Part of being sexually active includes the awkwardness that comes with talking about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, it’s a vital part of keeping you and your partner safe from infection.
Maybe you’ve been putting off this conversation with your partner due to fear, embarrassment, or just uncertainty of how to go about it. Whatever the case may be, just know you’re not alone. Everyone should have this conversation, and it’s in the best health interests of you and your partner.
Because the conversation surrounding STDs can be so challenging, Nathania Adu, DNP, FNP-C, and the rest of our team at 4th Trimester Place in Miramar, Florida, want to offer you some of our top tips to help you feel confident talking with your partner about your sexual relationship.
Talk with your partner before having sex
The absolute best time to have this conversation is before you and your partner begin having sex – even oral sex. Since STDs are spread through sexual contact, it’s important to talk about any STDs either one of you may have before you accidentally transmit to one another.
Prepare the conversation beforehand
Try not to dive headfirst into this conversation without knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it. It might be best to premise the conversation by telling them that having a conversation about STDs isn’t about distrust but about safety concerns. It’s appropriate to ask if they have or had any STDs, when the last time was that they were tested for STDs, and how many sexual partners they have. You may also suggest that the two of you get tested together.
Be open and honest
This conversation can make anyone feel vulnerable. However, if you want your partner to be honest with you, it’s important that you give them that same truthfulness. Even if you’re on medication for an STD, it’s still vital that you share that information with them and be open about how many sexual partners you have.
If your partner does disclose that they have an STD, offer them a respectful and judgment-free zone to share so you can continue to have productive conversations surrounding sexual safety.
Come up with a plan
No matter how the conversation goes, it’s important that you end with a plan on how you want to have safe sex. You may need to agree upon what kind of contraception to use or how often the two of you should be tested for STDs.
If you and your partner haven’t been tested for STDs recently, it might be wise for the two of you to see us for testing. STDs don’t always present with symptoms, so you may have one without knowing it. To schedule an appointment for STD testing, you can give us a call at 833-HERE-4-U-4 (437-3484) or use our online scheduler today.
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