Even though sex and sexual health are more openly discussed today than they used to be, sexual protection can still be uncomfortable to talk about on a one-on-one basis, especially in intimate moments.

It can be very tempting to just ignore the facts about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pretend there is no risk involved and no need to protect ourselves. But ignoring the facts can be very risky.

Most of you know by now that STIs are common among young adults. What you may not know is that a survey at the University of North Carolina found that one in two sexually active college-age students will contract an STI by age 25. Other studies have found that one in 500 college students in the United States has HIV or AIDS.

Chlamydia is even more common; in fact is the most common STI seen at University Health Services (UHS).

However, nobody is exactly sure of the total number of people infected with STIs. People who have an STI often don't know it because they don't get tested. Some STIs have subtle symptoms. Even if you don't exhibit the symptoms of an STI, you can still pass it on to partners or have long-term health problems yourself.

The best method of protection is prevention. Preventing a health-related problem is much easier than dealing with the consequences.

The best way to prevent transmission is to use condoms during vaginal and anal sex, and dental dams or condoms during oral sex.

Although abstaining from vaginal and anal sex lowers your risk for STIs, touching the genital areas or performing oral sex can also transmit some STIs, including genital warts and herpes.

At the free HIV Testing and Counseling Clinic at UHS, students continually state that they use condoms less than 20 percent of the time during sexual intercourse. And in the 2003 HealthSurvey completed online by 782 randomly chosen Penn State students, only 25 percent of those students said they always used condoms during intercourse.

Students report that they don't use condoms for several reasons. Some say their judgment and reasoning are impaired while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, thereby reducing their use of condoms when necessary.

Some students believe that using a condom "kills the moment." (In reality, using condoms can be fun. In fact, the condom industry now offers condoms in a variety of colors and textures. Condoms are packaged and designed to minimize their appearance.)

Students involved in monogamous relationships often believe that condoms are not necessary.

And of course one of the most common reasons why people don't use protection more often is that they feel uncomfortable talking with their partners about it.

Here are some tips about talking with your partner regarding the importance of your health, using a condom and disclosing that you now have or have in the past had an STI.

• Don't bother waiting for the "perfect time." The longer you put it off, the more anxiety you create for yourself and the harder it will be to deal with.
• It is OK to be nervous. This shows that you are concerned about your partner's feelings and how he or she may react. Take this time to think about his or her feelings and how you can be considerate of what he or she is sensitive to.
• Don't make assumptions about how your partner will react. Recognize that your partner may react defensively. Stop the conversation if this happens and resume it later.

Your partner may react in a number of ways when you ask them about using a condom.

If they say "It doesn't feel as good" or "It's not romantic," tell them that protection is a priority for you and you will not have sex without it.

If they say "Don't you trust me?" say that you are protecting them, too, and that they should be tested first.

If they say "You have had sex with me before without a condom," tell them that you may not have transmitted anything before but you could transmit something the next time.

If she says "I am using the pill," tell her that the pill will not protect against STIs, and using two methods of birth control is the best way to prevent pregnancy and reduce risks.

Educate yourself about STIs, symptoms and treatment. Be honest. Be open about your concerns and stick with them.

Don't make exceptions. If you compromise, you minimize your feelings about using protection, trust in the relationship and your own self-confidence. Compromising can compromise your health.

If you have an STI, talk to your partner about the risks involved and where he or she can get more information. Tell him or her that there are ways to be intimate without taking high risks. Let them know you are concerned and want them to be tested.