# Risks of pregnancy during unprotected sex **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 24, 2002, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686 "2002-12-24T05:49:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/41 "2002-12-26T03:19:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kyomara \* > \*\*Yeah, the pill is available. I’ve heard horror stories about side effects from female friends who have had really bad reactions to it, though. > \*\* Remember that horror stories about bad reactions make better conversation material than no reaction at all. For every person you find that had a bad reaction to the pill, I’ll bet you find 100s that had no reaction at all, and probably dozens that had positive side effects. For myself, I have used the BC pill almost exclusively for the past 20 years, and can’t even tell the difference when I’m on it, except for having to remember a pill every day. And there are so many variations on the pill that a bad reaction to one flavor doesn’t automatically make the pill impossible. You and your gf are free to choose the method you want to take, but don’t let a few anecdotal horror stories skew your judgement. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/42 "2002-12-26T04:10:50Z")
I was on the pill for a while as well, and I wish I were still on it. I can’t afford it anymore, but if I could then I’d gladly use it in addition to condoms. IMO there’s no such thing as beng too safe when it comes to your sex life. ---
**Author:** ![Brave\_Sir\_Robin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Brave\_Sir\_Robin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brave_Sir_Robin)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/43 "2002-12-26T14:07:05Z")
The first time my wife and I had unprotected sex was on our wedding night. Nine months later, we had a son. Apparently, for my wife and I the chance is pretty high. It may be lower for you, but I’d still suggest using contraception until you are ready to accept the good chance of a pregnancy. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/44 "2002-12-26T14:23:46Z")
**Tuckerfan** … Still in your 20s? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![cuauhtemoc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecb155/32.png) [@cuauhtemoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuauhtemoc)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/45 "2002-12-26T14:40:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kyomara \* > \*\*double sigh. It sure feels good though, don’t it? \*\* _Mmmmmm… unprotected sex._ ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/46 "2002-12-26T15:28:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kyomara \* > \*\*Yeah, the pill is available. I’ve heard horror stories about side effects from female friends who have had really bad reactions to it, though. > > Nope, it’s condoms for me from now on. Assuming she’s not already pregnant. > > Thanks for all the responses. What I’m getting here is that the pull-out method is a valid form of birth control, but there are enough people here for whom it has failed and I’d rather not add my name to that list. \*\* 'At a boy. Go forth and sin some more, but be protected for God’s sake. Side effects from the pill? I’m sure they exist. They’re the exceptions though - most women who use the pill do so without any complications whatsoever. ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/47 "2002-12-26T15:48:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by \*\*Kyomara \*\*\* > As outlined in **AZCowboy’s** first post to this thread. Certainly not the most effective form of birth control, but a valid on all the same. Let me put it this way. You’ve admitted that the reason you’re having unprotected sex is because it feels good, despite knowing that it’s very dumb, right? So how far is it from that to not pulling out in time “just this once” because it feels good, despite the fact that it’s very dumb? And then letting it become a habit? I’ll be the first to tell you, it feels pretty damn good. And it’s a slippery slope. Testing your limits doesn’t stop until you get smart or you get hurt. ---
**Author:** ![cuauhtemoc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecb155/32.png) [@cuauhtemoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuauhtemoc)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/48 "2002-12-26T16:26:03Z")
I hate condoms. They’re slimy and cold and they smell bad. If I’m using them regularly I get used to them, but until I get to that point with a woman I’d rather just do things other than intercourse than use a condom. I hate them that much. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/49 "2002-12-26T16:34:25Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by White Lightning_ > So how far is it from that to not pulling out in time “just this once” because it feels good, despite the fact that it’s very dumb? And then letting it become a habit? > > I’ll be the first to tell you, it feels pretty damn good. And it’s a slippery slope. Testing your limits doesn’t stop until you get smart or you get hurt. This right here would be my major argument against using the withdrawal method. At least with condoms you have the barrier there, you don’t have to keep in mind the “must pull out in time” warning throughout the act. I’ll note that the FDA link cited condoms without spermicide. To be extra-sure, get condoms with spermicide, then. I was on the Pill for