Q:
I am crazy about my girlfriend, but she refuses to go on the Pill because it makes her feel bloated. Instead, she insists that I pull out, claiming that all of her prior boyfriends were able to do it. For me, thinking about withdrawing takes all the fun out of sex. We tried using condoms but we both hate them. What can I do to persuade her to take the Pill? What are our other options?
A:
Although some men have no problem withdrawing, for others, it interferes with their enjoyment and can even cause ejaculatory problems. But your girlfriend is also justified in disliking birth-control pills. Many women experience unpleasant side effects from the Pill. In addition, recent studies have shown that the Pill can cause a considerable decrease in female libido. She could try other forms of hormonal contraception, such as the patch or NuvaRing, to see if she experiences fewer side effects. She can also opt for a barrier contraceptive like a cervical cap, diaphragm, contraceptive sponge, or Lea’s Shield, which should be used with a spermicidal cream. To convince her to try a new form of contraception, emphasize the high failure rate of withdrawal (seven to 22 percent), and explain that you are as uncomfortable with that method as she is with the Pill. And don’t forget to
add that coming inside her makes sex more intimate for you-few women can resist that!
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Victoria Zdrok's combination of beauty and intelligence has earned her the label as "sexpert" in many media outlets. She writes a monthly column on love, sex, and dating for Penthouse Magazine entitled "Ask Dr. Z," and a column on sexuality and the law for Penthouse Forum. She is a frequent contributor to several publications and has her own SIRIUS Satellite Radio specialty show, The Sex Connection, on Howard 101. You can find out more about Dr. Z at www.sexysexpert.com
