Vaginal intercourse is a wonderful and stimulating experience for both the man and the woman, if performed properly. Sex may be performed as a means to an end - in order to procreate (have children) - or, simply as an end in itself (just for the fun of it). However, an unwanted pregnancy (or catching an STD) can be an absolutely devastating experience.
It is very wise to consider with your partner the various forms of contraceptive available and to ensure that you jointly choose a method that will protect you both. NEVER assume that birth control is being taken care of by your partner – this is the responsibility of BOTH partners!
Half of all unplanned pregnancies happen because a couple does not use any birth control - and the other half because the couple uses it incorrectly!!
We at Sexual Information 101 would like to remind you that we have done our best to provide you with accurate and the most current information, but we ourselves are not doctors. We urge you to use our information to get a basic understanding, then to follow up with your medical or family planning practitioner.
(Note: percentages given in these articles regarding the effectiveness of various methods of birth control are estimates only.)