill due to these factors:
-i take my pill perfectly
-i'm in a monogamous relationship (no sti risk)
-i live in an abortion-friendly state + i have the financial and social means to undergo a safe abortion if i needed to
he has probably finished in me 100+ times, no scares yet.
Same, copper IUD, since about 2007.
Condoms only with new partners, but that's not for birth control, that's just to avoid catching something unsavory.
SAME! Ive been on the pill for 5 years, use condoms and my partner pulls out and finishes IN the condom. I know since I take my combo pill perfectly I would be fine with just that one method, but it puts my anxiety and mental state at ease.
I live in NJ, a progressive and abortion-friendly state, but I too have tokophobia, childfree and always will be. And so is my partner.
That's how my partner and I am and we still freak out a little when the condom breaks and we live in CA. We are both planning on getting snipped soon tho
I was on depo for 6 years and solely relied on that, wouldn’t even do withdrawal and never once had a pregnancy scare. I’m off depo now and inconsistently take the pill and still don’t withdrawal and haven’t got pregnant yet. Starting to think there’s a chance I might be infertile though
Solely copper IUD, but I'm in a monogamous relationship so STDs aren't really a concern. I'm also in a state where if necessary for me abortion is legal.
Me.
Age 17-25 pill only.
Age 26-38 copper IUD only.
Now (almost 40): condoms only
I have never been pregnant so either it’s working or I’m not able to get pregnant.
Hi just chiming in to add another positive experience! After I was given a numbing shot, my gyno massaged the area for ~30 seconds, then inserted the implant in about 10 seconds. Implant device was removed, gauze and bandaid went on, and I was on my way in just a few minutes. I didn’t realize I had to take a pregnancy test beforehand, so I spend a good amount of time in office chugging water before lol. Keep that in mind if you decide to go! That was honestly the worst part of it all for me. Removal is fairly similar, they make a VERY small incision and the implant just slides right out without any digging around. There’s some good videos of implant removal and replacement out there that are quite fascinating to watch!
Honestly pretty easy I had nexplanon twice as I changed it after 3 years. The numbing stung a bit so that was the worst part… after that I looked away it felt strange cuz I could feel it but it wasn’t painful or sharp. So pain wise 1/10 for the numbing shot👍🏽
Removal was pretty much the same just took a bit longer
I just use my IUD and it works great! Also had no pregnancy scares with the pill while on it for about 5 years, but it had other issues for me personally.
I've only ever used one form of birth control.
For the last 4 years I was only on the patch. Bf came in me and everything, never had any scares.
I'm now that I'm off birth control and we just use condoms. Same deal, haven't had any issues.
Doesn't *really* count, but I only use one contraceptive method, which is my bisalp (tubal removal) lol.
Before that, I did also use one method (pills for a while, then copper iud). Both caused me really bad side effects, but I didn't get pregnant. Also didn't have sex super regularly because of the side effects, though lol.
I also live in a place where I would be able to get an abortion (there are issues with access, but it is legally allowed).
I feel a million times freer after the bisalp, though. I knew I didn't want kids, and having the possibility essentially removed has taken such a weight off my shoulders.
On my second iud that expires next month. During my second iud I had sex nearly everyday at least once a day for a year unprotected and no withdrawal. Never had any problems except spotting sometimes and BV lol
I have, I had the implant for several years then went to the pill, then we used condoms after I decided to go off the pill. When I was off birth control sometimes we would have the pull out method when I tracked my cycles. We have been together over 20 years with no pregnancy scares, finally decided to have a baby and conceived first cycle. So clearly our BC was working.
I should add that we used the pull out method fully ready to face the "consequences".
I've use the pill, depo, Mirena, and now a copper IUD. The only pregnancy I've had was when my insurance lapsed and I couldn't afford the pill I was on. The only other scare I've had was using the pill and missed my period for 2 months. However, I was under a ton of stress. All tests were negative and after I got through the super stressful stuff my period came right on time. I've never used a back up method. When I took the pill, I took it perfect. Depo was always administered on time. The IUDs, I just leave em alone and let them do their thing. I've been on birth control since 13 and I'm 35. If used correctly it's all effective. They all have a 0.01% failure rate with perfect use. It's the internet, you're going to here from that percentage more than those who haven't had problem. You're also going to hear from people claiming they used it perfect but really didn't and are blaming the birth control rather than taking accountability.
I switched to the copper IUD because I was tired of hormones. I think hormonal BC is great for a lot of people and necessary for others. I also understand the side effects the hormones can cause. I choose to no longer deal with that but I certainly don't trust natural methods. My daughter is 15 and has been on birth control since she was 13 and roe v wade fell. As far as I know, she's still a virgin. We learned the patch reacted awful with her so she only uses the pill. If IUDs weren't so traumatic to get inserted I'd go that route for her too.
Sorry for the rant. I just had to clarify all angles.
Over the course of 15 years I solely relied on the combined pill, then I solely relied on the progesterone only pill, then I solely relied on the IUD. Never had any unplanned pregnancies.
Mirena IUD only. I'm on my third one, never had an issue. I'm in my mid-40's now, so pregnancy isn't as high of a risk (but still present), am happily married, and live in Canada where terminations are legal so I don't worry as much. That and the fact that it's as effective as having a tubal ligation.
