I am 19 and a full-time college student, so my parents still pay all of my bills. Is there any way that I can get birth control without them knowing? I just know that they would assume I am having sex, but I am not. I just want to be safe if anything ever does happen.

--L.

How about trying that old trick -- the truth: "Mom, I'm a virgin, but I'm in college now, and although I am not planning to have sex anytime soon, I'd like to be prepared in case I ever do." Most parents appreciate your willingness to talk openly with them, as well as your maturity in thinking ahead about sex and the consequences of unprotected sex. And don't forget -- your parents were once 19-year-olds themselves!
If you really feel you cannot talk to your parents, then go to a private doctor, student health or Planned Parenthood and pay for the visit yourself; there will be no insurance bill for your parents to see. Most college student health services as well as Planned Parenthood provide exams, contraceptives and condoms at little or no cost. Don't forget the condoms! Even if you use another method of contraception, you must use condoms too to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. If you do become sexually active, then your partner should share the cost of protection (pills and condoms, diaphragm and condoms, DepoProvera and condoms).