There are a couple of issues in your question: the first is about whether it's a good idea to talk with your daughter about the condoms you found. The second issue is maintaining a trusting relationship with your daughter — so that you can pave the way for your daughter to come to you in the future with her concerns and questions about sex and sexuality.

To begin, many parents have a difficult time reckoning with the fact that their children are sexual beings and will one day become sexually active. Some parents have a hard time facing this reality because it means that their children are growing up and becoming adults. Other parents do not know how to begin talking with their children about sex because they did not have those discussions with their own parents. Many parents become upset to learn their kids don't share their values about sex and sexuality. And finally, many kids want to keep their sex lives very private and don't want their families involved.

In your case, however, it sounds as though you and your daughter have discussed sex-related issues on some level because you mentioned that she has 'continuously' said she is not sexually active. This is a great foundation for having a more focused talk about the condoms that you found in your daughter's drawer, if that's what you decide will be helpful.

You may not want to let your daughter know you saw the condoms if telling her will jeopardize her trust in you. Having condoms does not mean that a person is sexually active. Many young people have them as tokens of their sophistication. Others keep them in case a situation arises in the future when they will need them.

If you do decide to sit down with your daughter to discuss finding the condoms, take some time to consider how you might feel if she reveals to you that she has in fact become sexually active. Will you be upset? And if so, why? Is it because you are concerned for her physical and emotional well-being — that she could, for example, become pregnant? Be prepared to share your feelings and concerns with your daughter.

Also prepare yourself to discuss with her your values and expectations about sex and sexuality during adolescence. Think through what you might say if her values are different. Pulling your thoughts together before you talk with her will help you have a more productive discussion. Remember that, most of all, you need to listen to what your daughter has to say.

When you're ready to talk with her about the condoms, be clear that you were not 'snooping,' and tell her exactly what it was you were looking for and why you needed it. Being honest with your daughter will help her trust you — and she may feel that she can be more honest with you as well.

Whether or not your daughter has become sexually active, you can use this conversation as an opportunity to discuss how sex can be wonderful but that it can also make a person feel vulnerable. There are also physical risks to consider, such as unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Keep in mind, however, that your daughter is aware of these physical risks, because using condoms significantly reduces the risk of both. This is something you can commend her for. You can tell her how proud you are that she knows how to protect herself.

You may also want to offer to make an appointment for your daughter with a health care provider for a gynecological visit and a conversation about safer sex, including her birth control options. These are all things you can do to help give your daughter the tools she will need to make the best decisions she can for herself now and in the future.

First off, I would like to say that I think this is a great opportunity to strengthen a relationship between a parent and child. It all depends on how you approach it. For starters, I wouldn't bring up the fact that you found condoms in her drawer — it could start an argument and damage the trust between the two of you. I also suggest that you embrace the fact that she might be sexually active and understand that she would not be the only 15-year-old girl who is. Of course she could be keeping condoms for bragging rights, or she could just be planning ahead. In any case, she is planning to be safe.

The important thing is to open up the topic of sex with her, and more importantly, safer sex. To do this I would suggest one day you happily hand her a pack of condoms. Then say something along the lines of, 'I just want you to be safe whenever you decide to become sexually active, and I would love to be able to talk with you openly about sex and sexuality.' She might respond by saying, 'Thanks,' 'What are these for?' 'I don't want these,' or 'Umm.... Why are you giving these to me?' She may have little to say, but you can let her know that you are there for her.

Hopefully broaching the subject of sex will become easier and less awkward and you may find that she will ask you questions about sex. You may not need to wonder whether or not she is sexually active. If you can be open to discussing this issue, she may feel more confident in opening up and telling you if she is.