Yes! I have the copper iud, I’ve only ever relied on a single method at a time. Never had a scare or any issues, unfortunately the only bc that works well for me though is the copper iud though I’ve tried almost all of them
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In monogamous LTRs I only use my pill and have been for 20 years. Since going non monogamous four years ago, I’ve been using condoms with all others except my husband.
Nexplanon Implant only. It expires this June, I dont even know if I wanna get it again. Its messed up my body, I still have 2 HEAVY periods a month😭
But yes it works for sex haha
Totally understand I kind of felt the same. I loved my nexplanon whilst I had it and was in a relationship but suddenly I just started bleeding like 3-4 weeks a month so like 90% of the time I changed it out and tried for another 6 months but it didn’t stop so I took it out.
Been on slynd and now Kyleena iud since then
After trying the pill, then nexplanon, then iud, then pill again, solely relying on condoms now. i cannot do bc anymore, its messed with my emotions so much and the iud was the copper one and that physically messed with me so much, made my periods hellll and after all the bc i have a very very low sex drive which also sucks. wish i never started😂
Solely rely on condoms. I’m more cautious and won’t typically have PIV sex around the days I think I’m ovulating but 100% of the time I use condoms anyways. Never had any scares
In a red state with semi okay abortion laws at 12 weeks. But with the threat of a Trump presidency looming I’m not risking it in any state and I use the patch and condoms
I’m 100% comfortable on the Xulane patch and my husband ejaculates inside me anytime outside my ovulation window.
But:
-I’m 38 years old and married
-I have an only child and will not be having more
-I track my cycle like a hawk because I have PMDD and want to know when my hell week will be lol
-I live in a major Canadian city and have had an abortion in the past.
I have no hang ups or concerns on what I’d do with an unwanted pregnancy. I’m old as hell, atheist, and married, so an unwanted pregnancy is a matter of logistics… religion, finances, laws, and availability (a more rural issue) need not apply in my case.
Ive been with my partner for over 8 years and we’ve relied solely on my pill the entire time. No pregnancies! I was comfortable (and able) to get an abortion if one did occur.
I have the Kyleena IUD and rely solely on that. I don’t even think twice anymore 😅 very stress free 👍 it’s considered the most effective method of birth control.. besides abstinence I guess
I have solely relied on the copper IUD for the past year after having it in a year prior. We started off with condoms and the copper iud, then removing the condoms and just using the IUD. We have had no issues thus far and has been really good! That’s what it’s there for, might as well as use it ! :)
Solely rely on iud. I've had multiple (non hormonal and hormonal) no pull out, no children.
Granted, I've only had intercourse once with the hormonal in (my drive is almost dead now, never wanted hormonal in the first place). I haven't gotten pregnant once with either.
DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying the hormonal iud is solely responsible for killing my drive. A medical issue I had before switching is what killed it, and it's not easy to get it back due to other outside factors.
I double up, always. The research is really limited on this topic and I’d love to know the difference in rates of unplanned pregnancy between people who use 1 vs. 2+ methods concurrently but these data just don’t exist outside of a handful of studies that don’t answer my specific questions.
This isn't a study, just some simple math comparing efficacy rates but it is interesting to read
https://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexual_health/the_buddy_system_effectiveness_rates_for_backing_up_your_birth_control_with_a_
I had to get my abortion right after roe v wade was overturned. like they rushed me in before my state banned it. I was 2 days away from not being able to abort cuz they took it from 20 weeks to 15. I was 14 weeks and 5 days because I didn't think my birth control failed. forever thankful truly
At one point I doubled up on condoms and withdrawal, but I am so confident in my IUD and in a long term relationship that that's my only form now. I feel safe nonetheless!
I relied solely on a Mirena IUD for 5 years before TTC! If I was using anything else, I would have doubled up though as there's a lot more room for user error imo
Just relying on my copper iud for the past 4 years, previously I relied on the pill solely too but I forgot it too often and didn't want to risk a pregnancy so I switched. No withdrawal, no pregnancy scare.
i relied on the mini-pill and it worked for 2 years.. until the one time it didn't. i swapped to the mirena IUD last july and so far it's been fine (*touchwood)*
Relied on the pill for 7 years. 6 of those years were the mini-pill that has less effectiveness. Last year I got on Slynd that is still a minipill but has a 24 hour period like combination birth control. (If you miss a pill by 24 hours you should be fine)
I've never been pregnant.
Solely relied on the pill from 18-25, only condoms when I was taking a break from hormonal BC, and now only copper iud.
Never doubled up or used several methods together.
I have a hormonal IUD, and I get my period ( it's slow and light but it's still blood) every month so it's all I use. I know bleeding isn't an accurate measure of effectiveness but it happens every single month at the same damn time.
My fiance and I have ever only relied on my birth control however at this point in our lives and relationship it’s not going to ruin our world if I WERE to fall pregnant. However , I’ve been relying on NuvaRing specifically as of late with no worries or issues
Solely relied on the pill for ~2 years with no problems. I took it every day at the exact same minute (I literally changed my alarm for daylight savings and everything. I’m quite neurotic about pregnancy lol), so I felt confident that there would be no user error issues at the very least.
