The only way to be 100% sure that you will not become pregnant is to practice abstinence. Sex is everywhere: movies, songs, TV, ads. It seems as though eveyone is having it. If you have made the decision not to have sex, don't feel like you you are alone.

• Make friends with people who are also choosing not to have sex.
• Find role models who have also decided not to have sex. Pop sensation Jessica Simpson is one such person who has decided not to have sex.
• Talk about your feelings with friends who are supportive.

Having a partner can complicate the decision to abstain from sex. It is important to communicate your decision to your partner and to have your partner's support.

• Talk about your reasons for not having sex, whether they be for health, safety or religous reasons.
• Be clear about the boundries and which sexual behaviors, if any, you are comfortable with.
• Do things together to appreciate each other's interests.
• Show your love in other ways, such as letters, sharing your feelings.
• Discuss any obstacles that you can anticipate and how to plan to deal with them.

What if your partner doesn't want to wait??

• Explain your reasons. If he/she really cares for you, then they will understand.
• Don't feel as though sex is the way to prove your love. Counter, "If you really loved me then you would" with, "I need you to respect my feelings" or, "If you really loved me, you wouldn't pressure me".
• If you can't come to an understanding you might have to end the relationship.

If you do decide to have sex, protection is essential!!!

Have a Birth Contol Plan

• Learn all that you can about the various methods. (read on!!)
• Latex condoms are very reliable in preventing pregnancy and also protect against STDs.
• Choose a method that works with your health, values and lifestyle.
• Choose a method that you will use everytime and not forget. Make a committment to yourself that you will not have sex without protection.
• Don't have sex when you are drunk or high. You may forget about birth control.
• Talk to your partner. Choose a method that works best for both or you. Support each other.

Condoms,Sponges, and Spermicides are barrier methods that can be bought over-the-counter. Diaphragms and Cervical Cap must be prescribed by a doctor. All barrier methods stop pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the womb.

Pros

• Easy to get, sold widely without a prescription.
• No need for special medical procedure.
• Side effects are uncommon.
• Latex condoms protect against STDs, like AIDS.
• The female condom may give limited protection against STDs, but it is not as effective as the male condom.

Cons

• Highest incidences of unplanned pregnancies.
• Condoms sometimes break.
• Need to plan ahead.

Although condoms aren't the only method of barrier contraceptive, they are the most popular. Condoms fit over the penis like the finger of a glove. During sex, the condom forms a barrier that sperms and germ can't cross.

Where to Get Condoms

1. Drugstore: you do not need a prescription to buy condoms. Also, you can be any age and buy condoms. A three pack of basic latex condoms costs about $1.50 - $4.00.
2. Departments of Health/Clinics: most public health departments and pregnancy clinics have free or very cheap condoms. Just go in and ask for them.

How to Use a Condom

• Use a condom everytime for vaginal, anal or oral sex.
• Unroll the condom onto an erect penis, all the way down to the base. Make sure to position the condom correctly so that you don't put it on inside-out.
• Always put the condom on before any ski-to-skin contact. Unprotected contact is unsafe.
• When putting on the condom, leave a 1/2 inch space at the tip to collect the semen.
• After ejeculation, the man should remove his penis before it gets soft. Hold the rim of the condom around the base of the penis so that semen can't spill out.
• Never use Vaseline, hand lotion or anything with oil in it for lubrication-- it can destroy the latex.
• Use water-based lubricants, prelubricate condoms, or spermicidal foam or jelly. Spermicidal foam or jelly may help kill some STD germs.
• For oral sex, use a nonlubricated condom.
• Throw away used condoms. Never use a condom more than once.
• Keep condoms ina cool dry place. Don't keep them in a wallet or a glove compartment; the heat can ruin them. Don't keep condoms for longer than 2 years.