Regardless, if you feel like things could be headed in that direction, it’s a good idea to ask the other person some questions ahead of time so that you can feel more confident about moving forward and protecting your health.
This article will explore the questions that can help both you and your new partner protect your physical health.
Despite what some may think, healthcare providers do not automatically test for these infections during annual exams. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t call for it either. Rather, only some STI tests are recommended for certain individuals at different times.
If another person tells you they have been tested for STIs, they should be able to tell you what infections they’ve been tested for. If they can’t, they may be mistaken about having been tested. They can call their healthcare provider’s office and ask for their most recent testing results to confirm one way or the other.
With all of this in mind, you too should ask your healthcare provider about getting tested, at least for chlamydia and gonorrhea, before starting any new sexual relationships.
Healthcare providers are sometimes reluctant to test for other STIs, such as syphilis or trichomoniasis, unless you have symptoms or know you have been exposed. Still, it never hurts to ask for the tests you want.
This may be because of an intentional or unconscious belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people. It may also be due to the stigma often tied to testing positive.
If your partner tells you they’ve never been tested, you might want to wait to sleep with them until their answer changes.
CDC guidelines recommend that these individuals be tested for HIV on the following schedule:
Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 (at least once as part of routine health care) Those at higher risk, such as those who have had more than one partner since their last HIV test, those diagnosed with/being treated for an STI, and men who have sex with men (MSM, who should be tested at least once a year) Those with any possible exposure to HIV through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or other exposure to bodily fluids (immediate, as-needed testing)
If you’re not sure if you could have been exposed, you should also be tested.
In general, routine HIV testing is a good idea. Most states will test you anonymously. Free testing is available at numerous locations.
Then, make sure they acknowledge their willingness to use whatever forms of protection you need to feel comfortable. This might include condoms, female condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Do the same for your partner.
It’s wise for both of you to have these items on hand should you need them.
Remember, too, that even if you or your partner use a form of continuous birth control, such as an intrauterine device, or IUD, you will still need to protect yourselves against STIs and the small risk of pregnancy that occurs with most forms of birth control.
One of these is having sex with others and not practicing safer sex. You may both be on the same page about being monogamous, but it’s also possible that you’re not. Your partner could be having sex with someone else and not taking the steps you’ve agreed to take to protect each other’s health.
Open communication is important to maintaining your physical and emotional health.
Long-term monogamous relationships represent the lowest risk to your sexual health.
