Vasectomy (male sterilization)

• Concept: It's a surgical procedure for men, in which the tubes that transport sperm into semen are blocked or tied off.
• Success Rate: Less than one woman in 1,000 becomes pregnant in one year.
• Positives: It's a permanent form of birth control; there are no lasting side effects; it's safe, quickly performed, and cost-effective over the long run.
• Negatives: Doesn't protect against STDs, including HIV. Although reversal of the procedure is possible, it's expensive and not always successful. That's why the procedure is recommended only for men who have all the children they want, and are absolutely sure they do not want children in the future. After vasectomy it takes about 6 weeks for all sperm to be cleared, so another method of birth control must be used until a follow-up check shows no sperm in the man's semen.
• Where to Get It: Talk to your health care provider; cost can be fairly expensive depending on where you have the procedure done and how much your insurance will cover.

Withdrawal (coitus interruptus)

• Concept: The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
• Success Rate: With typical use, nineteen women out of 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, four women out of 100 become pregnant in one year.
• Positives: It's better than not using any protection, but it isn't a very effective method of birth control.
• Negatives: Because live sperm can live in pre-ejaculate, even if a man withdraws right some semen can escape prior to ejaculation, so you have a good chance of getting pregnant. It does not protect against STDs, including HIV. Also, it may be a stressful method to rely on because women have to rely on a man to get it right, and men have to concentrate on pulling out so they may not be able to enjoy the moment.
• Where to Get It: Just do it.

Emergency Contraception

Had intercourse without birth control (or a condom break) in the past three days? Call your health care provider or a clinic to ask about your emergency contraception options, or call the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-888-NOT2LATE to find a clinic near you.

Afraid you might be pregnant? See your health care provider for a pregnancy test as soon as you can, or get a pregnancy test at the drugstore. If you use a home test, make sure you follow the package directions. You may not be able to get an accurate test result soon after having unprotected sex. If the test is negative, take another one again in a week. If it's positive, definitely see your health care provider right away. An exam to confirm pregnancy early can help avoid possible problems later on. To find a health care provider near you where you can get confidential testing and information, call the Planned Parenthood Hotline at 1-800-230-PLAN.

next: What Teens Want Other Teens To Know About Preventing Teen Pregnancy