Dear no1totalk2,

It's not very likely. Used correctly, hormonal methods of birth control — the pill, patch, ring, and shot — are up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy. The effectiveness rate is measured by the year, not each time a couple has sex. That means that pregnancy is possible but very, very unlikely. Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation can increase the effectiveness of whatever method is being used.

While hormonal birth control offers excellent pregnancy protection, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only latex condoms or polyurethane female condoms reduce the risk of infection.

The withdrawal method on its own is not a recommended for teens for several reasons. Many young men lack the experience and self-control to pull out in time. Some guys have been known to say they will pull out, and then they get so excited and carried away that they don't. Some guys cannot tell when they are going to ejaculate. Some guys ejaculate very quickly, before they realize it. Before ejaculation, all penises can leak fluid — pre-ejaculate — that may contain sperm and cause pregnancy. And lots of sexually transmitted infections can be passed from one person to another even if a guy withdraws before ejaculation.

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.