Health

Asking Your Partner For A Sexual Health Test Doesn’t Have To Be Weird

There are certain topics that all new couples avoid. Previous relationships and psycho exes are a few taboo subjects that immediately spring to mind. However, a conversation about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is a conversation that every new couple HAS to have. In particular, you should ask your new partner to take a sexual health test before you jump in-between the bed sheets. Asking your partner to do this doesn’t have to be weird; in fact if you are open and honest with each other from the start, this should set the tone for the rest of your relationship. It will also avoid any unpleasant surprises cropping up as your relationship progresses, such as the transmission of a Sexually Transmitted Infection. Below are a few tips how to ask your partner for a sexual health test without making it weird.

1. Offer to get tested yourself.

This way it avoids your new partner feeling self-conscious, or assuming that you believe they are dirty or have previously slept around. By offering to get tested too, you are showing them that you value their protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections just as much as you want them to value your own protection.

2. Explain how common STIs are.

Many people wrongfully believe that Sexually Transmitted Infections are rare, or that they can only be spread through penetration during sex. However, recent news has revealed that Sexually Transmitted Infections are on the rise and are as common as the flu. Such infections are spread via contact with infected body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen (also via cold sores!) – all of which you can be exposed to through normal body to body contact, vaginal, anal or oral sex.

3. Explain that many STIs have no symptoms.

I know scary right? Even though your boyfriend’s penis or your girlfriend’s vagina might look normal, this doesn’t mean that they don’t have a Sexually Transmitted Infection lurking down below. This is why it is so important to ask your partner to be tested- for their sake and for your own. Also if untreated, Sexually Transmitted Infections can lead to serious long-term health problems – something you definitely want to avoid.

4. Explain how it will lead to better sex (yes really).

It is well known that if you have something on your mind, it can impact your ability to perform in the bedroom, and your ability to get in the mood. Explain to your partner that if they get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections, it will put your mind at ease and allow you to let loose in the bedroom, leading to more intense, steamier and regular sex-  woo hoo!

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5. Explain it is not just a test for STIs, but also for commitment.

If your new partner is the person that you think they are and if they feel as strongly about you as you think they do, then they will respect your wishes to have a sexual health test without hesitation. If they don’t respect your request, then maybe they aren’t the right partner for you, and maybe your relationship might not last long-term.

6. Explain how easy it is to get tested.

Getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections has never been simpler. There is no excuse not to be tested. There is the option to visit a clinic or your local GP, or to use a self-test kit from the safety and privacy of your own home. Most tests only require a urine sample or a self-taken swab for a woman. However, testing for HIV and syphilis do require a blood sample, but again this can be done quickly and fuss free.

Do you feel better about asking your partner for a sexual health test? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nicole Brownfield

My name is Nicole Brownfield and I am 20 years old. I am studying English Literature and going into my 3rd and final year of Queen Mary University, London in September. I am currently the Editor-In-chief of my University magazine 'CUB' and my dream is to pursue a career in journalism after I graduate. I love living in London and am obsessed with sourcing out food and drink places, as well as exploring the parts of London I have never been to before. My boyfriend and I have recently turned pescatarian and this symbolises my goal to constantly keep bettering myself and to stay healthy and disciplined. Every day I try and achieve something as I want to look back and be proud of the life I have lived, and to make my family proud too.

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