Geez! What you girls go through! However, that still leaves us with my problem with condoms. What else can we use? Rhiannon: Um...there's always diaphragms. I'd have to go get fitted for that. Plus we'd have to use gel. And the diaphragm has to be put in before sex. That takes a few minutes, longer than condoms, I think. That seems to reduce the spontaneity of sex. Regardless, I'm open to it. However, it doesn't address the STD issue.

Ronan: Rhiannon, I'm clean. And I'm sure you are too.

Rhiannon: Sure enough, I'm free of diseases. I get checked regularly. But, well, I don't think neither you nor I should put ourselves in that situation, even if we are faithful to each other. Condoms, really, are the only way to ensure that we don't run the risk of getting an STD...unless we abstain altogether.

Ronan: I don't want that.

Rhiannon: Me neither.

Ronan: It doesn't seem like we're getting anywhere. I don't want to use condoms; you seem to understand why. You don't want to take the...

But we want to protect ourselves from the very unlikely possibility of getting an STD. What to do?
Rhiannon: To be honest, I'm stumped right now. As I said, I've used condoms in the past. There wasn't a problem. This is a new situation for me as well.

It looks as if we're at an impasse. We could always talk to a family planner -- you know, like Planned Parenthood -- in order to explore more options. I'm sure there's a solution that's amenable to both of us.

Ronan: I suppose you're right. It means that we'll have to wait some more to have sex, though. Although I'm not happy about that, I certainly can hold out some more.

Rhiannon: Ronan, I want to be with you as well. I'll call my gynecologist today to schedule an appointment. I usually don't have to wait long to see her. In the meantime, we can think more about the issue. If you come up with anything, please let me know, all right?

Ronan: No worries. I'll definitely think a lot about it