If I use a condom with spermicide, and I’m on the pill, and I take Plan B, is that good enough?
By Attia @ Planned Parenthood | May 21, 2020, 6:43 p.m.
Category: Ask the Experts, Birth Control
If I use a male condom with spermicide and I am on the birth control pill and I take plan B right after (just in case…) is that a good form of protection? I know there is always a chance of pregnancy, but is that as good as you can get? Is it safe to take Plan B in non emergencies?
While it’s safe to take Plan B anytime you need it, you really only need to take Plan B if your “Plan A” (your regular method of birth control) failed - like if the condom broke or you didn’t use one, you missed a pill, etc. It sounds like you have 3 different Plan As — a condom, the pill, and spermicide. And that’s awesome! On their own, condoms and birth control pills are both really good at preventing pregnancy — but together, they’re even better. And though spermicide doesn’t work as well when used alone, it’s a great way to back up your other birth control methods.
You’re right — the only 100% guaranteed way to not get pregnant is by not having vaginal sex. Using both a condom and another method of birth control — like the pill, patch, ring, shot, implant, IUD, or pulling out — can make vaginal sex a lot safer. Using them together is a really good way to lower your chance of getting pregnant, and of getting or spreading an STD.
If you’ve had unprotected sex or something went wrong with your regular birth control method, then it’s a good idea to take Plan B, or another kind of emergency contraception (also known as the morning-after pill). But if neither of those things has happened, then there’s no need to take Plan B.
Tags: condoms, the pill, emergency contraception, spermicide