Quote:
Originally Posted by ernie
I believe the 98% number includes those that forgot to take a pill here and there. If taken as prescribed it is likely about as close to 100% as you can get. But there are consequences to sex and potential of pregnancy no matter what birth control is used is one of those consequences.
Not sure why a lot of people seem to gloss over or not realize that part. But that's another discussion for another day perhaps.
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My girlfriend is a neonatal nurse, so I get bombarded with this information. Essentially, the birth control pill is 99.5% effective. There are three major exceptions though:
One, human error. You can take one late, or even miss one if you compensate your schedule, but miss more than that, and its ineffective for 7 days.
Two, medication issues. Antibiotics are the big ones, but there are apparently other medications that can also render the birth control pill inert and useless. Many women forget to mention to their doctor/pharmacist that they are on a pill and disclosure can be forgotten/overlooked.
Three, and this is the very scary one for guys. Some women, granted VERY few, ovulate twice per month. When this happens, don't ask me how, but its possible for this second ovum to be impregnated.
Apparently, you have to be very careful if one somehow gets pregnant while on the pill. The chemical cocktail is apparently not very good for babies at all, so frequent screenings are suggested. Plus, there's the high chance alcohol and tobacco have been consumed during that time.
As for the condom thing, its not the length that needs the magnum, its the girth. Anecdotally, apparently condoms in Japan are not made for North Americans. My buddy had to get some sent in.