Pregnancy
What is RU-486? RU-486 is often referred to as "the abortion pill." When taken within 49 days of your last period, the RU-486 pill terminates a pregnancy. It works by blocking a certain hormone that is needed in sustaining a healthy pregnancy. This pill can only be gotten at a doctor or clinic--not over the counter. Overall, RU-486 is a safe option, however carries more risks than other surgical abortive options.

What is the difference between the morning-after pill and the abortion pill? The two are often confused, but the morning-after pill is NOT the abortion pill. The abortion pill is taken after getting pregnant and effectively ends the pregnancy up to 49 days after your last period. The morning-after-pill is taken within 120 hours of having unprotected sex as a way of preventing pregnancy. It works by surrounding the egg and not letting any sperm connect with it. Like the abortion pill, the morning-after pill cannot be bought over the counter, but can only be given to you by a doctor or a clinic.

Can I get pregnant the first time I have sex? Yes, you can get pregnant any time you have intercourse. As long as your body has matured (in other words, you have gotten your period), you can get pregnant from having sex.

Can I get pregnant while I have my period? Yes, it is possible to get pregnant during your period, but the chances are low. During menstruation, women's bodies do not produce eggs or ovulate, which lessens the probability of getting pregnant. However, remember that STDs can be contracted no matter what time of the month.

Can I get pregnant from dry humping? If any pre-ejaculation or semen soaked through his AND your undergarments, then there is a slight risk of pregnancy. However, your risk of contracting an STD is greater.

Can using a douche prevent STDs or pregnancy? No. Douches are used to cleanse the vagina and have no ability to prevent disease or conception. Doctors no longer recommend douching, because the vagina is self-cleansing and douching might actually spread infection.

Do I have to tell my parents if I want an abortion? That depends on each state's abortion laws--some have Parental Consent and/or Parental Notification Laws. You can call the Abortion Hotline at 1-800-772-9100 for information on your state.

Condoms
What do I do if the condom breaks? If the condom breaks, it is no longer a reliable form of protection. To prevent pregnancy, you can get the morning-after pill, or Plan-B. This pill is effective up to 120 hours after having sex, though the sooner you take it, the better. It forms a barrier around the egg, which prevents the sperm from connecting with it.

Is it safer to use more than one condom at a time? No. Using two condoms at a time (also known as double-bagging) is actually less safe than using only one condom. The two condoms will rub against each other and this increased friction makes it more likely that one or both of the condoms will break. If you feel like you need more protection than just a condom, consider combining condom use with another method of birth control, such as the pill or spermicide.

STDs
Does the Pill protect against STDs? The Pill provides absolutely no protection against STDs. Condoms are the only form of birth control that offers protection against STDs.

Is oral sex safer than vaginal intercourse? It depends on what you mean by "safe." With oral sex, there is no chance of getting pregnant. However, you can get STDs from oral sex.

Dental dams look just like saran wrap. Can I use saran wrap instead of dental dams when I have oral sex? No. Though they look similar, dental dams are made of latex, a material that allows no bacteria to go through it. Saran wrap is porous, which means that it has microscopic holes that allow bacteria and germs to get through. Because of this, saran wrap is definitely NOT a good way of protecting yourself against STDs during oral sex.

More
My friend uses the pill to skip her period. Is that okay? There have been very few studies done about the safety of using the pill to skip periods. You should ask your doctor before deciding to skip a period on your own. Keep in mind that you are dealing with hormone levels, so it's really important that you be careful about regulating them yourself.

Do all girls bleed when they lose their virginity? No. If a girl bleeds when she loses her virginity, it is usually because the hymen was broken during intercourse. The hymen is a membrane that covers the vaginal opening. However, many girls tear their hymens long before they ever have sex, from other activities such as riding a bike or using a tampon. Even if you do bleed when you lose your virginity, don't worry--it usually stops within 24 hours.