Everyone knows sex without a condom can be risky, but when you're in the throes of passion it's easy to get carried away. You may not want to ruin the moment or maybe you're just too shy to suggest it. Whatever your reasons, is it really worth it?

Sex is no longer a taboo subject. The top 100 sex tips have been a regular feature in many of the leading women's magazines for years and a dedicated sex mag has sprung up, in the form of Scarlett, to cater specifically for female sexuality. Sex toys have left the hen-party arena to become a common Christmas gift between couples while female-friendly porn is increasingly in demand. So why are we still so coy about contraception and the potential results of our fumblings?

It's partly down to complacency, but British prudishness, the sheer embarrassment of getting it all wrong, especially among young adults, also plays its part. Public Health Minister Caroline Flint is launching a new sexual health campaign called 'Condom Essential Wear' targeting 18-24 year olds.

She said: 'The aim of the campaign is to make carrying and using a condom as familiar as carrying a mobile phone, lipstick or putting on a seatbelt. This is not about encouraging promiscuity, but telling those who are already sexually active that "sex without a condom is seriously risky, so always use one".'

However, having discussed the issue with a group of girlfriends in their late 20s and early 30s it is clear the 'it won't happen to me' mindset still prevails. Other excuses included 'it would spoil the passion of the moment' and 'you never have a condom when you need one.'

In favour of condoms
Some men and women prefer to avoid using condoms. You've had a bit to drink, passion takes hold, one of you questions the need, or neither of you has one, you're too horny to argue or wait and before you know it, it's too late.

We know condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, but they also mean you don't have to go through that nail-biting visit to your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic after having unprotected sex. So why do we do it to ourselves?

Psychologist and sexual health commentator, Dr Petra Boynton, says: 'The best thing is to be prepared and to think about it. If you think sex might be happening, get a supply of condoms even if you're on the coil, pill or using other contraception because these won't protect you from STIs. It's tempting to just think it happens to younger people because they tend to have more partners, but you still need to worry and protect yourself.

'Just get a few condoms you like, whether they're flavoured or ribbed or whatever, and keep a few by your bed or wherever you're likely to have sex. It's also a good idea to put a few in your bag when you're going out.'

The art of persuasion
So what happens when things are going well, but he turns his nose up at the idea of using a condom? The most common excuse is the lack of sensitivity, but what do you come back with?

Petra says: 'A lot of guys probably haven't tried condoms in years and they've changed. There are now a lot of light condoms which are very easy to wear and you can put a touch of lubricant* in the tip to increase the sensitivity.

'If it's still not working, tell him you like to look after your health and he should respect this. If he still refuses you're looking at someone who doesn't value you. Talking about contraception is difficult, but if it helps, tell yourself it's a test of your self-esteem and self-worth as well as a seeing how much he values and respects you.'

So in an ideal world you'd carry condoms with you in your handbag 'just in case' and use them with a partner until you both went to be tested, but not enough of us do this either. People take umbrage at the suggestion of STI checks. A trip to hospital is not terribly romantic, but it does make sense. If you're planning to spend a lot of time with this person it pays to consider the facts.

STIs are on the increase and, according to the Health Protection Agency figures, one in nine sexually active young people have Chlamydia, which has been linked to female and male infertility.

So if you're in a relationship and want to suggest ditching the condoms, Petra advises treading carefully. 'Try telling him that you just can't be too careful and how you want to get tested and discuss your contraception choices, so would he come with you to your GP.'

She also warns to be prepared that his first reaction may not be all positive. 'The shock of someone being that up front about sex, STIs and contraception can make them feel uncomfortable, so they may take a little while to come round to the idea. But if they don't, they're not thinking about you so do you really want to be with them?'

*lubricant - make sure you use water not oil-based because it can rot the rubber or latex of the condom.