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Soap opera villains with ulterior motives can stop reading. Everyone else, listen up: There's a lot you can do to thwart accidental pregnancies--they're usually the result of birth-control cluelessness or carelessness. According to the Guttmacher Institute, each year more than half of pregnancies among American women are unplanned, primarily because the women did not use contraception properly or forgot to use it at all. Plus, "some doctors are biased about which method is best," says Vanessa Cullins, M.D., vice president for external medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Here, options for keeping your oven bun-free until you're ready. The pill 91 per cent effective How it works: Synthetic forms of progesterone (progestin) and estrogen prevent ovulation. If an egg is released, thickened cervical mucus blocks his swimmers. Warning: The Pill alters levels of mojo-pumping testosterone, so your libido may suffer. Trading in your pack for a new formula (there are dozens of hormone combos) can help. Need to know: The mini pill must be taken at the same time every day; others have a few hours' leeway. The sponge 88 per cent effective How it works: The squashy disk-shaped device is inserted into the vagina and releases spermicide. Warning: In a word: messy. You have to soak it in water before inserting it, and it should stay in for six hours after sex--so it may fall apart when you take it out. Need to know: It's not considered as effective in women who have already given birth; their vaginal muscles may not be strong enough to hold it in place. The IUD 99 per cent effective How it works: Your gyno inserts an inch-long T-shape device into your uterus, helping to keep you baby-free for three to 10 years. Plastic ones pump out hormones that help prevent egg implantation by thinning uterine walls; the metal in copper ones naturally nukes sperm. Warning: It can worsen an existing case of chlamydia or gonorrhea, so expect an STD test before getting the go-ahead. Need to know: Fears that the IUD causes pelvic inflammatory disease are generally overblown; numerous studies vouch for its safety. The shot 94 per cent effective How it works: Every three months your gyno injects you with a dose of progestin to block ovulation. Many women = stop having their period altogether (uh-mazingl). Warning: The shot has been linked to a loss of bone density (which can lead to osteoporosis), so the FDA recommends that you don't stay on it longer than two years. Need to know: It can take up to a year to get preggo after you cease the injections, so consider skipping it if kids are in your near-future plans. Sterilization 99 per cent effective How it works: Your fallopian tubes or his vas deferens (tubes that carry semen from the testicles to the penis) are cut or blocked, so sperm and egg can't hook up. Warning: Reversals can cost thousands (and aren't guaranteed to work), so you should be 100 per cent sure about your decision. Need to know: If he gets the snip, it's considered less complicated than tubal ligation. You'd require surgery and anesthesia; vasectomy is generally a quick doctor's office procedure, comparable to an IUD insertion. THE RING 91 per cent effective How it works: Once a month you insert a flexible, two-inch ring into your vajayjay (pushing it in as you would a tampon), where it releases the same hormones as the Pill. Take it out for the week you have your period, then swap it for a new one. Warning: It's been associated with a slightly greater risk for blood clots, possibly because it's absorbed directly into the bloodstream instead of passing through your digestive system first. But most docs say the increased risk is negligible. Need to know: There's a small chance it can be pushed out of place by his vigorous thrusts, but it should still provide protection if you push it back into place within four to six hours. The patch 91 per cent effective How it works: The adhesive attaches to your butt, stomach, or upper arm for three weeks (not the week of your period) and releases anti-ovulation hormones. Warning: Some experience skin irritation, and the patch can get that dingy, old-bandage look. Users have a slightly higher risk for blood clots, but they're still very rare. Need to know: If the adhesive starts to peel off, slap on a new one ASAP--it needs to be completely secure to work properly. Condoms (female and male) 79-82 per cent effective How it works: A sheath (synthetic rubber for the female, usually latex for the male) goes either over his penis or into your vagina, blocking sperm as well as protecting against STDs (it's the only form of BC that does). Warning: Male condoms can break (panic!) or come loose; the female version looks kinda funny (one end hangs out of your lady parts). Need to know: No matter who wears it, the lessening of sensation can be a deterrent. The diaphragm 88% effective How it works: A rubber dome sits on top of the cervix. Add a generous dollop of spermicide and you create a no-entry point for his swimmers. Warning: You'll have to get fitted for the right size, and they can be tricky to remove at first, until you practice. You'll also have to check for holes regularly. Need to know: You can pop it in up to six hours before sex, and you have to leave it in for six hours after the deed. If you get busy more than once while it's in, reapply spermicide (and give him a high five!). THE IMPLANT 99 per cent effective How it works: A plastic, matchstick-size rod is inserted under the skin in your arm and releases progestin for up to three years. Warning: About 80 per cent of women have irregular bleeding or spotting their first year. Need to know: There's very little lag time between removal and your ability to get pregnant. Natural family planning 76 per cent effective How it works: No sex at all near ovulation, which you track via your body temperature or by getting familiar with the consistency of your cervical mucus. Warning: You need an extremely regular cycle for it to be effective. Need to know: Ovulation occurs midway through your cycle. Cervical mucus becomes clear and slippery right before you ovulate (a sign you're fertile!); right after ovulation your body temp rises about half a degree to a degree. Cervical cap 88 per cent effective How it works: A spermicide-filled silicone cup covers the cervix, so his sperm can't reach your eggs. Warning: The cap is a no-go during your period, and there's a chance it can be dislodged during sex. Need to know: The opening to the cervix stretches during labor and delivery, so the cap is only about 71 per cent effective for women who have given birth. The news about Plan B When a condom breaks, or a pill is missed, or birth control is skipped altogether, here's what to know about the morning-after pill (including the new generic version). 1. It's most effective (95 per cent) in the first 24 hours. Doctors still recommend it up to 72 hours after sex, but effectiveness gradually decreases. Consider keeping it at home so you can take it in an emergency. 2. You may feel sick after taking it. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and lower belly pain. 3. Don't use it as birth control. There are no known reports of serious complications linked with repeated use, but the stuff isn't nearly as practical as, say, taking your pill every day for preventing pregnancy. A very risky business A growing number of women are using the withdrawal method, though science has confirmed (duh!) it doesn't work effectively. Here, the stats: 7.5 Percentage more likely withdrawal users are to take emergency contraception 21 Percentage of women who became accidentally pregnant using this method 60 Percentage of women ages 15 to 44 who have used pull-out-and-pray