Talking to Your Partner About STDs

At the beginning of any new relationship, it’s absolutely vital that you and your partner discuss sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before you start having sex. While this conversation can often feel uncomfortable and awkward, it’s much better to be open and honest now about how to have safe sex than for one or both of you to develop STDs later.

Our team of primary care providers at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Hollywood, Florida, is passionate about encouraging more discussion around STDs and how you and your partner can have a healthy sex life. Getting screened for STDs and practicing safe sex habits are vital parts of that. 

So, this month’s blog dives into how to have a productive conversation with your partner regarding STDs.

Understand the facts

With plenty of stigmas and misinformation surrounding STDs, it’s important that both you and your partner are equipped with the facts about how STDs are spread and why you need to get tested.

STDs are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex or any other type of sexual contact. Because of this, you should always use some sort of barrier during sex such as condoms or dental dams.

It’s also important that you know that you can’t tell if someone has an STD simply by looking at them. Most symptoms of STDs are incredibly mild, which is why so many people end up not realizing they have one. It’s even possible for someone to have an STD for years with no symptoms at all. 

Because so many STDs can go undetected by the carrier, it's essential that you get screened for STDs regularly. Getting tested for STDs is quick and painless and can be done right in our HealthStone Primary Care Partners office. Before you both get tested, it’s good to know exactly how you’ll move forward with whatever results the two of you get.

Have some conversation goals

Before you jump headfirst into a discussion about STDs, know exactly what you want from that conversation. These are some good questions to think about before talking with your partner:

• Do you have an STD you need to disclose?
• Do you want to talk about how to practice safe sex?
• Do you want to ensure both of you get tested before having sex?
• Do you have any other sexual partners?

Coming up with a game plan ahead of time and having a list of all the topics and questions you want to discuss helps encourage a more productive and thoughtful conversation. 

Create a safe and judgment-free discussion zone

Even though talking about STDs with your partner is incredibly important, it doesn’t make it any less awkward or uncomfortable. If you or your partner have an STD to disclose, it also might make both of you feel vulnerable. 

Pick a quiet and private place to talk, ensuring you won’t be interrupted and that others won’t overhear. This is a very intimate conversation, and your environment should reflect that. You also should reassure your partner that you’re there for them and that you’re willing to have a very frank, calm discussion about STDs and safe sex practices.

Schedule your STD screening

After talking through everything with your partner, put screening for STDs on your calendars to ensure that it gets done and is made a priority. Schedule both your screenings at HealthStone Primary Care Partners by calling 954-466-0850 or using our online booking feature today.