The start of a romantic relationship is one of the most exciting times for any couple. Who doesn’t remember feeling butterflies on a first date or sparks flying after a first kiss?
Romantic relationships often lead to sexual intercourse. If you and your partner are thinking about having sex, start by having an open and honest talk about your sexual health.
Even if you don’t think you have an STD, discussing your sexual health history is important to protect both you and your partner’s physical and emotional health. Read on to learn what questions to ask your partner, how to have “safer” sex, and if an STD means your partner is cheating.
If you’re at the point of becoming sexually active with your partner, you should be able to talk openly and ask questions like:
To reduce your risk of contracting an STD, you may want to offer to get tested together and discuss your relationship status before engaging in any sexual activities, especially since having multiple partners increases your risk.
Healthcare professionals recommend using barriers to protect against STDs, which are transmitted through sexual fluids or genital skin-to-skin contact:
Prior to being intimate, discuss using protection with your partner and decide which form of protection best suits you.
In long-term, monogamous relationships, many couples choose to stop using barriers—especially if they’re planning for a family. However, ‘monogamous’ doesn’t automatically mean safe. Since many STDS are asymptomatic, you could infect a partner without even knowing it. A good idea? Practice “safer” sex until you’ve both been tested and shared your results.
If you have a feeling something’s not right, examine yourself for any of the following common STD symptoms:
If you have STD symptoms, immediately get tested, tell your partner, and abstain from sexual relations while awaiting the results. If your test comes back positive, you should let your current partner and recent partners know, as they should also get tested.
No, not necessarily. If you know you’ve been faithful to your partner, consider the following before you jump to conclusions:
If you do test positive for an STD, tell your partner right away. If you and your partner previously decided to be monogamous, it’s important to discuss infidelity, even if the conversation is difficult. Partners may come and go, but maintaining your health should always be a priority.
If you are sexually active, you should at least get tested for STDs annually. When going to the doctor, be sure to discuss your sexual history so he or she can order the right STD tests for you. Different tests should be done annually if you are sexually active, based on factors like age, gender, and sexual orientation. Anyone who regularly engages in oral or anal sex should discuss throat and rectal testing options with their primary care physician.
Vaccines are available for HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. Discuss with your primary care physician if you should be vaccinated against these STDs.
If you have any STD symptoms, it’s important to get tested immediately—don’t wait for your next annual medical appointment. All vybe urgent care locations offer convenient and confidential STD send out testing. In addition, our Spring Garden and University City locations offer rapid STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis (Trich) for women only.
Protect yourself and your partner, walk in or book online at any of our 15+ convenient locations today.
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