45 Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson 2. Sexually involved right now? What is your plan to prevent pregnancy and/or to reduce your risks for STDs/HIV? And are you on the same page? Have you both been tested? Shared your results? (info on free, confidential testing at GetTested.cdc.gov Condom use: what rules do you and your partner have to use condoms each and every time correctly? My (or my partner’s) form of birth control: IUD, implant, birth control pills, the shot (Depo), the patch, birth control ring, cervical cap, diaphragm, condoms, etc. My (or my partner’s) schedule of use/clinic visit: (IUD lasts 3, 5, 7, or 12 years, depending on type, the implant 3 years birth control pills taken daily patch changed weekly with no patch in 4th week the ring inserted once a month for 3 weeks—out one week cervical cap or diaphragm inserted before each intercourse the Depo shot very 3 months etc.). Distribute Where to obtain birth control? Cost? Are you and your partner a team on this? Have you talked about what you’d do in the event of an unintended pregnancy? (Raise the child together, alone, abortion, adoption). Are you on the same page? 3. Raising the issue: What positive reasons do you have to assert your intentions to your partner—whether it’s waiting, pacing, or planning to reduce risks? Jot down what you will say. Sample Do Not my personal plan