The pill is about 98-99% effective if she
takes it correctly, and the condoms are
(typical use) about 85% effective.
Together you are pretty darn protected.
These stats are the percentage of women
who will not get pregnant in a year of
having sex at a regular rate.
It's good that you talked about the
abortion thing, though.
Ways to make sure you are using the pill
at peak effectiveness:
~Take it at the same time every day (duh!)
-- easy ways to remember- do it at the
same time as something else in your daily
routine (brushing your teeth, when you
wake up) or set an alarm on a cell or
something else to go off an remind you.
~ If you miss a pill (more than 12 hours
late) take it as soon as you remember,
even if it means taking it with your next
pill
~ If you miss two pills in one week, you
are not protected until you have taken it
for 7 days without missing any.
~Watch out for things like antibiotics and
st. john's wort, or certain steroids. If
you are going to take any medication or
herbal supplements, make sure you check
with your doctor or pharmacist first.
~If you throw up within 4 hours or so of
taking the pill, consider it a missed
pill. Throwing one up will not effect your
protection, but throwing two up within a
week will.
Ways to increase the effectiveness of a
condom-
~ Learn how to apply it well- read the
instructions!
~ Use a water-based lubricant, never oil
or silicone based anything, but a water
based one will reduce the chances of it
breaking. Some lubricants are labeled
"compatible with latex condoms" and some
are labeled "not compatible with latex
condoms" check the labels.
You're fine.
