Dear Yintomyyang,

It's good that you and your boyfriend have discussed using birth control. In general, parental permission is not needed for prescription methods of birth control like the pill. However, there may be certain locations where, for one reason or another, a health care provider will require parental permission. Check with your provider about her or his policy.

The pill is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy when used correctly. But because the pill offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections, using the pill and a latex or female condom can greatly reduce the risk of both pregnancy and infection.

Condoms are up to 98 percent effective against pregnancy. They are even more effective if a guy pulls out before he ejaculates, because there is less of a chance for ejaculate to spill out of the condom and into the vagina.

Guys who do not pull out before ejaculation should be sure to pull out before their penises soften, after they ejaculate. They should hold the condom against the base of the penis while pulling out so the ejaculate doesn't spill.

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.