What is a spermicidal lubricant? Does it help protect against pregnancy?
Spermicidal lubricant is a special unscented, clear, unflavored, and non-staining liquid with the properties of a spermicide. It usually comes as a separate spermicide contraceptive in the form of foams, gels, creams, etc. with gliding effect. Spermicidal lubricant contains the chemicals non-oxynol 9 (N-9) or octoxynol that prevent pregnancy by immobilizing and killing sperm. Spermicidal lubricants used alone without a condom can provide decent protection against pregnancy. If a couple uses spermicides alone correctly every time they have intercourse, about 6% of them will become pregnant. However, not all couples use spermicides every time and they don't always use the spermicide correctly, so the average pregnancy rate is about 21%. Spermicidal lubricant also does not prevent transmission of some diseases and infections, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, etc.

I just learned I am pregnant and I'm afraid to tell my parents. What should I say to them?
Since you are pregnant, it is very important to talk to your parents or another trusted adult you may know such as a teacher, a counselor, someone else's parent, or a doctor or nurse at a teen clinic near you. Your parents may be upset at first, but they will more than likely be able to help you confront this challenge. I suggest you sit them down, tell them calmly what you are facing, and be completely honest about the whole situation. At the very worst, they will be disappointed, but you will need their support more than ever during this time. Seek their advice about your future and help them walk you through the important decisions you will face, rather than trying to go it alone.

When is the most likely time during my menstrual cycle that I might get pregnant?
Is there any "safe" time to have sex without protection and not get pregnant?
There is never a "safe" time to have sex without contraception and avoid the risk of pregnancy. You may get pregnant anytime during your cycle, especially if you choose to have sex without using contraception. The most likely time during your cycle that you might get pregnant occurs when you are more fertile. Your fertility is highest during the day that you ovulate, and up to five days prior to that time. Your ovulation day typically occurs approximately 14-16 days after the first day of your last period. However, every woman's cycle varies and many teen girls have very unpredictable cycles, making it extremely difficult to determine when you might ovulate. To be certain about preventing pregnancy, be abstinent or reduce your risk by always using one or more methods of contraception every time you have sex.

I've heard Emergency Contraception is now sold at pharmacies.
What is it, how does it work, and who is allowed to buy it?
Emergency Contraception is designed to prevent fertilization between the egg and sperm. During the time between intercourse and conception, sperm continue to travel through the fallopian tube until the egg appears. Emergency Contraception is like taking emergency birth control the "morning after" because it still isn't too late to prevent pregnancy. The pill can stop conception from occurring. The active ingredients in Emergency Contraception are similar to those in birth control pills, except in higher doses. Some Emergency Contraceptives contain only one hormone, progestin, and others contain two, progestin and estrogen. Progestin prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and keeps a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus (implantation). Estrogen stops the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) that can be fertilized by sperm. The first dose should be taken no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex, followed by the second dose 12 hours later. It can reduce a woman's risk of pregnancy by 89% when taken exactly as directed. Emergency Contraception has three possible ways in which it can work.

1. Ovulation is inhibited so the egg will not be released;

2. The normal menstrual cycle is altered, delaying ovulation; or

3. It can irritate the lining of the uterus so that if the first and second actions fail, the lining of the uterus will not allow the embryo to attach to it.

Emergency Contraception is available to women 18 years and older without a prescription at most pharmacies. Women must show proof of age to purchase it. For women 17 years old and younger, it is available with a doctor's prescription.