[muse]

Sooooo I'm thinking of going for it. Met a great guy, we're comfortable being intimate, he's considerate and yeah, it might even be love.

My T recommended spermicidal foam as an added protection against pregnancy (obviously he will use a condom), but apparently that only lasts 30 minutes or so after you apply it, and I don't really want to... "ruin the mood" with something like that. Petty? Sure. But I'd like my first time to be... special. Not foamy. XD

I can't go on birth control or get a prescription (no moolah for the stuff/still under parental insurance) but are there any other long-lasting over-the-counter contraceptives that would increase the effectiveness of a condom?

[Rhapsody]

IMO - the foam is not all that bad and being your first time the moment is going to be a little awkward to start with any ways..... therefore, I would suggest waiting a little longer or at least allowing yourself to know that the first time is not going to be what the media makes it out to be.

For most females the first time is more about sharing your self (body & soul) with the man you love or about not be a virgin any more - than sexual pleasure.

[muse]

haha, you have a VERY good point... I know it won't be perfect (far from it!) but... well. Guess it is pretty silly to put personal safety below pleasure, huh? I guess I just want to make sure I'm looking at all of my options. ^.^

[Monty_girl]

There is also a sponge, it has the form in the sponge. It might be easier to use and deal with. I found a website that has some info on it. Remember be safe physically and emotionally.

http://www.teensource.org/pages/4224/Today_Sponge.htm

[muse]

That sounds perfect, Monty_girl.... but of course, I'm allergic to sulfa drugs!!! D: Crrruuuuuddd! Haha, that is so typical for me it's almost funny.

Anything else out there I should be aware of? Oh, hey, I know there are condoms with spermicide on them, right? Have any of you had experiences with those?

Muse, one thing i would reccomend is before you actually do the deed, test a small amount of the spermicide on your vagina by yourself, let it sit for a bit. Some people are actually sensitive/allergic to the spermicide itself, and it would be VERY un-romantic for you to run screaming to the shower to remove it should it cause you some reaction

Other than that, you CAN indeed make the foam a FUN part of sex. Have him apply it, or like you said, just use the condoms that have spermicide on them already.

If it turns out that you are sensitive or allergic(I am!) then there are of course other options. ALWAYS condoms though. Beleive me, I am living proof of ONE accident leads to a baby. My son was a....surprise!

[Maven]

Whatever form of birth control you use, make sure you get LOTS of foreplay! That will help him enter you easier, you'll enjoy it more, and it might not hurt as much.

DO NOT use any kind of oil-based lubricant (such as Vaseline) with the condom; only use water-based lubricants. Oil-based ones can weaken the rubber of the condom, and that will kind of defeat the purpose.

Here's one more method of birth control, but I doubt you'll want to use it, since you need to get pregnant first :

Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)

Women who are breast feeding exclusively may be protected against pregnancy for up to 6 months after the birth if her period has not returned. This method is highly effective when used correctly. LAM works by preventing an egg from being released from your ovary. Once you begin to feed your baby food other than breast milk, or when your period returns you need to choose another method of birth control.

[dearyou]

Depending on where you live, you might be able to qualify for hormonal contraceptives from a free clinic and often times these places charge on a sliding scale or provide them for free. I know several people who are using Depo-Provera without cost from a clinic in my area (of course, Depo-Provera might be risky if you're a depression sufferer, since hormonal contraceptives can increase/cause depression and while you can stop taking a pill and be fine, if you get a shot, you're stuck for three months).

The other options are good though condoms, spermicide and proper lubrication either natural or water based (if not friction/breakage). Condoms are pretty effective when used properly. If anything goes wrong, you can get Plan B (the morning after pill). Depending on where you are and how old you are, you might have to go to a clinic. Here it's behind the counter at the pharmacy, you just have to ask for it.