Dear blue_gem,

Unprotected vaginal sex puts a woman at risk for pregnancy. And forms of outercourse — such as body rubbing or "dry humping" — can also put a woman at risk for pregnancy if ejaculate or pre-ejaculate gets in the vagina or on the vulva.

A woman can't get pregnant by performing oral sex on a man — even if ejaculate is swallowed. Nor can she get pregnant from oral sex performed on a woman. But unprotected oral sex puts both partners at risk for a number of sexually transmitted infections, whether they are giving or receiving genital stimulation.

It is also not possible to become pregnant from anal sex (inserting the penis into the anus), unless ejaculate or pre-ejaculate gets in the vagina or on the vulva. Although pregnancy is not possible from anal sex, keep in mind that it is still very important to use protection during anal sex. Unprotected anal intercourse puts a person at high risk for many infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. Proper use of condoms and lubrication can reduce the risk of contracting dangerous infections.

The surest way to avoid pregnancy is to avoid having vaginal intercourse. For people who do decide to have vaginal sex and don't want to become pregnant, there are many forms of birth control that can prevent pregnancy.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.