Overcoming Anxiety About Preventing Pregnancy

I'm sorry you're suffering over this, that's really hard. Condoms are great, but I understand the nervousness. I was really nervous and anxious about getting pregnant too when I first became sexually active at about the same age. From my experience the fear gradually faded with time. If you haven't already, I'd talk to a OBGYN about your fear and your problems with hormonal birth control. There are non hormonal birth controls out there that are useful on their own, but work even better when used with condoms. Like I said, condoms are great, but using two methods of bc is even better. However, definitely consult a doctor/obgyn before adding anything, they would know better than me what combination of bc works best. If you've already done that, ignore me. But if you are interested in learning more about non hormonal bc (birth control sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap, etc.) go to the Planned Parenthood website, click on Learn, then Birth control, then set the filter to Less or No Hormones, and it will give you several options. The ones I listed above are all non hormonal and I'm pretty sure can be used with a condom. Two methods is the protection, but even one method is effective if used correctly. You also might benefit from counseling with a licensed therapist (if you can afford it) about the root cause of your fear. I understand from experience that sometimes, even if you do everything right, the fear doesn't always go away completely or at all. If you have intrusive thoughts about it, especially if they continue after consulting a obgyn and/or implementing double bc,a train therapist can help you disarm those thoughts and get some peace of mind. Personally, I would see both a doctor and a therapist, but if you only want/can afford to do one, that would still be helpful. If you only see one, it's up to you which one you think would help more. Good luck, I hope you get to a point where you feel comfortable. Last thing I will though, non penatrive sex is still good sex, and sometimes better than penatrive. If you're really nervous about penatrive but still want to have sex, try non penatrive (toys, hands, oral, whatever). Just make sure you uphold your boundaries. NEVER agree to do anything that make you uncomfortable, stand up for yourself. If your sexual partner repeatedly ignores you boundaries, it's time to leave. I know you didn't ask about that, but I wish it was said more to me at that age, I would have avoid a lot of heartache. If it's just too much and negatively affects your mental or physical health, it's ok to not have sex. Again, if a partner isn't cool with not having sex (if you don't want to), they aren't the right person. Good luck, be safe, and listen to your gut

Hey do you what works best for you ❤️ I have terrible anxiety about pregnancy too and I'm the same age and also not sexually active. Few things to remember, condoms can rip. Aside that, ask the guy you're seeing to pull out, even with the condom. If you're up for it, if you're sure about not ever getting pregnant, you can get your tubes and everything removed. If he's serious about you and you're serious about him, ask him about getting a vasectomy. I can't take pills or have an IUD either. I'd also look at getting a plan B for where ever you are if it works for you as a backup plan just in case. But remember, this is a conversation you both need to have. I hope everything goes well ❤️