How effective?

[Junky]

Well me and my girlfriend have been together in a beautiful and loving relationship for quite some time now and we are thinking about sex. I know we need to use condoms. But the thing im scared to death of is it not working, breaking and her getting pregnant:(. Can anyone give me any information or helpful advice on this subject?

[inlove]

the only for sure way to anything not happening is not doing it... otherwise, you will just have to take a chance but if she is on the pill and you use condom, then it should be pretty effective..

[Oblivion]

Good for you, for using them.
I believe they are 95-97% effective, but I can't be positive. Remember to look up how to put them on right, so they don't break or slip off. Never wear two; it increases the chance of breaking. Always use new, fresh, unbroken condoms- old ones are more likely to break.
I would recommend you ask her to take birth control pills as well, so you can have twice the protection.

[pontiacdriver]

The following links from the Department of Health and Human Services/CDC might be of assistance:

1) http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.htm
2) http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/docs/Condoms_and_STDS.pdf
3) http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/UnintendedPregnancy/Contraception.htm

It is great that you are being proactive with your future sexual actions, and generally speaking, condoms are pretty reliable if used correctly. Follow the instructions on the condom box, and you generally will be fine. If your girlfriend does have a latex allergy, then make sure to use polyurethane condoms as an alternate.

If pregnancy is a real scare for you both, then make sure that your girlfriend is on some sort of birth control regiment. Keep in mind that not all birth control is used for actual birth control as women do use birth control to regulate periods and to even deal with acne. Your girlfriend absolutely should have a women's health provider to whom she can turn if she has a problem. Besides pregnancy especially if this is going to be your girlfriend's first time sometimes women do have problems down there after sex which is why she should have a healthcare provider to whom she can turn. By the time a woman hits her teen years that is when many females start seeing a gynecologist or women's health nurse practitioner, and your girlfriend really should set herself up with one.

Finally, when you both have sex just make sure that if the unexpected happens that you both know where to go for emergency contraception as there is a 72 window to take that pill.

If this is your first time, then I hope things go by well, and remember that first times are rarely perfect and to have realistic expectations.

[tomm]

Man, condoms have... like... 1% of chance to break, if you PUT IT ON PROPERLY
Yah know... Hold the tip and that stuff.

[Requin]

Very good posts have pretty much explained it already. Just to add make sure you throw it away properly after ya done. :)

Moving to General Questions.