Abortion/birth control

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Expert: - 7/28/2009


Question
I haven't been taking birth control since December. I got pregnant and had an abortion on July 11th, and have been taking birth control since. I know birth control is only 99% percent effective, but I also have been told that it's only 99% effective after it has been taken for some time. When is it "safer" for lack of better words, to have sex without a condom?

Answer
Hello, gabby,

First, please know condoms don't work. For questions about when your birth control medication will be effective, please ask your doctor. You haven't even told me which medication you are taking. So please consult with him. Don't go to the person who provided the abortion. Find someone else. Also, keep in mind that birth control pills are also prone to failure. In a relationship where the people aren't married, they don't approach 99% in effectiveness. And if you are taking antibiotics at any time, they won't work.

As long as you continue to have sex, you are at risk of facing the same situation that caused you to have an abortion in the first place. If you are not married to your partner, I'd advise you to give some serious thought to the risks you are taking. Not only is abortion dangerous, but just the whole situation is far from ideal. Sex is for bonding, and for making babies. If this is someone you really care about, have a talk with him. If not, think about what you are giving away. Your body is precious, and you deserve better. Please take care of yourself.

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Pat G

Expertise

I can help women with the consideration of their decision, and with resources, and I can share my own experiences as the mother of seven and grandmother of eleven. My approach is to show love and concern, and help women work through the issues, emotional, spiritual, practical. I also help women deal with boyfriend and family issues. I am not a doctor, but I have done extensive medical research, so I may be able to help with information. I am female. When you write, if you are or were pregnant, please tell me how far along you were or are, and if you have had an abortion, please tell me what kind. Thank you.

Experience

I have been working with women who are considering abortion for several years. I also work with women who have had abortions. Our family has also experienced adoption, so I can talk about that as well.

Education/Credentials
I am mostly self-taught. I also studied midwifery for awhile. I have spent years doing research on this topic. In fact, I have been doing research and working in this area since the early 1970's. I have been helping women online for a few years, under the guidance of a woman who was formally training in counseling.

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