years in college and a while after. Not only did it work wonders for allowing spontaneous sex without any loss of sensation, but it reduced my menstrual cramps considerably. I’m planning to get back on it once my health plan kicks in. There are lots of different dosages and medication types, so most side effects (I never had any) can be dealt with. One thing I should note is that the woman taking the Pill needs to be dedicated in taking it at the same time every day, insisting on a second method of birth control when on antibiotics and for the remainder of that pill-month, and should not be a smoker. The nurses I spoke to when I was in college were emphatic about how this could cause serious health effects if a Pill user was a regular smoker as well. A doctor can educate better on any contraindications, however, as well as how _much_ smoking is a deal-breaker for this medication. ---
**Author:** ![BrentLumkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9d8465/32.png) [@BrentLumkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrentLumkin)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/50 "2002-12-26T19:02:28Z")
Try masterbating a few times without using any cover, and wait right before you pop and then look at your hands… …then come back here and tell me you are safe, mmmmk? ---
**Author:** ![B.Pants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@B.Pants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Pants)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/51 "2002-12-26T19:19:59Z")
I know the pill should not be used by habitual tobacco smokers. Does anybody know (just out of curiosity, of course) what side effects occur with habitual (read: all day every day) use of the ol’ wacky tobacky? ---
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/52 "2002-12-26T19:21:47Z")
I can barely remember what it’s like to have sex without a condom. I know it was pretty damn good, though. I used the pullout method for a while. My daughter is 7 now. ---
**Author:** ![\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/b2d939/32.png) [@\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Sky)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/53 "2002-12-26T19:38:26Z")
Add me to the list. I was 18 and listened to( my then boyfriend,later husband, now ex husband) We used the "pull out method "and my son is now 16. Later on I took the pill for many years and there are many to choose from if one is not right for you, you can choose another (for her of course) ---
**Author:** ![kevlaw](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kevlaw/32/2281_2.png) [@kevlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevlaw)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/54 "2002-12-26T20:51:29Z")
I am also a little disappointed by the spread of misinformation. Aren’t we supposed to be fighting ignorance ? The data is fairly clear - 20% for typical use. 4% for perfect use. It’s quite effective - especially when compared with condom or diaphragm use. But be honest … are you “typical” or “perfect” ? … and the women who are now mothers … were you’re SO’s “typical” or “perfect” ? … what about “Honest” ? Also, some people seem to be confusing “no birth control” with “withdrawal”. Anecdotally, I used withdrawal as the main form of birth control throughout much of my adult life. When I stopped using withdrawal, I fathered two children. Again, anecdotely, I read a study about a community in Italy where withdrawal is the only tolerated form of birth control and pre-marital sex is tolerated, even encouraged. They have almost no children born out of wedlock. Having said all that, I think even 4% risk is a high risk. If an unwanted preganancy would be a tragedy for you, I don’t think you should use withdrawal as a form of birth control. I don’t use it any more because I don’t wish to have more children. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2002, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/55 "2002-12-27T02:43:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jonathan Chance \* > \*\ ***Tuckerfan** … > > Still in your 20s? > > 😃 \*\* Mentally, at least! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2002, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/56 "2002-12-27T15:44:38Z")
Damn. Maybe I’m just old. ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2002, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686/57 "2002-12-27T16:26:02Z")
> [@](#): > > Does anybody know (just out of curiosity, of course) what side effects occur with habitual (read: all day every day) use of the ol’ wacky tobacky? Blood clots become much more likely, and your risk for having a heart attack skyrocket: > [@](#): > > In fact, women over age 35 who smoke and take the Pill are nearly 10 times more likely to have a heart attack than women who don’t smoke or take the Pill. and > [@](#): > > Rare but serious health risks include heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the legs, which can travel to the lungs — mostly for women over 35 who also smoke. Source: [Planned Parenthood](http://www.plannedparenthood.org/BIRTH-CONTROL/Smoking.htm) > [@](#): > > Among all women taking some form of the pill, the risk of a heart attack was 13 times greater among those who smoked compared to nonsmokers. Source: [MSNBC](http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/675258.asp) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-pregnancy-during-unprotected-sex/144686.md?page=2)