Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Using protection

When to talk about using protection

It's easier if you can talk about protection when you’re not caught up in the moment. That way, it won't feel like so much of an interruption - and when you do have sex you'll both know what one another wants.

How to get the conversation started

Talking about condoms or other protection can be quite saucy!

Simply saying "I want to use a condom" is one way to do it but might seem a bit abrupt. Try getting things moving in the right direction by saying:

• "So, how quick can you put a condom on?"
• "Have you seen my condoms? Sure they're here somewhere ..."
• "What's your favourite flavour then?"
• "Have you tried ribbed ones?"

Should we always use protection?

Unless you've both been tested, the results were negative and you're sure neither of you have had sex with anyone else since, you should use protection for all vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Otherwise, why not have fun with some of the safer alternatives?

Some people may take offence at talk of using protection, saying you should 'trust each other' or that 'they're clean'. If you respect each other, you should both want to cut the risks as much as possible.

If they don't want to use protection

There's no reason to put your health at risk because of someone else doesn’t want to use protection. If they're still pressuring you to have unsafe sex, you should ask yourself whether you should be with this person at all.