I'm planning on having sex for the first time soon. But I am not on birth control. We were planning on using a condom, but I'm still worried that I could possibly get pregnant. It's going to be the first time for both of us so I'm wondering if maybe it would be better to wait and go on the pill or patch or whatever just because we're inexperienced.
If I was to use a method of birth control, how long would I have to wait to make sure that it would be safe-proof?

I wouldn't use condoms alone. I know they work fairly well but I would really think about getting on birth control before you have sex. It only takes the first 7 days on the pill and it will be completley effective. I think seven days of waiting to have sex would be better than an unplanned preganancy!

hey crystal, there's a product called VCF (vaginal contraceptive film) that you put in 15 minutes before sex, and it stays effective up to 3 hours. you can get it at the drug store or target or wherever, it costs about the same as a box of condoms and is a good, non-hormonal backup method, imo. but there's certainly nothing wrong with going on the pill or some such thing either. whatever you decide to do, be safe, and have fun! good luck.

No birthcontrol is 100% effective. It is always good to have a back up, for example: going on the pill and using condoms.

I, however, used condoms for almost 3 years and I never had a problem. I tried going on the pill but I had a bad reaction.

I use VCF also (along with condoms) and it's always worked well for me. However, I believe it's 70-something % effective. BCPs always screwed my body up so VCF is certainly better than nothing at all!

I went for the patch before I started having sex, and at the clinic they were very happy because I guess they don't see that too often...especially at my age (I was 27). I still use condoms with the pill for backup.

If you are to just use condoms which I did for awhile and my friends only use, make sure at the end that it has not broken....ie put water in it after use and make sure nothing drips out and make sure he puts in on properly, he may need practice. If it breaks go get emergency contraception as ur back up. Going on most birthcontrol you have to wait till your period to go on....the pill takes 7 days as do others...some are effective immediatly (implanon) disscuss it with ur doctor when u go.....however if u careful the condom shoudl be enough...just be careful and remember accidents happen even the first time.