Hi gang. It's good to be back here, it's been a while. After my previous relationship went on the rocks I just cooled it for a while and only lurked occasionally here. Now, I have a fairly new girlfriend and tonight we finally had "the talk". Yes, about becoming more intimate with each other. She doesn't have money now to get on the pill and was wondering about over the counter birth control.

Question is, what are/is the best OTC birth control for women? Which one(s) is/are easiest to use? We are going out to the drugstore this weekend to have a look at what's out there for her and would like to have your opinions on what we should be looking at. Thank you in advance for the help.

I would use condoms.

why does she have to be the one on the birth control? even after the pill remember double protection is always better!

DON'T BE SILLY COVER THE WILLY

Condoms!

I noticed your post only seemed concerned with what SHE could do, and that she was expected to pay for the pills too. Interesting.
Anyway, condoms or the pill are all I trust. So, how about condoms? They're over-the-counter.
And you get to share in the joy of birth control and the cost.

Let me explain how it works.

You pay for her pills, every time, and in advance.

And pay (her) for the condoms too.

Otherwise "Penny wise, Pound foolish" will be to you, anything but a curious old saying.

Thank you for the replies. I apologize I did not make myself clear in my post. I definitely plan on using condoms but was wondering about any OTC barrier type methods for women. I figured using condoms plus another method (for now it'll have to be OTC) until we can get the pills.

paulb: great suggestion, I will look into that

Can anyone comment on vaginal contraceptive film? Thanks.

Why are you people so worried about who will be paying for the birth-control? He simply asked what the best methods are, not to be hassled about who is going to pay for them! Sheesh! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Anyway, the contraceptive film is decent, though not the best! I believe you have to insert it 15 minutes prior to sex, which kinda ruins things, don't ya think? At least with condoms you put it on right before the act, but with the film you have to know in advance! Kinda icky!

Condoms and spemicide and probably your safest bet, I'm not sure that the diaphragm is something a lot of women are comfortable with, but if you're unsure, ask the pharmacist while you're at the store!

Also, I didn't catch where you live, but if she has any sort of health plan, it should cover birth control pills because they are a prescription! I'm not sure how expensive birth control pills are, I've been on them for 5 years but have always been fully covered by a health plan! Are they really expensive? Does she have a family doctor in the area? He/she usually can and will give out 3 months worth of pills for her to try! It's a start!

Good luck!

Hezz182 - thanks for your input. Yeah, I am aware that she has to insert the film 15 minutes prior to sex but I'd rather both of us be on birth control, and she feels the same way too. Right now until she finds out more info on BC pills we just want to use some sort of OTC birth control.

She and I are going to the drug store today to get our BC. In my research on the net, I've also learned about suppository like methods such as the Encare VCI. How about these? Are these easier to insert than the films are?

Encare VCI?
I'm sorry I'm not familiar with this method, but come back and let us know what you've chosen as your method for the time being!

Jack dude depending on where you live there is Birth control out there for her Planned Parent hood could help but as far as your conserned dude wrap it up be a smart guy !


CD

I will throw in what DH has to say about the inserts of BC...the film and the Encare stuff...if you paln on doing oral after one has been inserted be prepared because they taste nasty. I have to agree because I had to taste the stuff off his lips during kisses.
You can use a dental dam for oral after she ahd inserted the film or Encare to avoid that or skip the oral.

My partner and I went looking for new OTC birth control products today. I saw the encare applications, but for now we opted against them. They weren't too appealing to me at this point. We ended up going for something called gynol 2. We both really liked that, adn we had a great night http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
You just have to go out and see what is being offered. That's what we did, and eventually found this and others.

Birth control can cost as little as six dollars a month. . .this is what I pay each month for oral contraceptive (ortho-tri-cyclen) I recomend going to a student health services (at a university)if you are student or even planned parenthood. Birth-control is not expensive but everyone who decides to take it should be commited to keep taking it and on time!! Take if from me forgetting is easy when you have a busy schedule. . .I am personally thinking of trying the patch. Good luck, and it is nice to know that you are both communicating. . . needed for an intimate relationship!!