Thinking to discuss about sexually transmitted infections with your partner? Well, this can be a topic of concern as your partner may not want to talk on this matter. It is a good decision to talk about the test results in person as this may pose safety concerns in certain situations. If you think your partner may become aggressive on discussing about STIs, then a text is a safe method you can choose.
How to prepare for a conversation about STI test results
Do your thorough research
Your partner will surely ask questions or concerns about STIs and so, you need to collect information before discussing over the matter. You will be confident when telling your partner how it can spread from one person to the other, symptoms and treatment process.
Keep necessary resources ready
If you are an emotional person, chances are your partner may not hear or process everything you like to share. Keep necessary resources and tools ready so that you can answer their queries. This way, your partner may understand you are making them aware about different STIs.
Choose the right place
The right place to discuss about sexually transmitted infection is where you feel comfortable and safe. It should be a private place so that you can talk freely without worrying about the interruption of others.
Know your partner can get upset
People create lots of assumptions about why’s and how’s of different STIs. Talking about STIs does not mean in anyway person is dirty, and they do not even mean that someone cheated on them. Even if they know about it, their reaction might be accusation and anger. You should not take their reaction personally.
Try to remain calm
When you think you have contracted STI from your partner, never blame them and lose cool. It won’t change the test results and will only make the conversation between both of you harder.
Read more: What Do You Need To Do To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
How to inform your partner about STI test results
Tell your previous sex partner
Telling an ex partner you have an STI should be quite comfortable. There should not be any arguments between both of you when discussing over this topic.
Tell your present partner
It is obvious to begin questioning trust factor in your partner when you have been diagnosed with an STI, being already in a relationship. You should know many STIs have mild symptoms only and some do not even show up immediately. It is possible you or your partner have contracted it before both of you were together before knowing about it.
Telling a new sex partner
If you are dating someone new, then STIs are not at all a part of your game plan. But it is always good to share your status with a new partner. You can either tell your partner in person or send a text message so that there isn’t any kind of misunderstanding between both of you at the time of starting a new relationship.
Telling your partner secretly
You can inform your partner secretly that they should get tested and know whether they have any STIs. This can be done by sending them a text or voice message so they will not feel embarrassed when meeting you face to face.
How to reduce transmission of STIs between the partners
Practicing safe sex is important to keep yourself and your partner protected from getting different STIs. Below are a few things to do and lessen the risk of contracting or spreading STIs:
- Do not enjoy intercourse when you are injured
- Speak honestly with probable partners about your past sexual history
- Take vaccines for hepatitis B and HPV
Use polyurethane or latex barrier for all types of sex which include the following:
- use internal or external condoms at the time of penetrative anal or vaginal sex
- wear gloves for manual penetration
- use dental dams or condoms for oral sex
- take condom or cleaning toys before and after sharing
There are things you may do after enjoying intercourse to stay safe. Rinse off properly after having sex so that there isn’t any infectious material on the skin and urinate after intercourse to lessen the chances of getting urinary tract infections or UTIs.
When to consult a healthcare professional
Some STIs seem to be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that can go overlooked. Make sure you are aware about the signs and symptoms to look for in your and your partner’s case.
- sores or bumps
- change in urine colour
- abnormal discharge from the anus, penis or vagina
- extreme pain during penetrative sex
- Itching or burning in the genital area
- lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- unusual bleeding from the vagina
Talking about STIs with your partner should not be a big deal. Sexually transmitted infections are more common these days, and there is nothing to feel shame for protecting yourself and your partner from different STDs. Thus, using anonymous STD text is the safest way to go and inform your partner about the risks both of you can have from different STIs.
