If you are ready to have sex, get yourself talking with your partner about protection. Having direct conversations about sex, protection, pregnancy prevention and STDs can be difficult, but it’s about taking care of yourself and your partner. So take some time to get informed–only condoms can protect you from pregnancy and STDs, if you use them correctly every time you have sex. Talking about condoms is about respect and showing that you want to protect each other. Your gf/bf will probably be relieved that you’re taking the lead to use condoms, so here are some talking tips to help you start the condom conversation:

Be Thoughtful

• KNOW YOURSELF. Think through what feels right for you so that you’re clear about your own feelings and can talk about them with someone else.
• Get the facts about STDs, pregnancy prevention and using condoms correctly and consistently so that you are prepared if any questions come up.
• Talk about condoms before you are in a situation when you might need one (that means before you take your clothes off!) Find a time and place where you are comfortable and can talk without other things going on.

Be Confident

• Keep it positive by explaining that you really care about him or her and your relationship and that’s why you want to talk about using condoms.
• Be up front and direct about wanting to use condoms each and every time you have sex. There’s no shame in wanting to protect yourself and others- using condoms protects you from STDs AND pregnancy.
• Bring condoms with you to show your partner that you are prepared and ready to use condoms-and carry condoms with confidence. Be proud that you are prepared and know how to use condoms.

Be Honest

• Explain that you don’t want to take any risks. Using condoms doesn’t mean that you have trust issues— STDs often show no symptoms, and many of those who are infected don’t know it. The only way to know if you or a partner has an STD is to GYT: Get Yourself Tested.
• Be clear about what you will, and will not, do without a condom. Remember that it is possible to get STDs during oral sex if your partner is infected. Read up here for more info about STDs and oral sex.

Be Respectful

• Respect your partner and respect your relationship. If part of why you want to talk about condoms is to tell your partner about an STD you have, just say so. Talking about it will it help you take the right precautions to protect your and your partner’s health.
• LOVE YOURSELF by respecting yourself. If your partner refuses to use condoms, be firm. No condom, no sex. If your partner doesn’t want to protect you and his/herself and doesn’t respect your wishes, you might want to ask yourself if you really want to have sex with this person.