When I’m in a monogamous, long term relationship, it’s the pill. If it’s anything other than that, it’s condoms, plus spermicide at a minimum. I’ve not tried any other methods.
Used to be condoms, generally the ones treated with a spermicide. Haven’t tried any other barrier methods. I found spermacide-from-a-tube to be unpleasantly messy, though I’ll admit I didn’t give it much of a chance. Hated it too much.
Switched to the pill for good almost a year and a half ago, it’s working fine in spite of a prescription change last month.
I know some folks are happy with the Billings or body temp methods, but I wouldn’t feel as confident with them-- I’d be too afraid of screwing it up. I wouldn’t go with a surgical option unless I was absolutely certain I didn’t want kids.
My ex-husband was neutered as is my SO. Pill? Expensive; made me fat & moody. Condoms…squeak squeak, don’t like them. Diaphragm, rhythym, spermicide, withdrawal…too risky. Friend almost died from IUD/peritonitis…Nope. Morning after pill…rather not.
I have to agree with Carina42, a vasectomy is the way to go, provided that you don’t want have anymore children.
Speaking as a male who has been snipped, I find that I can now concentrate more on pleasing my SO and not have to think about pregnacy at all. It was always in the back of my mind, thus, I think hindering my performance.
Without having to buy any contraceptives over the past nine years, the vasectomy has paid for itself.
I love my kids, and 3 was enough for me.
The SO had one done a couple of years ago right around Valentine’s Day. He didn’t want any kids and because of how rough my last pregnancy was and the fact that after 40 the Pill becomes a little more risky, he decided this was best.
I’m currently wanting a kid, and though my wife took the shot because she wanted to put off getting pregnant for a while, we were actively trying for some time before that and are probably going to keep trying when the shot wears off. So my answers will be based on what I have used in the past, or what I might use if I was trying not to.
Abortion - Not yet, though I wouldn’t have a problem with it if it was needed
Abstinence - Well, I’ve had long dry stretches but they weren’t by choice
Billings - Unreliable
Body temperature (woman observes body temp. and pattern of ovulation in relation to it) - No, but we used this when we were trying to get pregnant
Cervical cap - Haven’t used, but seems OK if the woman is up to it
Condoms - Have used them in the past, would like to never have to use them again, though. Can only reach orgasm about half the time when wearing one.
Diaphragm - Never used, but see 5.
Hormonal birth control - Currently using this (this is the shot, right?)
Interuterine device - Heard too much scary stuff about it. Nobody I know has used it.
Morning-After pill - If I was a woman I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but it’s expensive and there are better ways if you are having sex regularly
Rhythm method - See 3 and 4
Spermicides - Had a friend who used them, too unreliable, too messy
The pill - A few of the women I have been with used this, one in combination with condoms
Tubal ligation - Been with one who had this
Vasectomy - Nope, I change my mind too much to make a permanent decision like that - at least until the reversible kind becomes more commonly used and reliable.
Withdrawl - Yes, but only with a woman who was pretty infertile (15 years of sex with no pregnancies)
Related hijack: Has anyone here ever used a diaphram or a cervical cap? What are hte advantages/disadvantages? How much does a diaphram cost? I have decided to go off chemical birth control because I really hate what it does to my body: not only do I gain weight, but I swear it messes up my mind, my libido, my whole personality. Pregnancy would not be good right now, and so my current plan is to use a diaphram and condoms together. It seems to me that as a pair the two would be pretty damn effective. I have a doctors appointment on Thursday to talk about this, but hearing people’s personal experiences would certainly be useful.
as is my SO. Pill? Expensive; made me fat & moody. Condoms…squeak squeak, don’t like them. Diaphragm, rhythym, spermicide, withdrawal…too risky. Friend almost died from IUD/peritonitis…Nope. Morning after pill…rather not.