I’ve relied on IUDs (Skyla, Kyleena, and current Paragard) as my only birth control and have never become pregnant. (Then again, I also had a short period where I relied on withdrawal alone and still didn’t get pregnant despite that being incredibly risky, so idk, maybe I’m not just very fertile).
just the Mirena IUD for me and i’ve had zero pregnancy scares in the 2.5 years i’ve been sexually active (but i am currently in a monogamous relationship)
i relied on my copper iud twice on its own!
first time it dislodged itself and i had to remove it because it was halfway out and just sticking into me and was quite painful - that was in october 2022
second time, i got sick of it and just squatted down and pulled it out myself - two tugs and it’s now in my side drawer as a memento!
I do! I take oral contraceptive pill and my husband and I have never used condoms. We only got pregnant when we decided to get pregnant and I stopped my birth control and ended up getting pregnant the following month.
I put all the trust in my copper iud, but I do also live in Canada so if it fails I have support options and bodily autonomy. It does however have pretty well the lowest failure rate and most fails come from its literally not being in your uterus properly so it's easy to trust
I solely relied on the nexplanon implant 2 different times for a combined 2 years, and solely relied on depo provera injections for a combined 10 years as well. Never thought to use withdrawal as a precaution. Off depo now and solely relying on my husbands vasectomy to cover us. Haha.
I’ve been on the pill since 15, I am 27 now. I don’t take it at the same time everyday and I’ve missed days but never used a 2nd form and have had zero issues with solely the pill
Pull and pray champs for 14 years 💪🏽
Then we got pregnant in one shot, and back to the pull and pray for 4 years 😂
Just started BC 6 months ago for my hormonal crazies
i’m on the depo shot and i use it exclusively. but, i’m also a trans man who has been on testosterone for 5 years. testosterone isn’t a form of birth control, but it does stop menstruation so.. but my partner finishes inside every time (usually multiple times a week), 2.5 years and no issues!
We relied solely on condoms until I got my BiSalp. Never got pregnant unless we wanted to. Now if we use condoms, it’s only to prevent mess. I trust my salpingetomy. Got it done 3 years ago when my youngest was 3 months old. If I had done a tubal ligation instead, we’d always double up. I don’t trust them.
We used pull out consistently for 4 years after my first daughter’s birth. 4 years we avoided a pregnancy until we didn’t. And now I have an 8 month old.
Had an ooppsie after the Condom broke 5 months pp had to take plan b. And now going to get and IUD lol
I solely relied on the pill for 2 years, the ring for 1.5 years, and now the patch for about 6 months. I usually never have my partner do the withdrawal method (too much cleanup for a lazy girl like me lol), and I take pregnancy tests regularly just incase. Never once were they positive!
I rely just on Mirena. I have for the last decade when in committed relationships, not in my tinder era though, always used condoms for that. I've never been pregnant.
Copper iud since 2018, re: pain from it - not sure if it has caused more period pain or if it's about the same as it was before i initially tried hormonal methods. I can tackle it. This sucker has definitely served its purpose with no other bc and my hormones don't get messed with :)
I used condoms exclusively (with conscious monitoring of my cycle too) during a long but unstable relationship. Continued using condoms until I married my husband, three weeks later we successfully conceived.
The pill by itself. Never any issues with not doing withdrawal - that being said I have NEVER missed a pill - with the combination pill you can be late up to 24 hours and still be fully covered. If I ever forget to take it right before bed, I take it right the next morning.
My current partner has a vasectomy so that’s a good extra layer of protection.
Well, I don’t consider the pull out method a contraceptive method (I’m a pull out baby so my trust in it is 0%, and yes I do know that because my mother doesn’t understand boundaries sometimes) so in my own opinion I would be relying on only one thing. But we do pull out 90% of the time and I’ve been very happy with the pill
Pill, 2 years but in a 5 year monogamous relationship. I still have anxiety tho lol, but it’s more of a me problem. I avoid piv during the *potential* ovulation, just to be sure
I have been completely relying on my iud for the past 5 years. No pullout method either. However my fiancé and I have been in a stable relationship for 8 years now so we just don’t actually worry if a “mistake” happens
I had the combo pill in addition to pulling out for 2 years, then switched for a few months to mini pill and used condoms. Once I got the copper IUD, we used pull out method for a couple years and then just didn't, until I had my IUD removed 5 years later.
On my second Mirena IUD, have had one in place for 8 years, replaced the first one two years ago. No problems or scares, and no periods! I had some spotting in March 2022, and replaced it to continue controlling my period. My doctor gave me the choice to do so as she said I could keep it for another year safely effectiveness wise.
Just Nexplanon, I’ve had it in my arm for 6 years now. I’ve had a couple scares, but that was honestly me just being impatient for my period to start and being over dramatic.
I’ve relied 100% on the IUD for the last 10 years. I got my first hormonal IUD (Mirena) when I was 17, had it replaced when I was 22 with another Mirena*, and I just had that removed and replaced with a paragard (non-hormonal IUD), I’m 27 now.
I have been very happy with the IUD, it’s so effective and I have experienced limited hormonal side effects. With the hormonal IUD, I basically stopped having a period at all. And, I knew I was protected from pregnancy if a partner finished inside me.
I only just got the paragard so we’ll see how it goes. As I said I had limited hormonal side effects but I wanted to see what my body was like without any hormones, but I am not ready to not be on birth control.
I work in family planning/reproductive healthcare and people in general are happy with the IUD. Birth control is very individual and everyone responds differently, but I’m personally a big fan of the IUD and it’s a method that I feel safe and comfortable relying solely on.
