So, you've made the decision: You want to start using birth control.

You clearly have your reasons: Period or PMS relief, clearing up skin problems, or maybe you've decided you want to start having sex. The first three are pretty easy to bring up with your parents and/or doctor without it getting too weird. If it's the latter, well...

Congrats. Sex is great and safe sex is the greatest. Welcome to the party.

Regardless of the sex(es) of your partner(s), you're going to want to think about protecting yourself from things like pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases and infections. While barrier methods (like male or female condoms, dental dams and diaphragms) are pretty easy to get your hands on, accessing pills, shots, implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs) may require some more work.

If you're still living with your parents - or you're still under their insurance or you're just looking for a little bit of guidance on this sexy new road you're traveling on - you might have to bite the bullet and actually talk to them about your sex life before you make the appointment with your doctor.

Talking sex with your mom or dad is basically the definition of unsexy -- we get it. But it's so important to at least try and keep communication open. It doesn't have to be the absolute worst.

If you're getting ready to have "the talk" with your parents, here's a few tips for how to make it as painless as possible:

Okay, Everybody breathe.

This is a really important step to take for yourself and your parents. You may be a little mortified that you have to even think about your sex life in front of the people who raised you. And they may be a little nervous and misty-eyed about you growing up and making this kind of decision. The folks at Planned Parenthood say you should try to give your parents a heads-up first to let them know you want to talk about something private and personal: that way they know this time and this issue is important to you.

It's not an easy conversation to have, but it's really freakin' necessary and you'll be glad it happened once it's all over. Promise.

You gotta embrace the awkward.

Even if you do want to communicate, no one really wants to actually be in this kind of conversation IRL. It's gonna get at least a little bit weird. Be prepared for that and don't panic. Know that any conversation about sex with the people who used to wipe your diapered-butt is going to have some bizarre and embarrassing edges to it. Try and just roll with it and acknowledge it. (That can even be a great ice-breaker.)

Find your way in.

You probably won't just be like, "Mom, pass me the Cheerios and take me to get an IUD next week. Thnx, bye," but you don't need a powerpoint presentation or MLA-formatted paper either.

Planned Parenthood recommends working something from an article you've read or a TV show you've seen into the conversation. Questions also don't hurt: You can ask them about relationships, how they learned about sex when they were young, or how you'll know when you're ready for it.

Know Your Sh-t.

Do your research! There are so many resources out there (online and off) that you can use to start your search. Check out Planned Parenthood's website, any of the cool sex education-themed YouTube channels or *cough* MTV's It's Your Sex Life to start figuring out what your options are and what kind of contraception would fit into your life. You can also always reach out to your doctor, go to the library or talk to a teacher or older person you trust.

Be Honest.

Generally, your parents really do care about your health and happiness. The more honest you are about your thoughts on sex, sexuality and why you want/need birth control, the more likely you'll receive a thoughtful and proactive answer from them. Tell them that your sexual health is important to you and that you want to be safe and make the right choice for your body. And then give yourself a hand because taking that kind of ownership of your body is impressive -- no matter what happens.

Even if they get mad, know they love you.

No matter what, your parents are just trying to help you in the little ways they can. If they respond to your questions or thoughts with anger, concern, sadness or any other emotions that leave you feeling weird, try to take a second to see where they are coming from and don't let that stop the real communication from happening.

And, if all else fails, know your options.

Of course, not every parent is going to be receptive to this kind of talk. If you need to, talk to your gynecologist (or just your family doctor) about your needs or go to your local Planned Parenthood. Different states have different laws for giving birth control to minors and most clinics have different payment options you can look into if you were banking on your parents' help (because s--t is expensive).

You can always tell your parents that you value their opinions and want to explore your options together as you move forward, but ultimately, it is your body and your decision.