Approaching the Conversation about STI Testing
We get it, talking about STIs and getting tested can be uncomfortable. But it’s an important discussion to have.
Taking steps to ensure our sexual health and the health of our partners is crucial. So, let’s talk about how to approach the topic of STI testing.
Timing and Expectations
Timing is everything, and that’s especially true when it comes to discussing STI testing. You don’t want to bring up the subject out of the blue while you and your partner are watching Netflix and chilling.
Instead, plan the conversation ahead of time when you both have time to sit down and chat. It’s also important to set expectations.
Make sure your partner knows that talking about testing does not necessarily mean that there is an issue. It’s a routine part of sexual health maintenance, and you should approach it that way.
Taking Responsibility for Your Own Testing
It’s important to take responsibility for your own testing—it’s your body and your health. If you’re sexually active, get tested regularly, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
This is especially important if you have multiple partners or are in a non-monogamous relationship. You should also choose partners who take their sexual health seriously.
Ask them about their history and if they have been tested recently.
Using Current Events to Start the Discussion
Current events can be a great conversation starter when it comes to STI testing. You can use news stories about the rise in STI rates or the importance of testing to bring up the topic.
It’s a non-confrontational way to start the discussion and helps to normalize the conversation.
Linking Testing to Talk of Future Planning
When talking about STI testing, you can link it to discussions about future planning. For example, if you and your partner are considering starting a family, you can mention that getting tested for STIs is an important part of family planning.
Untreated STIs can lead to infertility or complications during pregnancy.
Using Seductive Language to Encourage Testing
Let’s be real—we all want better sex. So, why not use that as a motivator for getting tested?
By getting tested regularly, you and your partner can have the peace of mind to fully enjoy each other’s company. Plus, knowing that both you and your partner are STI-free can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable sexual experience.
Unique Ways to Encourage Testing
Incorporating a Night Out for Testing
Who says getting tested can’t be fun? Why not turn it into an excuse for a night out?
Many clinics offer testing on the weekends or evenings, so you can schedule your appointment and follow it up with a fun activity like dinner or a movie. You can even make it a group event and encourage friends to get tested together.
Utilizing e-Cards to Communicate the Need for Testing
Not comfortable bringing up the topic of STI testing face-to-face? Why not send an e-card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to your partner?
These e-cards communicate the importance of testing in a non-confrontational way and encourage your partner to get tested.
Encouraging Open Communication in Order to Ensure Sexual Health
Finally, the most important thing you can do to encourage testing is to foster open communication in your relationships. By talking openly and honestly about sex, you and your partners can ensure that you’re taking the necessary steps to maintain your sexual health.
So let’s start talking and taking care of ourselves and each other.
Urging Your Partner to Get Tested
Having open and honest communication with your partner about STIs and testing is important for maintaining sexual health. However, it can be difficult to convince your partner to get tested if they are hesitant.
Here are some strategies for urging your partner to get tested.
Admit the Mistake of Not Testing in the Past
One way to encourage your partner to get tested is by admitting any past mistakes you may have made. You can share that you regret not being more mindful of your sexual health in the past and that you’ve learned from your mistakes.
This will show your partner that you are taking ownership of your own health and care about theirs.
Maintaining Firm Boundaries When Communicating About Testing
If your partner is hesitant to get tested, it’s important to stand firm in your boundaries. Communicate that testing is a non-negotiable aspect of sexual health for you and that you won’t proceed with sexual activity until both parties have been tested.
This can be a difficult conversation to have, but remember that your health and well-being are worth the potential discomfort.
Emphasizing the Importance of Testing Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Relationship Status
It’s important to emphasize the importance of testing regardless of your sexual orientation or relationship status. STIs can affect anyone and everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status.
Testing is not just important for heterosexual couples or those in non-monogamous relationships. Everyone should get tested regularly, even if they do not believe they are at risk.
If your partner is reluctant to get tested, it’s important to have a frank discussion about the risks of not getting tested. STIs often have no symptoms, so it’s possible to unknowingly pass them on to partners.
Some STIs can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. By getting tested regularly, you and your partner can make informed decisions about your sexual health.
If your partner is still hesitant to get tested, it may be helpful to suggest going to the clinic together. Having emotional support and being there for one another can make the process less daunting and may encourage your partner to get tested.
Communicating about STI testing can be challenging, but it’s crucial for maintaining sexual health. By admitting past mistakes, standing firm in your boundaries, and emphasizing the universal importance of testing, you can help encourage your partner to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others.
Remember, protecting your sexual health is a lifelong responsibility, and it’s something that should not be taken lightly. Maintaining sexual health requires open communication, personal responsibility, and regular testing.
Addressing the topic of STI testing can be uncomfortable, but it is essential for ensuring our own health and the health of our partners. This article explored various approaches for bringing up the topic of testing and encouraging partners to get tested, including timing and expectations, taking responsibility for personal testing, using current events to start the discussion, linking testing to talk of future planning, and utilizing seductive language to encourage testing.
Additionally, we discussed unique strategies for encouraging testing, such as incorporating a night out for testing, sending e-cards from the CDC, and promoting open communication in relationships. Ultimately, by having honest and open conversations about sexual health and taking the necessary steps to stay informed and get tested regularly, we can lead fulfilling sex lives while protecting ourselves and others.