One Life

Quick tips

Below are a few tips on how to prepare for your visit with your doctor, how to find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable, how and when to talk to your partner about using a condom.

• Be prepared. When you go to your doctor appointment, write down your medical history (diseases you may have had in the past, surgeries, allergies), a list of your medications, and any questions or symptoms you may be experiencing. Take notes or bring a friend (you might be nervous or forget).
• When choosing a doctor (if you don’t already have one, ask friends if they can recommend someone). It’s important to feel comfortable. Do you prefer a man or woman? Do you prefer someone direct or more personable?
• The time to talk about condom use is BEFORE things get hot and heavy, because once you get going, it can be hard to slow down.
• If you don’t feel comfortable talking about condoms, use visual communication— have them in plain view on a night table, simply hand one to your partner before any type of penetration, and don’t take no for an answer.