[PSY]

Hey there, Katie. I want to touch upon something that hasn't really been discussed yet. It may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised as to how many teens (and even adults!) don't do this one thing.

Do your research. Educate yourself. Don't rely entirely on what members of TeenHelp have told you, or on what you've read over the internet. Go to a medical professional (try Planned Parenthood or a non-profit women's clinic) and get all the facts.

• Learn how to properly store and apply condoms. Yes, men wear condoms, but WOMEN become pregnant... so it's just as much your responsibility to make sure that things are done correctly.
• Learn about the various methods of birth control, and talk to a physician about getting a prescription for it (you might even be able to get it for free at a non-profit women's clinic... and best of it, it's confidential!).
• Learn about STD's. Once you've seen a few pictures of genital warts, you'll NEVER go without a condom again (well, unless you really, REALLY trust your partner).
• Learn about your body and menstruation cycle. That way, you'll know when it's "safest" to have sex, and you'll have a better idea of when something isn't right (like your period being delayed).
• Learn about the emergency contraceptive pill, or "Plan B". Know when it is and is not effective to take it, and find out where you can get it (again, you might be able to get it for free at a non-profit women's clinic).

Finally, ask yourself what you would do, if you were to become pregnant (even after using condoms and birth control). Would you get an abortion, put your child up for adoption, or keep it? If you kept it, how would you support yourself and your child? You're 14, so chances are, your parents would have to bear the burden (unless your sexual partner was old enough - and willing - to provide financial support). Consider every possible scenario.

I know that this is a lot of information, and that it can be overwhelming to try and take all of this in... but think about how overwhelming it was (and perhaps still is) to imagine becoming pregnant unexpectedly, or becoming a single mom. Better to worry about all of this information now, vs. dealing with the consequences of not being properly informed later on. And again, do NOT settle for our advice alone. You're best off talking to an actual doctor, one who can talk you through the entire process in-person.