So how can you overcome your embarrassment about talking about condoms? Well, for starters it can help to know what a condom looks like, how it works, and what it's like to handle one. Buy a box of condoms so you can familiarize yourself.

The next thing to get comfortable with is bringing up the topic of condoms with a partner. Practice opening lines. If you think your partner will object, work out your response ahead of time. Here are some possibilities:

Your partner says: "It's uncomfortable."
You might answer this by suggesting a different brand or size.

Your partner says: "It puts me right out of the mood."
Say that having unsafe sex puts you right out of the mood. Permanently.

Your partner says: "If we really love each other, we should trust each other."
Say that it's because you love each other so much that you want to be sure you're both safe.

Your partner says: "Are you nervous about catching something?"
The natural response: "Aren't you? It's better to be safe than sorry."

Your partner says: "I won't enjoy sex if we use a condom."
Say you can't enjoy sex unless it's safe.

Your partner says: "I don't know how to put it on."
This one's easy: "Here, let me show you."

After you've familiarized yourself with condoms and practiced your routine, you'll want to pick the right time to bring up the subject with your partner. A good time to do this is long before you're in a situation where you might need a condom. When people are caught up in the heat of the moment, they may find they're more likely to be pressured into doing something they regret later.

Try bringing up the topic in a matter-of-fact way. You might mention that you've bought some condoms and checked them out and that you're ready to try using them. Offer to bring your box along. Or suggest that your partner buy his or her favorite brand (and then bring some of yours with you, just to be on the safe side). Offer to try different types of condoms to find which works best for both of you.

Make it clear that you won't have sex without a condom. (Remember those responses you rehearsed.) If someone threatens you or says they'd rather break up than wear a condom, it's time for you to say good-bye. Tell the person you won't have sex with someone who doesn't respect you or themselves enough to use protection.

Here are some tips for using condoms:

• Check the expiration date (condoms can dry and crack if they're old).
• Choose condoms made of latex, which is thought to be more effective in preventing STDs.
• If you use lubricants with condoms, always use water-based ones. Shortening, lotion, petroleum jelly, or baby oil can make holes.
• Open the condom packet with your hands, not your teeth, and open it carefully so you don't tear the condom.
• Choose a condom with a reservoir tip. Lightly pinch the top of the condom and place it at the top of your (or your partner's) penis. This gets rid of trapped air, which can cause a condom to burst.
• Roll the condom down until it's completely rolled out - if it's inside out, throw it away and start over.
• When you're done, you (or your partner) should withdraw while holding the condom at the base of the penis to prevent the condom from slipping off.

These aren't the only tips on discussing and using condoms. If you want more advice, talk to your friends, siblings, or parents. Yes, parents. Not everyone feels comfortable talking about sex with their parents, of course, but lots of teens do. And they usually find that the best tips come from their parents.