I recently started taking birth control. I am on my second pack of pills, and I was wondering when it is safe to have sex without a condom?

contraceptivesIt is never really “safe” to have sex without a condom unless you and your partner are having sex for the very first time and you have never been sexually active with anyone else.  Otherwise, you are at risk for getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).  If you are on your  2nd pack of birth control pills, the medicine is working however it’s important to remember that the pill is approximately 92-99% effective (not 100%) in preventing pregnancy. Typical use is about 92% and perfect use is closer to 99%. Also, it is important to note that the Pill is less effective when you are vomiting or have diarrhea as the medicine is not absorbed.