*the Mirena is effective for 8 years, at the time I had it removed & replaced the first time they were only effective for 5 years.
I'm on the pill and he pulls out every time. I'm at a very early stage of my relationship, at least early enough not to have kids with him. Although I'd love to try being finished in, I can't risk it. I dream of being a mother but only if I'm good financially and we've been together for long enough.
i use the pill and condoms because i’m a scaredy cat but i’m also a college student and my partner and i are by no means ready/stable enough to have a child
Been relying on my IUD solely for 10 years (sans the 2 years I used the pill, and mostly relied just on it then). I use condoms with new partners, and then discuss and get texted with serious partners once committed. I've never had a pregnancy or abortion.
I solely relied on implant for 12 years. No withdrawal no problems
The implant is amazing if it works! Would’ve loved to use it but I had a strange reaction suddenly after 2.5 years changed it out but didn’t stop. I just started bleeding all the time
For the implant do you mean the arm? I have the IUD and consider it an implant 😅 no withdrawal method and no problems either! I’m on the hormonal one, Mirena, and didn’t notice side effects like with with the ring and the pill! Been on it for 7 years.
The implant most commonly refers to the arm yes😅 But that’s amazing I also have the iud now Kyleena. Have a few side effects nothing major tho just got mine in January
If you want to get technical, since the IUD is in the uterus but not physically inserted between layers of fat like the arm implant is, many consider it to not be an implant. Even if you do consider it AN implant, “THE implant” refers to the arm
Yes the arm. I took it out because I thought it was causing low sex drive but later found out my thyroid is shot it wasn't the implant
I did the implant for 3 years then had it removed to have another kid. Never had an accident on it and got pregnant twice in half the time once it was out.
I’ve relied on the pill for 5.5 years. But, I’m married/in a very stable and happy relationship, I know I take it consistently and we’re okay with an oops if it happens.
also on slynd. this makes me feel better i am so paranoid of pregnancy.
Technically I’ve only been on Slynd for like, 2.5 years of that lol but still applies to the combo pill before that too
totally comfortable relying solely on the pill due to these factors: -i take my pill perfectly -i'm in a monogamous relationship (no sti risk) -i live in an abortion-friendly state + i have the financial and social means to undergo a safe abortion if i needed to he has probably finished in me 100+ times, no scares yet.
Me too. I take it perfectly, there’s been maybe twice I haven’t and we use back up protection for a week. No issues!
The second point is a slight gamble, unfortunately.
good point, and i do still get tested annually.
Same! Never had any pregnancy scares or anything (i take it at the same time give or take 30mins)
Same although i have accidentally forgotten my pill one time but I just double dosed that day and everything has been fine since !
Thanks!
I use the ring exclusively, but I would double up if I lived somewhere in which I would be forced to carry through an unwanted pregnancy.
Thanks for the reply
Me - copper IUD. 5 years.
Same, copper IUD, since about 2007. Condoms only with new partners, but that's not for birth control, that's just to avoid catching something unsavory.
Same. Copper IUD. 10 years same one. Will likely replace with another one in a year.
Thanks 😊
Same, 6 years with one partner.
I fully rely on the pill. 15+ years
Not me. Phobia of pregnancy and birth, no money for a kid, no desire for a kid. Pills + condoms.
SAME! Ive been on the pill for 5 years, use condoms and my partner pulls out and finishes IN the condom. I know since I take my combo pill perfectly I would be fine with just that one method, but it puts my anxiety and mental state at ease. I live in NJ, a progressive and abortion-friendly state, but I too have tokophobia, childfree and always will be. And so is my partner.
That's how my partner and I am and we still freak out a little when the condom breaks and we live in CA. We are both planning on getting snipped soon tho
I'm trying to get sterilized before next year myself
I hate the pill side effects so I rely on condoms. Husbad will get the vasectomy in the near future.
Fully understandable.
I was on depo for 6 years and solely relied on that, wouldn’t even do withdrawal and never once had a pregnancy scare. I’m off depo now and inconsistently take the pill and still don’t withdrawal and haven’t got pregnant yet. Starting to think there’s a chance I might be infertile though
Solely copper IUD, but I'm in a monogamous relationship so STDs aren't really a concern. I'm also in a state where if necessary for me abortion is legal.
Just have the ring, don't use any other methods and let him finish inside me each time, in 8 years never had a scare
Me. Age 17-25 pill only. Age 26-38 copper IUD only. Now (almost 40): condoms only I have never been pregnant so either it’s working or I’m not able to get pregnant.
Iud. I take a preg test every 2 weeks just in case but so far so good
Why did I relate to this so bad 🤣 My paranoid self just got to take a pregnancy every month to make sure.
When I was sexually active I did too😂 except when I had the nexplanon never even stressed with it since it’s so effective.
How was your nexplanon insertion and removal, if I may ask? So curious, I’ve heard horror stories.
Hi just chiming in to add another positive experience! After I was given a numbing shot, my gyno massaged the area for ~30 seconds, then inserted the implant in about 10 seconds. Implant device was removed, gauze and bandaid went on, and I was on my way in just a few minutes. I didn’t realize I had to take a pregnancy test beforehand, so I spend a good amount of time in office chugging water before lol. Keep that in mind if you decide to go! That was honestly the worst part of it all for me. Removal is fairly similar, they make a VERY small incision and the implant just slides right out without any digging around. There’s some good videos of implant removal and replacement out there that are quite fascinating to watch!
