OK, so you�re thinking about having sex. Who do you decide to talk with about birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how to know if you�re even ready in the first place? Is it your partner, the doc, or maybe your parents?

The most likely answer is none of them, according to the latest SexSmarts survey, by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Seventeen magazine. The survey of 503 teens, ages 15 to 17 years old, found that only 11 percent of teens who�ve had sexual intercourse discussed their plans with their parents ahead of time. And 16 percent talked with their doctor or health care provider.

Here are some more results about teens� communication habits:

• Roughly 50 percent have never talked with a parent about STIs, condoms or other forms of birth control, and how to know if you�re ready to have sex. 
• Eighty-three percent don�t talk with their parents about sex, because they fear their parents� reaction. And 78 percent are too embarrassed to bring it up.
• Talking to a doctor apparently isn�t much easier: 75 percent have never talked about condoms, and 72 percent have never asked about other forms of birth control. About 68 percent have never talked to their doc about STIs, and 67 percent never asked about HIV/AIDS.
• Thirty-six percent have never talked to their partner about what they feel comfortable doing sexually, while 45 percent never talked about condoms with a partner.

Though statistics can always change, one fact remains: communication with your partner, health care provider, and parents is incredibly important. Include these people in your plans�it may be a tough conversation to start, but it will leave you confident and better protected.

�Lauren Elkinson, 19

Take a look at past Sex Matters features.