Which sex acts could result in pregnancy? Which will not?

As a general rule, sexual intercourse (genital-to-genital penetration) between a guy and a girl is necessary for pregnancy to occur. Proper use of birth control can dramatically reduce the chances that sexual intercourse will lead to pregnancy, but no form of birth control is 100% guaranteed. Abstinence is the only way to avoid pregnancy.

The following activities could (theoretically) cause pregnancy:

• Intercourse (with or without protection)
• Any contact between the female genital area and male sperm or pre-ejaculatory fluid
• Anal sex (if any sperm makes contact with female genital area)

The following activities will not (ever) cause pregnancy:

• Abstinence
• Holding hands
• Dancing
• Kissing
• Heavy petting or making out with clothing on
• Making out in a hot tub or swimming pool
• Oral sex
• Touching of genitals with hands
• Homosexual relations

Can I still get pregnant if I use birth control?

Yes, since no form of birth control is 100% effective and most rely heavily on your using them properly. Some types of birth control are better than others and it doesn't hurt to use a back up method "just in case." IUDs, Norplant and Depo-Provera have very small pregnancy rates, but these forms of birth control still carry a small risk. The Pill, condoms (female and male), diaphragms, and sponges also have failure rates and are very dependant on proper use; if any of these are used incorrectly the chances of pregnancy dramatically increase. Barrier methods of protection can break or slip and when this happens your chance of pregnancy is the same as if you had used nothing at all. Natural planning methods are not very effective and are also subject to user error. The only birth control guaranteed to work is the word "no" - if you are not prepared to deal with a pregnancy, abstinence is your only option.

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