is it safe to not use condoms if i’m on depo?

[itsxafx]

hi, it’s been a while!

penetrative sex is starting to become more of a thing for me and my partner, and i’m wondering if it’s safe for us to not use condoms or other barrier methods while i’m on the injection.

we’ve both been tested and both of us came back with clean results.

the reason i ask is because we’re struggling with condoms. sizing is difficult and we’ve realised that getting them onto a man that’s uncircumcised is harder than anticipated. all the brands and sizes we’ve tried have been really uncomfortable for him (we’re both autistic so i suspect sensory issues may be at play here) or just wouldn’t go on at all.

we’ve come to the conclusion that maybe for now we should either have him pull out, allow him to finish inside anyway or stay away from penetrative sex for now.

so, am i still protected even if not using a barrier or other backup method?

[Heather]

So, if you *want* to still use condoms, sounds like inside ("female") condoms would solve for all of the troubles you're having with intercourse.

If you don't, if you two keep testing regularly, stay exclusive or use barriers with any other partners, then your risk of STIs is low. People with penises can't be accurately tested for HPV, though, so just know that in making choices about these possible risks. Per pregnancy, as long as you keep up with your shots, you're using a method so highly effective that the addition of condoms really doesn't add much anyway: your Depo by itself makes it very, very unlikely you would become pregnant.

[itsxafx]

i have been vaccinated (both doses) to protect against HPV so hopefully this should not be as much of a concern.

we are exclusive, so for now testing shouldn’t be too much of a problem. i will suggest (and try to find) female condoms to give those a try.

[Andy]

Sounds like you have all bases covered than!

Let us know if you need any more help around this or anything else.