Dear love1026,

If the condom slips off into the vagina, ejaculate may leak out of it, which can cause pregnancy or pass on a sexually transmitted infection. It's important to withdraw the penis soon after ejaculation. And it's important to hold the condom to the base of the penis while withdrawing. This will prevent the condom from slipping off the penis.

Emergency contraception (EC) — also known as the "morning-after pill" — is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure — like when a condom slips off into the vagina.

Plan B, a brand of EC, is available over the counter at many pharmacies for women over 18. Teens under 18 can still access EC with a prescription. EC is available at Planned Parenthood health centers, as well as college, public, and women's health centers. To make an appointment, call 1-800-230-PLAN for a Planned Parenthood center nearest you.

Many Planned Parenthood health centers have weekend and evening hours to help women get the services they need, when they need them — fast. However, the best way young women can protect themselves is to get EC before an accident happens, and keep it on hand in case they need it. That way, they won't waste time after unprotected intercourse waiting to get an appointment with a health care provider and trying to get a prescription filled.

If started within 72 hours, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89 percent. So, the sooner it's started the better.

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.