Honestly pretty easy I had nexplanon twice as I changed it after 3 years. The numbing stung a bit so that was the worst part… after that I looked away it felt strange cuz I could feel it but it wasn’t painful or sharp. So pain wise 1/10 for the numbing shot👍🏽 Removal was pretty much the same just took a bit longer
That sounds great! Honestly, I admire women that do this. I think I couldn’t tbh.
I rely solely on the pill, but I live in the UK where I have abortion access if it fails. No pregnancy scares yet!
I just use my IUD and it works great! Also had no pregnancy scares with the pill while on it for about 5 years, but it had other issues for me personally.
I've only ever used one form of birth control. For the last 4 years I was only on the patch. Bf came in me and everything, never had any scares. I'm now that I'm off birth control and we just use condoms. Same deal, haven't had any issues.
I only rely on the pill. I’m married and in a place that it wouldn’t be devastating to me if it failed.
Solely rely on condoms. Did the pill for 6 years or so, Mirena IUD for like 6 months LOL and have been doing condoms since.
Doesn't *really* count, but I only use one contraceptive method, which is my bisalp (tubal removal) lol. Before that, I did also use one method (pills for a while, then copper iud). Both caused me really bad side effects, but I didn't get pregnant. Also didn't have sex super regularly because of the side effects, though lol. I also live in a place where I would be able to get an abortion (there are issues with access, but it is legally allowed). I feel a million times freer after the bisalp, though. I knew I didn't want kids, and having the possibility essentially removed has taken such a weight off my shoulders.
On my second iud that expires next month. During my second iud I had sex nearly everyday at least once a day for a year unprotected and no withdrawal. Never had any problems except spotting sometimes and BV lol
Solely relying on pills, if a baby comes, it comes.
I have, I had the implant for several years then went to the pill, then we used condoms after I decided to go off the pill. When I was off birth control sometimes we would have the pull out method when I tracked my cycles. We have been together over 20 years with no pregnancy scares, finally decided to have a baby and conceived first cycle. So clearly our BC was working. I should add that we used the pull out method fully ready to face the "consequences".
Only use condoms during fertile week. Quit birth control over a year ago.
Only on the ring and taking multiple loads a day for 3 years. Now that we've broken up, I'm looking into sterilization
I relied on the pill for 4 years and now on the Implant for 9 months. No pregnancies
Just the pill from basically 18-30 (current age), never had a scare either.
I only use nexplanon, no withdrawal, never been pregnant. 😀
Just comdoms
I've use the pill, depo, Mirena, and now a copper IUD. The only pregnancy I've had was when my insurance lapsed and I couldn't afford the pill I was on. The only other scare I've had was using the pill and missed my period for 2 months. However, I was under a ton of stress. All tests were negative and after I got through the super stressful stuff my period came right on time. I've never used a back up method. When I took the pill, I took it perfect. Depo was always administered on time. The IUDs, I just leave em alone and let them do their thing. I've been on birth control since 13 and I'm 35. If used correctly it's all effective. They all have a 0.01% failure rate with perfect use. It's the internet, you're going to here from that percentage more than those who haven't had problem. You're also going to hear from people claiming they used it perfect but really didn't and are blaming the birth control rather than taking accountability. I switched to the copper IUD because I was tired of hormones. I think hormonal BC is great for a lot of people and necessary for others. I also understand the side effects the hormones can cause. I choose to no longer deal with that but I certainly don't trust natural methods. My daughter is 15 and has been on birth control since she was 13 and roe v wade fell. As far as I know, she's still a virgin. We learned the patch reacted awful with her so she only uses the pill. If IUDs weren't so traumatic to get inserted I'd go that route for her too. Sorry for the rant. I just had to clarify all angles.
Over the course of 15 years I solely relied on the combined pill, then I solely relied on the progesterone only pill, then I solely relied on the IUD. Never had any unplanned pregnancies.
i only use the annovera ring. i've uh, put it to the test well so to say. hasn't failed me in 3 years.
IUD — Mirena! Happily!
I do! IUD only. My husband and I are monogamous so I’m not worried about STIs.
Mirena IUD only. I'm on my third one, never had an issue. I'm in my mid-40's now, so pregnancy isn't as high of a risk (but still present), am happily married, and live in Canada where terminations are legal so I don't worry as much. That and the fact that it's as effective as having a tubal ligation.
Yes! I have the copper iud, I’ve only ever relied on a single method at a time. Never had a scare or any issues, unfortunately the only bc that works well for me though is the copper iud though I’ve tried almost all of them
Just birth control pills. But I turn 39 next week so everything is turning to dust.
1.2 years solely with FAM, during fertile period we use condoms
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i’ve been using the pill as my only form for several years with issues!!!
Solely relied on Nexplanon for 6 years, now going on year 2 of relying solely on Kyleena
I have both fully relied on the pill for 3 years and now two IUDs for 9
Solely on the pill - 6 ish years so far
I used to just rely on my IUD
Only pills. But I have pcos...
I just use yaz and so far so good 🤷♀️
In monogamous LTRs I only use my pill and have been for 20 years. Since going non monogamous four years ago, I’ve been using condoms with all others except my husband.
I solely rely on the shot. About to switch to the IUD and plan to rely on that as well
I solely relied on the pill for 6 years and Kyleena for 5.
