Dear heidi-jayde,

It's not likely, but it could happen. There's a low risk of pregnancy from unprotected vaginal intercourse without ejaculation. It is not nearly as high as the risk of ejaculation in the vagina.

Before ejaculation, all penises can leak fluid — pre-ejaculate. Pre-ejaculate itself does not contain sperm. But it may pick up sperm from a previous ejaculation as it passes through a man's reproductive system. That could cause pregnancy.

Also, both ejaculate and pre-ejaculate can carry sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. Latex and female condoms reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

If a girl is concerned about unintended pregnancy, she may want to consider taking emergency contraception (EC). 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.

EC is effective if started within 120 hours — five days of unprotected intercourse. If started within 72 hours, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89 percent. So, the sooner it's started the better.

Plan B, a brand of EC, is available over the counter at many pharmacies for women over 18. Teens under 18 can still get EC with a prescription.

Call 1-800-230-PLAN for a Planned Parenthood center nearest you, or find us online. Planned Parenthood can also give you information about testing for sexually transmitted infections.

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.