Tampon for Contraception?
Q.
My girlfriend and I have been talking about having sex during her period because there might be less risk of pregnancy. She said that I could have sex with her without using a condom, and that she will use a tampon. She says that since a tampon blocks the passage to the cervix, the sperm wouldn't go through it. I really don't know the mechanics of a tampon, but it seems to me that using a tampon to replace a condom is stupid. Wouldn't the tampon absorb my semen? And when it's time for her to take it out, wouldn't some of the semen stay on the walls of her vagina? I know that any type of protection has risks, but I want to know your thoughts on this.
A.
My first thought is, "If there is a tampon in her vagina, where exactly is your penis supposed to go?" This would be uncomfortable, if not out-and-out painful, for both of you. Secondly, a tampon will not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and the trauma associated with having intercourse with a tampon in place may actually increase the risk of some vaginal infections. While it is true that a woman is less likely to become pregnant with unprotected intercourse during her period, it is by no means impossible. Depending on how long her period lasts, sperm may remain that are capable of fertilizing an egg if ovulation occurs within several days. And, again, as I said at the beginning, it sure doesn't decrease the risk of STDs; in fact, menstrual blood is an excellent growth medium for some STDs.
In order to prevent pregnancy, appropriate contraception must be used at all times. The method called the rhythm method-- which depends on keen awareness of signs of fertility and abstinence from sex during certain times in the cycle -- can work for highly motivated couples. However, nothing decreases the risk of STDs besides a condom, used every single time intercourse takes place.
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