Dear babydoll,

Good for you for using condoms — they're up to 98 percent effective against pregnancy when used consistently and correctly.

It is important to put on a condom before the penis is inserted into the vagina — even if it's only inserted once, quickly. Penises can leak fluid called pre-ejaculate (or "pre-cum"), which can contain sperm from a previous ejaculation. Pregnancy can happen when ejaculate or pre-ejaculate gets in the vagina or on the vulva.

Latex and female condoms also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Many infections, like herpes, genital warts, and syphilis, can be passed just from skin-to-skin contact. And pre-ejaculate can carry infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. That's why it's best to always have a condom in place before the penis touches the vulva or vagina.

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.