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Effective partner-to-partner communication about safer sex can be an uncomfortable and awkward conversation to have. However, the possible results of avoiding safer sex negotiation could be much worse than the embarrassment and discomfort of having such a talk. Ask yourself if an STI or unplanned pregnancy is worth avoiding awkwardness for a few minutes… There are ways to make communicating about these things early easier.

Have the conversation before it would interrupt the natural flow of things. You might not remember in the heat of the moment. Be honest and direct about what you want. This is not the time for ambiguity! The conversation doesn’t just have to be about safer sex. Talking about using a condom, for instance, could lead into talking about which condoms would be the most pleasurable. Use the conversation as an opportunity to maximize the pleasure potential.

Condoms are just one of a wide variety of safer sex methods, but they are the only kind to effectively prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here are some tips for effective safer sex negotiation when it comes to condoms.

* If your partner is hesitant to use condoms, emphasize that it’s about peace of mind. You’ll feel more at ease, and why wouldn’t your partner want that?
* If your partner says that condoms mean less sensation, say that there are ways around that.
* Putting a few drops of lubricant inside the condom and extra lube outside will increase sensation.
* Condoms are cold when they come out of the wrapper, so putting one on just before penetration can kill an erection. Try putting it on a few minutes before and giving it a chance to get to your body temperature. Make sure it’s still there before penetration!
* Less sensation could mean longer intercourse, which might not be so bad.
* If your partner masturbates, they could try masturbating with a condom to get used to the different sensation.
* If your partner says that condoms interrupt the flow of things, try to make condoms part of foreplay. One partner putting the condom on the other can be exciting!
* If your partner is allergic to latex condoms, you can use polyurethane condoms or a female condom as alternatives.