Can I get pregnant if he pulls out?

Yes. Pulling out, also called "withdrawal" and "coitus interruptus," is risky because the guy has to be totally aware of when he's going to ejaculate, or cum. Then, he has to have enough self-control to pull out before he cums, every single time. Just one mistake can cause a pregnancy.

A lot of guys, especially younger ones, are unable to control themselves, especially when they're so close to the pleasure of orgasm. Plus, a woman can get pregnant even if a guy ejaculates just a little bit of semen at the opening of her vagina.

Safer sex is not just about preventing unwanted pregnancy. It's also about keeping you and your partner healthy -- and free from sexually transmitted diseases, which can be spread both through pre-cum and vaginal fluids.

Pulling out is better than using no birth control at all. But it's unreliable and gives no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Are you really ready to take those chances?

If you want to make an appointment at a family planning clinic to be tested for pregnancy and/or STDs, to get emergency contraception, or to get a reliable method of birth control, you can find one in your area by looking in your local yellow pages under "family planning" or "clinics." You can click here to find a clinic near you, or call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected automatically to the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.