Dear tiana13,

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. Wearing a condom can increase the effectiveness of whatever hormonal method is being used. Condoms are 85-98 percent effective against pregnancy.

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. Latex condoms offer very good protection against HIV — the virus that can cause AIDS. They also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, HPV, and herpes.

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.