Who should be tested?
Before you start having any kind of sex with someone, both of you should be tested for STIs. It’s better to know what’s up before you start having sex.
It’s important for you and your partner to talk about using condoms, preventing STIs, other safe sex practices and sexual needs at the start of your relationship but the conversation shouldn’t end there. Keep that conversation going.
And keep it up, you and your partners should get tested for all STIs at least once a year and use condoms consistently.
How do I talk to my partner about getting tested?
Try something along the lines of…
“Before we start this thing, let’s get tested.”
“I think we should both get checked…want to go together?”
“Let’s both get tested. Either of us could have something and not know it.”
“I think we should both get checked. Sometimes you can’t tell, so I just want us to be safe for each other.”
“Just so you know, the last time I got tested was 3 months ago. What about you?”
How do I talk about using condoms?
Condoms can be sexy, and using one shows that you are in control of the situation. Health is wealth, so take control over yours.
Talk with your partner about how you care about your STI status and staying clean. Also tell her you care about her and you don’t want anything to happen to her from an STI harming their future.
What if my partner takes offense or thinks I’m not clean?
Tell them that you want to be in control of your health and you care about theirs.
Say that condoms can make things more fun. Trying different condoms and lube can even amp things up like using ribbed condoms or heat-sensitive lube. Condoms can even make your stay erect longer.
Do I have to use a condom 100% of the time?​
Yes. Condoms are only effective if they are used the right way each time you have sex.
Be prepared. If you plan to have sex (or even if you don’t), keep a condom close — in your backpack, or pocket, and also next to your bed. If you are storing a condom in your pocket, remember to replace it often because if you keep bringing the same condom out with you it’s likely to get damaged.