ABSTINENCE: It is almost 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. This means your vagina stays penis free – no sexual intercourse. There is still a chance that a female can become pregnant if two people get too close and sperm finds its way through the fallopian tubes and to the egg. Be careful and at all times keep some clothes on.

CONDOMS: They are up to 90 percent effective. Condoms can be purchased at the Chico State Health center for10 for $150. Condoms reduce the risk of pregnancy and the chance of catching a sexually transmitted disease. Remember that three to four cases of genital warts are diagnosed daily at the CSU Chico health center. Do the math – that's a lot of your peers with genital warts.

THE PILL: It is up to 99 percent effective when taken at the same time each day. There are different types of pills. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is popular among college students because not only does it keep the babies away, it clears up acne blemishes. A month's supply of birth control pills can be purchased at the health center for around $3 to $5. And there is a bonus for all those who are voluptuously challenged: Ortho-Cyclen has been known to raise a bra size at least one full cup.

IMPLANTS: Implants are up to 99 percent effective , but there are larger risks involved with having an implant of something such as Norplant. The implant can work up to five years, costing between $500 and $900 with a $100 to $300 removal fee. Six implants are placed in the upper arm, just under the skin.

CERVICAL BARRIERS: A diaphragm is just one of the many types of rubber barriers used during intercourse to stop the flow of sperm to the cervix. The sponge and cervical cap can also be used for the same type of protection. The average cost for these products ranges from $20 to $45 at the health center. Diaphragms can hamper nights out on the town because they reduce spontanaiety. Always bring a back-up method, such as an easier to apply condom. Glow-in-the-darks can be helpful if the lights are down low.

INJECTIONS: DEPO-PROVERA, the most common injection administered, is 99 percent effective. A shot is injected every three months by a health care professional. It costs approximately $30 to $65 per shot. For females who smoke cigarettes, this is a better option than the pill, which is not recommended for smokers.

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