Deciding to use birth control is a great way to protect yourself if you are sexually active. While no person can force someone else to do something, being clear about the reasons you want to use birth control (such as to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections) can be helpful when speaking with your partner. Being prepared by having condoms of your own, for example, can also give you some control in the situation. And if your partner does not agree with you, be willing to walk away from the situation if your needs and wishes are not being respected. Creating these boundaries (the physical, emotional and mental limits we establish to protect ourselves from being manipulated, used, or violated by others) may take practice, so working on this skill when it comes to something you are very serious about, like your health, is a great place to start.