For a lot of people, it's hard to bring up the issue of using a condom during sex. We're afraid our partner will think we don't trust him/her or that we're sleeping around. There's a risk that we will be rejected by someone we really care about. And isn't sex more enjoyable without a condom anyway? The fact is that the majority of teens use either male or female condoms when they first have sex, and condom use in young people is increasing -- because in the age of AIDS, practicing safe sex can be a matter of life or death.
	People believe that they know their partners, but in reality, you don't really know about their pasts. And many people just don't know they're infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It helps to talk about HIV before you get intimate rather than in the heat of the moment. And to do it when you're sober -- drinking and getting high can cloud your judgement. Always use latex condoms, not natural skin condoms, for best protection, and use water-based lubricants, not oil, butter or Vaseline. You can also buy condoms with different colors, textures and flavors to make it fun. Don't feel pressure to have sex without a condom. If your partner doesn't respect your decision, maybe he/she isn't right for you.