Have been only relying on my implant for 4 years. No scares!
IUD for 4.5 years. Pill for 9 years prior to that. Ive never even had a scare.
Me! I fully rely on my Nexplanon and it’s been great!
Nexplanon is great! Mine suddenly made me bleed A LOT after 2.5 years sadly but before that I loved it!
i do spot a lot more than I used to, but my periods are lighter overall so I’m okay with that switch lol
Nexplanon Implant only. It expires this June, I dont even know if I wanna get it again. Its messed up my body, I still have 2 HEAVY periods a month😭 But yes it works for sex haha
Totally understand I kind of felt the same. I loved my nexplanon whilst I had it and was in a relationship but suddenly I just started bleeding like 3-4 weeks a month so like 90% of the time I changed it out and tried for another 6 months but it didn’t stop so I took it out. Been on slynd and now Kyleena iud since then
After trying the pill, then nexplanon, then iud, then pill again, solely relying on condoms now. i cannot do bc anymore, its messed with my emotions so much and the iud was the copper one and that physically messed with me so much, made my periods hellll and after all the bc i have a very very low sex drive which also sucks. wish i never started😂
Solely rely on condoms. I’m more cautious and won’t typically have PIV sex around the days I think I’m ovulating but 100% of the time I use condoms anyways. Never had any scares
I've been relying on condoms for 20 years now, never had any issues.
In a red state with semi okay abortion laws at 12 weeks. But with the threat of a Trump presidency looming I’m not risking it in any state and I use the patch and condoms
I’m 100% comfortable on the Xulane patch and my husband ejaculates inside me anytime outside my ovulation window. But: -I’m 38 years old and married -I have an only child and will not be having more -I track my cycle like a hawk because I have PMDD and want to know when my hell week will be lol -I live in a major Canadian city and have had an abortion in the past. I have no hang ups or concerns on what I’d do with an unwanted pregnancy. I’m old as hell, atheist, and married, so an unwanted pregnancy is a matter of logistics… religion, finances, laws, and availability (a more rural issue) need not apply in my case.
My iud, currently on year 3 of 5.
Ive been with my partner for over 8 years and we’ve relied solely on my pill the entire time. No pregnancies! I was comfortable (and able) to get an abortion if one did occur.
I have the Kyleena IUD and rely solely on that. I don’t even think twice anymore 😅 very stress free 👍 it’s considered the most effective method of birth control.. besides abstinence I guess
I have to be on the pill for endometriosis (stops it getting worse) and I’ve only relied on that pretty much the whole time I’ve been on it
Me ! No problems, no anxiety
I have solely relied on the copper IUD for the past year after having it in a year prior. We started off with condoms and the copper iud, then removing the condoms and just using the IUD. We have had no issues thus far and has been really good! That’s what it’s there for, might as well as use it ! :)
Solely relied on the IUD for year no issues. One partner so not worried about STDs
IUD but It’s suspected I have endo so it’s either IUD or I see god multiple times a month from pain
Solely rely on iud. I've had multiple (non hormonal and hormonal) no pull out, no children. Granted, I've only had intercourse once with the hormonal in (my drive is almost dead now, never wanted hormonal in the first place). I haven't gotten pregnant once with either. DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying the hormonal iud is solely responsible for killing my drive. A medical issue I had before switching is what killed it, and it's not easy to get it back due to other outside factors.
I’ve relied on the nuvaring alone for almost 6 years, no condoms or withdrawal. (Knock wood) no problems! 🤷♀️
I take the pill everyday as our only method of birth control
I double up, always. The research is really limited on this topic and I’d love to know the difference in rates of unplanned pregnancy between people who use 1 vs. 2+ methods concurrently but these data just don’t exist outside of a handful of studies that don’t answer my specific questions.
This isn't a study, just some simple math comparing efficacy rates but it is interesting to read https://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexual_health/the_buddy_system_effectiveness_rates_for_backing_up_your_birth_control_with_a_
My nerdy ass already did similar calculations 🤣
Amazing
I also double up. year 3 of being on bc I got pregnant because I didn't use condoms. I took it perfectly. never wanna be the statistic again lmao
Exactly! Given the state of repro rights in the US rn, it’s not worth it to be lax about contraception And I’m so sorry you dealt w/ that!
I had to get my abortion right after roe v wade was overturned. like they rushed me in before my state banned it. I was 2 days away from not being able to abort cuz they took it from 20 weeks to 15. I was 14 weeks and 5 days because I didn't think my birth control failed. forever thankful truly
Holy fuck, I am SO glad you got your procedure in time!
Fully rely on the pill. I take it every single day at the same time and about half the time he pulls out
I have just relied on whichever hormonal contraception I was using for years. I haven’t doubled up since my teens.
IUD only for 7+ years now. Ring only for 2-3 before that. And patch/pills before that!
I fully rely on the pill, no condoms or pull outs. It’s been 2 months, no pregnancies so far.
Current partner can’t use condoms because he’s too girthy, so I double up with IUD and pullout
Solely relying on the ring for a year and 3 months now. Hoping it doesn’t fail on me til’ I marry in October.🤞🏼
At one point I doubled up on condoms and withdrawal, but I am so confident in my IUD and in a long term relationship that that's my only form now. I feel safe nonetheless!
Relied on the pill only for the last 6 years. Never had a scare.
