Responsibility for preventing pregnancy and STIs should be shared between you and your partner, so it’s a good idea to talk to each other about protection before you are in the heat of the moment.
If you’re nervous about talking with your partner, check out our tips for getting started.
Lead with the positives
Sex is a delicate topic so be sensitive to your partner’s feelings and start by telling them what you enjoy, and then ease into what you’d like to try or change.
This could sound like: “I really like it when we…, and wondered how you feel about trying…?”
Listen in
While you might have things on your mind, don’t forget that your partner might do too – so listen in and give them a chance to tell you what they’re thinking about sex.
Keep talking
If you’re having sex, it’s worth remembering that talking about sex is important and helps strengthen your relationship – your partner can’t read your mind, so speak up.
If you find the idea of talking about safer sex with your partner is too difficult or embarrassing, it could be a sign that you aren’t ready to start having sex just yet.
This is fine – remember that there are lots of ways to enjoy being together and to explore your sexual feelings.
