At some point in each of our lives, we learned about sex. We saw a condom; we were taught how birth control pills work.

But that may have been years ago in a high school health class.

You may not know exactly what types of birth control devices are available nowadays. You may be confused about birth control changes in the last five years.

So in today’s Daily, there are several articles and graphics illustrating different birth control options.

Take the time to read the information in order to help yourself make educated decisions.

Students need to be aware of the numerous birth control methods available. They need to consult with a physician to see what would work best with their sex life, side effects of the products and health risks associated with some of the available methods.

In today’s world we have the choices of Norplant, Depo-Provera, oral birth control pills, IUD, condoms, diaphragms and natural family planning, among others.

The choice is yours. Find a method and use it.

We are lucky enough to live in a country that has affordable birth control available anywhere. You can buy a condom at any drug store.

Many condoms cost less than $1, so everyone can afford them.

You can’t afford not to protect yourself.

Places like Planned Parenthood and the Student Health Center have professionals to help you make decisions.

They can guide you through the process. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Feel free to ask questions and get the information you need.

No matter what type of birth control you use, remember that nothing is foolproof.

The pill is only 97 percent effective. Condoms will break. Accidents can and will happen.

So take precautions to prevent accidents.

And don’t forget the only form of birth control that is 100 percent effective is abstinence. By writing about birth control, we are not encouraging sexual activity. We know that everyone has the choice to have or not have sex.

We just hope that are our readers think before they have sex so that they make responsible choices.

And, even if you are not having sex, it’s never too early to educate yourself. Birth control will be a part of each of our lives sooner or later.

We all know having a baby will change your life forever.

Be sure that you are ready for that change if it happens.

It only takes one sexual encounter to get pregnant.

Think before you take that risk.

editorialboard: Michelle Kann, Tim Paluch, Zach Calef, Ruth Hitchcock, Cavan Reagan