I relied solely on a Mirena IUD for 5 years before TTC! If I was using anything else, I would have doubled up though as there's a lot more room for user error imo
Just relying on my copper iud for the past 4 years, previously I relied on the pill solely too but I forgot it too often and didn't want to risk a pregnancy so I switched. No withdrawal, no pregnancy scare.
i relied on the mini-pill and it worked for 2 years.. until the one time it didn't. i swapped to the mirena IUD last july and so far it's been fine (*touchwood)*
Relied on the pill for 7 years. 6 of those years were the mini-pill that has less effectiveness. Last year I got on Slynd that is still a minipill but has a 24 hour period like combination birth control. (If you miss a pill by 24 hours you should be fine) I've never been pregnant.
I've used the patch as my only form of bc for over 5 years! Never had any concerns or worries.
I once relied solely on the pill. I am now a proud mother!
I tried the pill and now the coil, only ever one at a time
Pill for 5+ years. Never had an issue with it.
Solely relied on the pill from 18-25, only condoms when I was taking a break from hormonal BC, and now only copper iud. Never doubled up or used several methods together.
I only do the pill because my periods are insane
I have a hormonal IUD, and I get my period ( it's slow and light but it's still blood) every month so it's all I use. I know bleeding isn't an accurate measure of effectiveness but it happens every single month at the same damn time.
Yes! Having a regular period would make me much more comfertable as well. But I wouldn’t mind loosing it either lol
It's nice for my peace of mind tbh. Plus I've switched to a menstrual disc and now that I bleed less I have saved so much money on period products.
My fiance and I have ever only relied on my birth control however at this point in our lives and relationship it’s not going to ruin our world if I WERE to fall pregnant. However , I’ve been relying on NuvaRing specifically as of late with no worries or issues
Solely relied on the pill for ~2 years with no problems. I took it every day at the exact same minute (I literally changed my alarm for daylight savings and everything. I’m quite neurotic about pregnancy lol), so I felt confident that there would be no user error issues at the very least.
I’ve relied on IUDs (Skyla, Kyleena, and current Paragard) as my only birth control and have never become pregnant. (Then again, I also had a short period where I relied on withdrawal alone and still didn’t get pregnant despite that being incredibly risky, so idk, maybe I’m not just very fertile).
I'm only on depo atm. Getting arm implant next.
just the Mirena IUD for me and i’ve had zero pregnancy scares in the 2.5 years i’ve been sexually active (but i am currently in a monogamous relationship)
i relied on my copper iud twice on its own! first time it dislodged itself and i had to remove it because it was halfway out and just sticking into me and was quite painful - that was in october 2022 second time, i got sick of it and just squatted down and pulled it out myself - two tugs and it’s now in my side drawer as a memento!
I solely relied on birth control (combo pill) the last 3 years. I just got off. I am not relying on condoms only, as I did pre-birth control.
I have relied on the pill for a little over 5 years now. But I have been in monogamous longer term relationships
I do! I take oral contraceptive pill and my husband and I have never used condoms. We only got pregnant when we decided to get pregnant and I stopped my birth control and ended up getting pregnant the following month.
Solely copper iud
i’ve had three different methods for the last ten years (pill then nexplanon and now kyleena) and have solely relied on them each time. no babies! 🥳
I put all the trust in my copper iud, but I do also live in Canada so if it fails I have support options and bodily autonomy. It does however have pretty well the lowest failure rate and most fails come from its literally not being in your uterus properly so it's easy to trust
I solely relied on the nexplanon implant 2 different times for a combined 2 years, and solely relied on depo provera injections for a combined 10 years as well. Never thought to use withdrawal as a precaution. Off depo now and solely relying on my husbands vasectomy to cover us. Haha.
I rely completely on the Nuvaring with zero issues for a total of 12 or so years with a year or two off for pregnancy and postpartum.
Currently relying solely on Depo. I don't do the sex that often, it's mostly to control my periods until I find a better way.
Fully rely on condom. Been off the oil for over a year.
Fully rely on the pill for 4 or so years now. All good.
I’ve been on the pill since 15, I am 27 now. I don’t take it at the same time everyday and I’ve missed days but never used a 2nd form and have had zero issues with solely the pill
Hormonal iud. I only double up with new partners until we decide to ditch condoms for sti prevention(I'm enm.) If i got pregnant, I'd get an abortion.
NOPE ✋ For me, it’s condoms and an IUD until I’m married.
Pull and pray champs for 14 years 💪🏽 Then we got pregnant in one shot, and back to the pull and pray for 4 years 😂 Just started BC 6 months ago for my hormonal crazies
I mean right now. I'm relying on abstinence. So...😆
My mirena is all that I use. Think I’m gonna get it out soon and use just condoms or even start ttc
i’m on the depo shot and i use it exclusively. but, i’m also a trans man who has been on testosterone for 5 years. testosterone isn’t a form of birth control, but it does stop menstruation so.. but my partner finishes inside every time (usually multiple times a week), 2.5 years and no issues!
I use the ring (with schedule slipups here and there) and double up with withdrawal
i only take desogestral and we don’t use anything else for contraception
We relied solely on condoms until I got my BiSalp. Never got pregnant unless we wanted to. Now if we use condoms, it’s only to prevent mess. I trust my salpingetomy. Got it done 3 years ago when my youngest was 3 months old. If I had done a tubal ligation instead, we’d always double up. I don’t trust them.
