Both condoms and the pill are effective at preventing pregnancy, especially when you combine the two methods-- but for any birth control to be effective, you must use it properly every time. However, simply having sex can make you pregnant; that is, after all, the function of our sexual organs. A baby is a tremendous commitment: could you handle a child in your life?

Every teenage girl thinks, "It won't happen to me." But it can happen the very first time you have sex, even if you only have sex that once. Don't trivialize sex; this is your son or daughter.

Abortion can be an option, but is it, really? A few girls think, "I'll use protection, and if the condom breaks or the pill fails oh well, I'll just get an abortion." Whatever your stance, know this: no woman of feeling has one lightly. Evaluate post-abortion counseling services and you'll see how difficult this can be. If you must, you must, but it won't be an easy choice. The easy choice is to restrain your sexual desire and wait until you're older and better able to provide for yourself. Adoption is always an option too, especially if the thought of abortion is very troubling but you have no way to keep the child yourself.

Discuss sexual activity before you get involved. If it's too uncomfortable to talk about, you shouldn't be doing it. If you don't trust your partner enough, you shouldn't be doing it. If you have doubts, you shouldn't be doing it. You should discuss sex before you start doing it. Even if you've had sex before, start a conversation. If your partner can't talk to you, you shouldn't be having sex with him or her.

When you are discussing sex, ask your partner this: in the event of pregnancy, what would he or she do? If you don't feel comfortable asking, or if you're not entirely satisfied with his or her response, you shouldn't be having sex. Sex is the most intimate act two people can share; you should only have sex with someone you trust.

In general, teenage guys leave their pregnant girlfriends the majority of the time. You want to make sure your partner (or you) really will be there and isn't just saying so to get you into bed, and you want to be sure that, just in case, you could raise a child on your own anyway.

Are a few hours of pleasure worth all this trouble? You can have a lot of fun just kissing-- and kissing won't cause pregnancy. There's always opportunity to have sex later. Why rush now?