Yep! That is why it's a good idea to combine two methods of birth control. Even when one of them fails, you have a second line of defense. So in this case, you had a condom failure, but since you are on the pill and taking it as directed, you can rely on that protection.

Yep! If taken as directed, the pill offers the same level of protection all throughout the pack. Read more on how it does that here: How do birth control pills really work, even during the placebo period?

What you are describing may be a sign of an infection. This article explains more in depth: Honorably Discharged: A Guide to Vaginal Secretions

So you are saying that the pills you are worried about are sugar pills? If so, it does not matter either way, as they do not contain active ingredients. They are just placeholder pills so you stay in the habit of taking your pill at the same time every day.

Okay, so there are a couple of things to think about. You're saying you carry on having intercourse until past the point where it stops being comfortable for you. My first suggestgion, ecchoing Heather, would be that you stop having intercourse when it stops being enjoyable for you, and instead expl...

It would mean being open to discussing some of the frameworks that you're using here to see whether they're serving you well. For example, the idea that your partner is lasting 'too long' - too long by whose standards? And also the way you feel insecure because of this - why do you think that you ar...

Alright, let's take a step back, okay? Of course sex isn't movie-perfect, and no one is suggesting that it should be. In fact, here at Scarelteen we'll be the first to advocate for letting go of unrealistic expectations. And for sure, relationships require work and aren't always effortlessly easy. (...

This is the beauty of using the buddy-system: when one method fails, you can still rely on your back-up method. Since you have beent aking the pill as directed, you can rely on the protection of the pill. Since you did have a condom failure, you have had a risk of STI transmission. If you and your p...

Yes, ultra thin condoms are just as safe as regular condoms, when used correctly. So, that is certainly something you can experiment with to see if that changes anything. Have you and your partner had that conversation that Heather suggested, asking him how he perceives this situation, whether he co...

As you know from the information that the other volunteers have given you, one of the potential side-effects of taking EC is cycle irregularity. So, it would not be at all unusual for your period to be late this time, or look a little different from what you are used to. If your period is late, you ...

I am sorry it feels like that for you right now. But we'll try and make sure someone else listens as well, okay? I don't know what services and agencies Ashleah had in mind when she asked for your zip codes, but I am sure she'll be back around soon with those numbers for you. So you called both DHS ...

I am sorry to hear that it has been so tough to get some help! I don't know enough about these matters to be able to jump in here, but I wanted you to know that your post has been seen and that we're working on helping you out. I have left a note in the staff area, so hopefully someone more knowledg...

Yes, a withdrawal bleed indicates that you are not pregnant. But if it would make you feel better, you can always double-check with a pregnancy test.

Even on the pill, bleeding won't always be regular and you can expect to see some variation from time to time. So, what you describe does not sound like anything to worry about.

Have we given you this link yet, Fender? How do birth control pills really work, even during the placebo period?

Did he pull out pretty soon after ejaculation? If not, you want to get into the habit of doing that. You might find this article helpful: Condom Basics: A User's Manual

But regardless, as long as the condom did not slip off or break, it did its job.

What are you concerned with, in terms of wondering whether your counselor is trustworthy? They are trained to help in situations like yours, so they should know what to do and be able to support you. Do you perhaps have a friend who's been to talk to the counselor? Maybe they can let you know what t...

From what you are writing here, I have to agree - if you used condoms correctly and for all genital contact, pregnancy is unlikely. And you really do see when a condom breaks. Even if they just get a small tear to start with, those tears get bigger and the condom bursts, sort of like a balloon. Unle...

I think you are looking for this post: http://www.scarleteen.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=135

This is likely the article that Heather was talking about: Chicken Soup for the Pregnancy Symptom Freakout's Soul

What is keeping you from being able to buy a pregnancy test?

Today we published a review of the film 50 Shades of Grey: 50 Shades Crappier: On Selling Abuse for Valentine's Day Spoiler alert: We came to the conclusion that the relationship between Christian and Anastasia isn't a terribly romantic, or even healthy one. And now we are wondering, what films are ...

EC can help prevent pregnancy. EC is more effective the sooner after the risk you take it. Since you had your risk today, if you can get EC quickly, it has a very good chance of preventing pregnancy.

When in your cycle did you start the pill? Did you start on the first day of a period? It can take a few months for the body to get used to the pill, and if you have only been on it for a few weeks, some irregular bleeding is not too surprising. But if you are concerned about the bleeding, you can c...

You know, whether or not something legally fits the definition of rape has very little to do with how someone may feel about it. It is perfectly possible to feel violated by something that would not be called rape, just as it is perfectly possible to experience a rape and move on from that quickly. ...

Welcome to Scarleteen, Ariel. I am glad to hear that you have ended this relationship, as it does not sound like this was a safe person for you to be sexual with. Your friends and family are right: what he did does indeed qualify as rape. Rape is any sexual activity that someone does not, or cannot ...