Scarleteen

Hi!
I am currently on the pill. My fiance and I use the pill and condoms as contraception. I am getting the IUD this week and because we are both clear of STI's and in a monogamous relationship. I want to know if I really still need condoms for pregnancy protection with an IUD (hormonal). Or if it really is overkill?

Hi gatesy,

We generally recommend the buddy system even when one (or both) of the methods being combined is highly effective, because pairing methods is a great way to keep pregnancy risks as low as possible. Too, given that you have a history of anxiety around pregnancy, continuing to use two methods may help keep that anxiety at bay by preventing you from constantly worrying about what happens if your birth control fails.