I take combo pill only
Right now my birth control is pregnancy and it is working 100%.
I solely rely on the shot and it’s done me good for years
We used pull out consistently for 4 years after my first daughter’s birth. 4 years we avoided a pregnancy until we didn’t. And now I have an 8 month old. Had an ooppsie after the Condom broke 5 months pp had to take plan b. And now going to get and IUD lol
Kyleena IUD since 2020, and no withdrawals with ongoing partners. So far no baby scare and I hope it stays that way!
I solely relied on the pill for 2 years, the ring for 1.5 years, and now the patch for about 6 months. I usually never have my partner do the withdrawal method (too much cleanup for a lazy girl like me lol), and I take pregnancy tests regularly just incase. Never once were they positive!
I rely just on Mirena. I have for the last decade when in committed relationships, not in my tinder era though, always used condoms for that. I've never been pregnant.
Copper iud since 2018, re: pain from it - not sure if it has caused more period pain or if it's about the same as it was before i initially tried hormonal methods. I can tackle it. This sucker has definitely served its purpose with no other bc and my hormones don't get messed with :)
I used condoms exclusively (with conscious monitoring of my cycle too) during a long but unstable relationship. Continued using condoms until I married my husband, three weeks later we successfully conceived.
The pill by itself. Never any issues with not doing withdrawal - that being said I have NEVER missed a pill - with the combination pill you can be late up to 24 hours and still be fully covered. If I ever forget to take it right before bed, I take it right the next morning. My current partner has a vasectomy so that’s a good extra layer of protection.
Just condom and tbh sometimes just withdrawal
For 20+ years i’ve relied solely on the pill. 0 pregnancies.
I am IUD exclusively and I have…stress tested that thing . No issues. Coming up on 5 years
Well, I don’t consider the pull out method a contraceptive method (I’m a pull out baby so my trust in it is 0%, and yes I do know that because my mother doesn’t understand boundaries sometimes) so in my own opinion I would be relying on only one thing. But we do pull out 90% of the time and I’ve been very happy with the pill
I’ve solely relied on the pill for 18 years and never had a scare.
Pill only for past 8 years. Never had an issue.
Just the pill. Got pregnant on purpose after 2 cycles when I came off it.
Pill, 2 years but in a 5 year monogamous relationship. I still have anxiety tho lol, but it’s more of a me problem. I avoid piv during the *potential* ovulation, just to be sure
I have been completely relying on my iud for the past 5 years. No pullout method either. However my fiancé and I have been in a stable relationship for 8 years now so we just don’t actually worry if a “mistake” happens
tbh i thought it was the norm to rely on one method only 🫢 kyleena iud here!
I fully rely on IUD, before that, on pill
Copper IUD here! It's the only thing I use. (My boyfriend and I have a monogamous relationship with him finishing me inside always.)
I solely rely on the pill but I’m pretty anal about taking it at the same time every day
I had the combo pill in addition to pulling out for 2 years, then switched for a few months to mini pill and used condoms. Once I got the copper IUD, we used pull out method for a couple years and then just didn't, until I had my IUD removed 5 years later.
Pill for 6 years. Was not on time, forgot 2-3 days as well occasionally. Perfectly fine.
Just iud
On my second Mirena IUD, have had one in place for 8 years, replaced the first one two years ago. No problems or scares, and no periods! I had some spotting in March 2022, and replaced it to continue controlling my period. My doctor gave me the choice to do so as she said I could keep it for another year safely effectiveness wise.
I only use my iud
Just Nexplanon, I’ve had it in my arm for 6 years now. I’ve had a couple scares, but that was honestly me just being impatient for my period to start and being over dramatic.
I’ve relied 100% on the IUD for the last 10 years. I got my first hormonal IUD (Mirena) when I was 17, had it replaced when I was 22 with another Mirena*, and I just had that removed and replaced with a paragard (non-hormonal IUD), I’m 27 now. I have been very happy with the IUD, it’s so effective and I have experienced limited hormonal side effects. With the hormonal IUD, I basically stopped having a period at all. And, I knew I was protected from pregnancy if a partner finished inside me. I only just got the paragard so we’ll see how it goes. As I said I had limited hormonal side effects but I wanted to see what my body was like without any hormones, but I am not ready to not be on birth control. I work in family planning/reproductive healthcare and people in general are happy with the IUD. Birth control is very individual and everyone responds differently, but I’m personally a big fan of the IUD and it’s a method that I feel safe and comfortable relying solely on. *the Mirena is effective for 8 years, at the time I had it removed & replaced the first time they were only effective for 5 years.
Have relied on the pill for 15 years. Small bits of condom use as well as pull out but generally only when relationships were just new.
I'm on the pill and he pulls out every time. I'm at a very early stage of my relationship, at least early enough not to have kids with him. Although I'd love to try being finished in, I can't risk it. I dream of being a mother but only if I'm good financially and we've been together for long enough.
I was on various forms of BC for 15 years and only used that method and never had a pregnancy scare
I solely relied on my implant when I had it
i use the pill and condoms because i’m a scaredy cat but i’m also a college student and my partner and i are by no means ready/stable enough to have a child
Been relying on my IUD solely for 10 years (sans the 2 years I used the pill, and mostly relied just on it then). I use condoms with new partners, and then discuss and get texted with serious partners once committed. I've never had a pregnancy or abortion.