Expert: Diane Cheryl - 7/20/2008

Question
Hi! I originally started using birth control as a way to regulate my periods a few years ago. Then, I became sexually active. I'm in a monogamous, STD free relationship, and I'm very good with taking my pills on time. We used condoms at first, because I was taking my pills at different, crazy times, because I wasn't using it as birth control. Then I started using them correctly, and we stopped using condoms. Lately, my mother has twice told me that I need to be using condoms as well, because "the pill is not enough." She knows birth control's effectiveness, and that I'm taking it correctly. But I can't help but think that it's my sexual decision to make, and it is a thought out one. I guess I can understand-if I were to become pregnant, she would be involved in some way. I just don't know if next time I should tell her it's my decision or if I should just brush it off. Anyway, I just wanted to double check-that relying on the birth control pills alone is ok. I'm in the belief that for myself, if I'm having sex with one partner, we're in a healthy relationship, and we're both STD free, it's fine to rely on my pills. If any of the above were different though, like STD status unknown, then I would be using condoms. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Danielle,

Taking any kind of birth control pill is not 100% guarantee to prevent pregnancy. I hate to tell you but your mom is right that you should use 2 forms of birth control to be more sure. But I don't recommend hormonal birth control so I can't in good conscience do that. Also, new studies show that condoms don't always protect against STD'S as well. Sorry to break this news to you. If you want to ask a followup question or just email me, my address is DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl