Today we’re republishing the list of reasons some people may give for not wanting to use a condom, as well as suggestions on how you can respond to these excuses.

Remember: Having sex without a condom puts you at risk of getting HIV.

The reasons

Reason: I don’t use condoms.
Answer: OK. Then let’s think of ways we can satisfy each other without intercourse.
Or: I never make love without a condom. No glove, no love.

Reason: I forgot it.
Answer: Forget it.

Reason: I don’t have a condom with me.
Answer: The drug store up the street is open all night. Let’s go buy some.
Or: I have one.
Or: Let’s wait until we’re prepared

Reason: It’s embarrassing to buy them.
Answer: Let’s buy a big box. That way we won’t have to buy them for some time.

Reason: Condoms are too expensive.
Answer: Let’s share the cost.
Or: Let’s skip the movie Saturday and we can buy several dozen.
Or: I’ll pay for them. The peace of mind is worth it.
Or: Let’s stop by the family planning clinic. Condoms are free there.

Reason: I’m allergic to them.
Answer: Let’s try another brand or a different lubricant or Spermicide.
Or: I’m allergic to sperm. It could make me ‘break out’ in STDs and sometimes even pregnancy.

Reason: They look ugly.
Answer: Come here, big boy. I love the way you look in that color.
Or: I think you look incredibly sexy. Seeing you in a condom really turns me on.

Reason: But we’ve been having sex without condoms.
Answer: I know we could enjoy each other more if I didn’t have to worry.
Or: That doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea from now on.

Reason: Condoms taste terrible.
Answer: Let’s try some of those new flavored condoms.

Reason: They’re too dry. They make sex uncomfortable.
Answer: Let’s try lubricated condoms. If they still feel dry, we can use some K-Y Jelly or Astro Glide.

Reason: I’m a virgin.
Answer: I’m not. This way we’ll both be protected.

Reason: I’m on the pill. Trust me.
Answer: I do trust you; it’s the pill I’m worried about. Let’s play it safe.
Or: The pill works great for preventing pregnancy, but condoms can protect us from infections we might not even know we have.

Reason: It’s embarrassing to buy condoms and carry them.
Answer: If we’re too embarrassed to deal with condoms, then we’re probably not ready for sex.
Or: Carrying condoms is less embarrassing that carrying a baby if we aren’t ready to be parents.

Reason: I wouldn’t give you a disease.
Answer: I know you wouldn’t intentionally, but either of us could have an infection and not know it. Why take chances?

Reason: Sex isn’t as good with condoms. I can’t feel much with a condom on. It’s like wearing a raincoat in the shower. They’re fake, unnatural, a total turnoff.
Answer: There’s plenty of feeling left, and I wouldn’t feel safe without it.
Or: You’re right. Condoms do reduce the sensitivity for both of us a little, but that’s not all bad. It gives us a chance to concentrate on other parts of our bodies.
Or: Please let’s try to work this out - an infection doesn’t feel so great either. If we use a condom we’ll both relax and that will make our lovemaking better. (It may help you last longer, too.)
Or: Honey, you won’t feel anything unless we use a condom.

Reason: Condoms don’t work that well. I can still get pregnant.
Answer: No birth control method is 100% affective. Let’s use some foam with nonoxynol-9 too. Foam and condoms together are about 99% safe.
Or: Condoms are a very good method as long as we don’t forget to use one every time.

Reason: I’m sure it’s safe at this time of the month.
Answer: There is no safe time when it comes to STDs.
Or: That’s what my sister thought. Now I’m an uncle.
Or: Let’s really be safe, not sorry.

Reason: Putting it on breaks the mood. It’s not romantic. I’ll lose my erection by the time I stop and put it on.
Answer: It doesn’t have to break the mood. I’ll help you put it on - that’ll help you keep it.
Or: It’s not romantic when I’m scared about getting pregnant or sick.

Reason: I’m afraid to ask him to use a condom. He’ll think I don’t trust him.
Answer: If you can’t ask him, you probably don’t trust him

Reason: Just this once.
Answer: Once is all it takes.

Reason: You carry a condom around with you? You were planning to seduce me!
Answer: I always carry one with me because I care about myself. I have one with me tonight because I care about us both.

Reason: It’s up to him…it’s his decision.
Answer: It’s your health. It should be your decision, too!

Reason: None of my other boyfriends use a condom. A Real Man isn’t afraid.
Answer: Please don’t compare me to them. A Real Man cares about his partner, himself and their relationship.