Dear Ann, I am a 16 year old year and currently I am seeing a 20 year old male and have been so for a few months. I really like him and he feels the same about me. At present we are having sex and precautions are used at all times yet he has asked me to go on the pill just to be on the safe side. I don't know if I should because of the health risks and incase of my mother finding out because she doesn't agree with my relationship and wants me to stop seeing him. What should I do?

Dear Jessie, I think your boyfriend respects you and has proven so by asking you to go on the pill. I personally think this would be the wise thing to do. True there are some health effects, like gaining weight but if it means preventing pregnancy then it is worth it. I also think that your mother would be happy to know that her daughter is a responsible young woman who accepts sex as a big responsibility.