Dear Becca25,

That depends. Couples sometimes use condoms as a back-up method for about a week when a woman first starts using a hormonal method of birth control, such as the pill. The clinician who writes the prescription will tell her if she needs to. But when used correctly — taken every day, at the same time each day — the pill is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy, so condoms will not be needed.

But pregnancy is not the only thing a couple may be trying to avoid. Some people use condoms with the pill to reduce the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, because the Pill offers no protection against infection. Since one out of four sexually active young people has at least one sexually transmitted infection, it's a very good idea to protect yourself.

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.