Dear pinky73,

It doesn't have to. In fact, most people think that fear of pregnancy and infection is more of a mood-killer than putting on a condom!

You may find that asking a partner to put the condom on you — instead of putting it on yourself — may be less of a "distraction." Some couples can make condom use fun by incorporating it into foreplay. Used correctly, condoms are up to 98 percent effective against pregnancy.

Another option is to use the female condom. It's inserted into the vagina or anus before sex play, so there's no "interruption." Female condoms are up to 95 percent effective against pregnancy when used correctly, and — like latex condoms — they reduce the risk of infection.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.