People have a number of effective ways to eliminate or reduce their risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. It all starts with making good decisions based on scientific evidence and your own personal values. But it requires following through on those decisions.

In moments of intense emotional and physical arousal, it can be difficult to remember or care about decisions you made earlier. That’s why it’s so important to discuss and agree on sexual limits and choices with your partner beforehand.

Chandra and Ray have been dating for a couple of months and have decided they are ready to have sex. Neither of them has been tested for STIs, so Chandra wants to use condoms. But Ray says they don’t need them. He says Chandra can just get the birth control shot at the health clinic. What do you think?

Should Chandra just go along with Ray? Should she try to convince him they should use condoms as well? What could Chandra say or do to persuade her unwilling partner? Do you think Chandra and Ray really are ready to have sex? Why or why not?

Take a few minutes to gather your thoughts. Then go to the next discussion assignment in this course and post your answer to the questions above. Be sure to provide reasons and examples to support your answer.