Low Dose Birth Control is No Longer Enough!
“I’m on the pill”, how often is this the reply to “what type of birth control do you use?” Low dose birth control pills are still one of the most popular forms of contraception in the Western world but they do not give the added protection that is needed these days against sexually transmitted infections. Playing sexual Russian roulette is not ‘cool’ anymore, especially if you have multiple sexual partners. If you are not using some form of barrier contraception device in addition to your low dose birth control, you are taking a huge risk today. Even if you believe you are in a committed relationship now, stats prove that relationships change so this is a plea to be ’savvy’ when it comes to your sexual health. If you are a young adolescent you may be experimenting with your sexuality and intimacy but you need to strong if you are dating an older boy who attempts to pressure you into unsafe sex.There is no such thing as ‘risk free sex’. There are risks associated with having sex just the same as with other types of behaviour. YOU must make the decision about whether or not you are going to risk catching an STI by only relying on your low dose birth control methods without the backup of a barrier device.Barrier devices such as male and female condoms do not give 100% protection against STI’s but allow you more sexual freedom and will afford you some peace of mind that you are following ‘best practice’ when it comes to your sexual health. Some people are uncomfortable talking about condoms and while they agree with their importance, still cannot summon up the courage to insist on their use.Ask yourself if you have ever been faced with any of these ‘risky’ situations:
These are high risk situations for catching an STI, which often happen spontaneously but which could leave you with a lot more pain than pleasure. You may not have talked to anyone yet about the risks of STIs or in fact about sex at all but if you’re having sex, take some time to consider the ‘what ifs’ if you DON”T use a barrier contraceptive as well as your low dose birth control method. There are lots of clinics that welcome the chance to talk to people about STIs and safer sex- once you go, you can be an ‘expert’ for your friends.Your low dose birth control pill will not protect you from catching an STI in any of these situations if you do not use a barrier form of birth control as well. You owe it to yourself and any future sexual partners to think about the risk of unprotected sex before you jump into a sexual situation. You owe it yourself to spend time thinking about HOW YOU can make good sexual choices ‘all round’, maybe a session with friends is worth suggesting but remember that when you’re next in the arms of your lover, is your low dose birth control really your best friend?If stored properly, condoms have a shelf life of 3 years and there’s all the selection you could want (including special deals on bulk packs) at so make sure you have ‘one for the road’.
Carole Pemberton keeps you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives so that you can enjoy your love life while successfully managing your ‘contraception career’.
For a FREE E-BOOK that answers all the common questions about birth control and a ‘no nonsense’ website that tells it like it is, visit Carole’s website
How are the pregnancy weeks counted for a women with a longer cycle?
I know they count the weeks of pregnancy by the date of the last period. So if the last period was on Dec. 1st for example, Jan 1st would be sometime around week 4.
But what about those with longer cycles? With cycles that are 50 days long for example. So if two women have their period on Dec. 1st, one with a regular cycle and the other with a longer cycle, I believe that they didn’t conceive on the same day.
Am I right? Please explain.

