Here are a few reasons people in a relationship may still choose to use condoms: If you or your partner is using a different type of birth control for the first time, it’s important to allow the body time to adjust. For oral contraceptives, it generally takes seven days of continual use for them to start being effective, according to Planned Parenthood. Options such as an IUD, the ring, and the patch also take at least seven days to work, depending on when during a person’s cycle it’s inserted. If you choose to start an alternative method of birth control, confirm with your gynecologist when it will be effective based on your cycle. These methods of birth control can also come with side effects, so communicating with your doctor to determine the best option for you is important. As a reminder, the pullout method still leads to pregnancy in an average of about one out of five cases and is not effective at preventing the spread of STDs. If you’re considering using this method alone, condoms are a much safer option for both of you. Safe, consensual sex means that both of you are comfortable and happy with what is happening. Even if you’ve been exclusive with someone for years and check all the other boxes mentioned to stop using condoms, that doesn’t mean you should or have to. The key is to do what’s comfortable for you. If your partner is on board with not using condoms, make sure you talk through your sexual exclusivity agreements, all parties have been tested for STIs, and you’re using an alternative form of birth control if pregnancy is possible from the type of sex you’re having. Stacey adds that the conversations should be “positive, empowering, and intimate and promote healthy communication in other realms of the bedroom and relationship.” As with every aspect of your relationship, open and honest communication is key to ensure each person is heard and respected.
