should I trust my birth control?

[u/bwxlls]

Hi girls, I’m just looking for a bit of reassurance and comfort.

I’ve been on the combined pill for a few months now, and recently I started having sex without a condom with my long-term partner. I’ve realised I prefer it this way, not just because of the intimacy we share, but because the friction from the condom irritates my vagina.

Obviously, he finishes inside me, and a few weeks ago I wasn’t worried because I know I take my pills on time, which means I’m protected, and I also had my withdrawal bleeding, that gave me extra reassurance (I know many people say that doesn’t confirm anything; I’m not sure what to believe about that).

But this past week I’ve been overthinking it so much and I’m full of anxiety; I had sex twice, just after my bleeding stopped.

And now I have to wait for my placebo week to come round, and there’s still a while to go, it’s driving me mad.

I think I should stop reading so many stories on Reddit and scaring myself, just as there are bad experiences, there are good ones too. I know there’s always a chance of getting pregnant, so I asked my partner if we could use a condom more often, and he obviously agreed.

Does anyone else overthink things a lot? And what should I do to stop dying of anxiety (apart from using a condom, haha)?

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[u/UnfilteredDesires1]

Dear, stop overthinking. Combination pills is very effective if you take them on time. Seek help if you need it, trust your birth control and enjoy.

[u/bwxlls → u/UnfilteredDesires1]

Yes, I mustn’t let negative thoughts get the better of me, I don’t know why I always assume the worst😭 Thank you very much💓

[u/UnfilteredDesires1 → u/bwxlls]

You're welcome <3. You can message me privately if you feel unwell mentally regarding BC whenever you want.

[u/HerSpirit94]

Yes, you can trust it. Birth control prevents pregnancy. That is the point. If you’re taking it properly then you’re fine.

[u/Hot_Phase_1435]

I have a copper IUD and I still check at the 14 day and 21 day mark, don’t feel bad. I trust it. The purpose is that if I do get pregnant that I get the proper care ASAP. Which would be to save a viable pregnancy. I have two sisters that got pregnant on hormonal IUDs. So it doesn’t hurt to check. I just do t let it consume me. My cycles are currently irregular and why I check 14/21 day marks. I enjoy barrier free as does my partner so I can’t picture using condoms at all. It takes time getting used to it. But you’re fine. Totally normal.

[u/Queenof6planets → u/Hot_Phase_1435]

this amount of anxiety isn’t normal, actually. therapy (and/or maybe meds) could help both you and OP!

[u/Queenof6planets]

yes, you should definitely stop seeking out things that trigger your anxiety. are you in therapy and/or seeing a psychiatrist for anxiety?

btw, moderate to heavy withdrawal bleeding does rule out pregnancy!

[u/bwxlls → u/Queenof6planets]

I’d like to go to therapy, but it’s not something I can afford! I try to keep my mind occupied so I don’t think about it too much! Thank you very much💓