Dear mest_babe,

It depends what methods! Although hormonal methods of birth control like the pill, patch, ring, and shot are up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy, they offer no protection against infections — only latex and female condoms do. So, using a latex or female condom along with a hormonal method of birth control is a good way to reduce the risk of both pregnancy and infection.

People can also use condoms to back up cervical barriers like diaphragms, because cervical barriers do not protect against infection. And some people also use withdrawal to back up condom use.

But remember, it is not a good idea to use a latex and female condom at the same time (or to use two condoms) — this can cause the wrong kind of friction, making breaks and tears more likely.

It's also definitely not a good idea to use two hormonal methods at the same time (like the pill and the patch or the ring and the shot). These kinds of combinations will not increase effectiveness, but they may increase unwanted side effects, and the increased doses of hormones may be harmful for certain women.

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.