No matter how long you’ve been with your partner, whether it’s a few weeks or years, talking about the sexual aspect of your relationship can sometimes be tricky. It doesn’t need to be embarrassing though – in fact, talking about contraception, sexually transmitted infections and the emotional aspect of your relationship should all be a vital part of a healthy and happy union.
You shouldn’t wait until you’ve already started having sex before discussing your concerns, as by this stage it could be too late – you don’t want to make uninformed decisions or take any risks. This goes double for contraception and sexual health, as keeping quiet can result in your catching an infection. It doesn’t need to be a cause for fear though – just choose a quiet and private place where you can speak openly with your partner about any concerns you may have. Why not broach the subject by asking an open question such as asking how your partner feels about sex, what their views on contraception is or whether they would want to visit a sexual health clinic with you to discuss your contraceptive options.
Talking about sex not only quells your own fears or anxieties but it also helps reduce the risk of infection and STI’s from spreading. So, with this in mind, you should be aware of your partner’s sexual history – not knowing could put your own health at risk. If you’re unsure how to bring up the subject of contraception or sexual history, visiting a clinic can help ease the stress of it – a trained professional can talk through your options with you.
If you think you may have sex with someone who you’ve only met recently, be sure to carry condoms with you to avoid unwanted pregnancy or catching an infection. It’s vital that you talk about using them before you actually engage in sex, as once you’ve made genital contact it’s too late. However, if you’re educated on sexual matters and approach sex in an open way, you’ll find that you can communicate your issues and fears far more easily.
Comments are closed.