Condoms once a relationship's getting serious?

[RoseCup]

I'm finding myself in a relationship. We're exclusive at this point, and I want to be smart. So I'm wondering, how do you decide if you want to rely on the pill and forgo condoms?
And how far along in the relationship would you make this switch?

[Lite]

When you're willing to take the chance that he may **** someone else and bring a disease home for one? Or when you're willing to bear his child because you screwed up and forgot a pill? Or when you're willing to have an abortion because of the above?

The answer, for me anyway since I'm huge on CYA when it comes to sex, marriage. When you're willing to risk having kids/disease.

[Gigabitch]

When you're both willing to get an AIDS test and a full checkup of your respective equipment. It's not just about getting knocked up, you know. It's about protecting yourself.

[RoseCup]

okay, so let's say you've both been tested and everything checks out. You're saying you'd still use condoms every single time?

[Lite]

No. But then again, I'm married. My wife cannot have kids. We've both been tested.

Until then, yes. Condoms, every damn time.

[Indignant]

okay, so let's say you've both been tested and everything checks out. You're saying you'd still use condoms every single time?

first of all you have to be sure that you are exclusive. second of all do get tested. and then there's a whole world out there of pills, patches, nuva rings, iuds, shots and god knows what else. if i were you i'd start with a nuva ring or a patch. minimal care, once a month.

[Charlie Boy II]

as far as I'm concerned unprotected sex is for married people. At least it gives me something to look forward to.

[Junket]

Yeah, we use condoms every time.

I've thought about anal without a condom, but I'm too afraid of picking up hepatitis or somethin'.

[carl1222]

okay, so let's say you've both been tested and everything checks out. You're saying you'd still use condoms every single time?

Of course not! If you are comfortable with the health risks of the pill, the condum adds little extra protection against pregnancy, and detracts from intimacy. Better that you should choose the pill with the greatest effectiveness, and be very careful to take them all when you are supposed to ... I think they can be up to 99.99% effective when used carefully.

Carl.

[Charlie Boy II]

I disagree carl. Condoms aren't for pregnancy the pill is. Condoms are to protect againt infections and disease. Even when people get tested it is no guarantee. People are seldom tested for herpes, for example, unless they specifically request it. One in four Americans has genital herpes. Males cannot be tested for genital warts either. Lots of infections are passed inside relationships.

So that's why I don't think people should do away with condoms until they are married.

[Junket]

I disagree carl. Condoms aren't for pregnancy the pill is. Condoms are to protect againt infections and disease. Even when people get tested it is no guarantee. People are seldom tested for herpes, for example, unless they specifically request it. One in four Americans has genital herpes. Males cannot be tested for genital warts either. Lots of infections are passed inside relationships.

So that's why I don't think people should do away with condoms until they are married.

How are condoms not for pregnancy?

Your statement has me raising an eyebrow.

[Charlie Boy II]

what I meant was in a relationship I'd be using the pill as a contraceptive and condoms for disease protection.

Condoms break too much to be used as a contraceptive, I think. The pill is far more reliable.

[Mish]

I agree, condoms until marriage or fiance type thing.

[Junket]

I've never had a condom break.

Ever.

[carl1222]

I disagree carl. Condoms aren't for pregnancy the pill is. Condoms are to protect againt infections and disease. Even when people get tested it is no guarantee. People are seldom tested for herpes, for example, unless they specifically request it. One in four Americans has genital herpes. Males cannot be tested for genital warts either. Lots of infections are passed inside relationships.

So that's why I don't think people should do away with condoms until they are married.

I hear you, Charlie but with disease there is no safe haven ... even marriage. I look at it this way ... if you don't feel safe from disease with your committed and tested partner before marriage (because he/she may be sleeping around), then there's absolutely no reason to feel safe with him/her after the wedding vows. Marriage doesn't cure cheating.

Carl.