Birth Control Methods: Condoms / Question
Published: June 12, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Do condoms prevent getting pregnant?
Signed: Pregnancy and Condoms
Dear Pregnancy and Condoms,
Condoms cannot prevent a woman from getting pregnant 100 percent of the time, but neither can any method except abstinence. Condoms are a good method of birth control and STD protection. To increase your chances of not becoming pregnant and preventing STD, it is recommended that a person uses condoms and another form of birth control like the pill and spermicide. By using condoms along with birth control you have a better chance of prevention.
Be sure that if you are having sex that you are ready to except all responsibilities that can come of it. Practice safer sex always. Since you are concerned about this, it is a good idea to go to a teen health center to get checked out and discuss birth control methods. You and your partner can be seen at a teen health center confidentially without your parent's permission and on a low/no cost fee. In Northern New Jersey area, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.889.6350 for an appointment or call your local Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
It is estimated that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects about 5% of adolescents, and that between 10 - 15% of adolescents have some symptoms of depression at any one time.
