Dear Asheegurl,

If a girl starts taking the birth control pill within five days of starting her period, pill protection begins immediately. If she starts taking it at any other time during her menstrual cycle, pill protection begins one week later. So if you have been taking the pill for a month, you are protected against pregnancy.

It is not necessary for a woman to take emergency contraception pills (the "morning-after pill") if she is on the birth control pill. Used correctly, hormonal methods of birth control — the pill, patch, ring, and shot — are up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy. That means that pregnancy is possible but very unlikely. Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation can increase the effectiveness of whatever method is being used.

Keep in mind that while hormonal birth control offers excellent pregnancy protection, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only latex and polyurethane condoms (male or female) reduce the risk of infection.

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.