How to Discuss STDs With Your Partner

In intimate relationships, it's important to discuss your STD status with your partner. Sometimes people are too embarrassed or afraid to ask their partner's STD status. You shouldn't be. Knowledge is power, and if someone is offended if you bring up STD status, they're probably not the right person to date.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Be aware of the different types of STDS and how each STD is spread.
   
   Do research online from trusted sources, like the Mayo Clinic website, safe sex websites, and even Wikipedia. When you've done research online, and developed a better understanding of the different risks, you'll be able to have a more accurate conversation with your partner.

2. Bring up STDs in private, before you have intimate relations.
   
   Don't assume that your partner has or doesn't have anything without talking about STDs. Some people feel they don't have to tell if they haven't been asked. And, unfortunately, some people lie. That's why it's important to develop trust in a relationship.

3. Ask your partner's STD status, and share your own status with your partner at the same time. You should accurately describe what communicable STDs you might have. You should also be aware of risky or unsafe practices that might exist outside of your relationship.

4. Get tested with your partner.
   
   You and your partner can go to an anonymous testing center and get tested together. While not an excuse to have unsafe sex, it can bring some peace of mind and security to a relationship.

5. Always have safer sex.
   
   Too often, a person assumes someone they have feelings for has no communicable STDs. That's why you should always have safe/safer sex with your partners. If you establish safe sex as a rule, the partner is also less likely to lie about status in order to have unsafe sex. You should always respect yourself and your partner and have safer sex.