Protecting Yourself From STDs – Questions to Ask a New Partner

STD Protection

Sex can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with anyone, let alone someone you really like and are still getting to know. But, your sexual health is too important to ignore. You may find it easier to first assess your comfort level with your new partner, and put off having this conversation until you feel confident that the connection between you is strong and that your relationship naturally seems to be progressing in an intimate direction.

If you feel comfortable and accepted by your partner, and you think you can provide him or her with that same level of comfort and acceptance, as well as an open and honest space for listening, you’re likely in a good place to start talking about sex. To help set the stage for an intimate talk, it can be useful to come up with a strategy beforehand. While the topic is undeniably serious, you may understandably want to keep the conversation light-hearted so that it is less daunting. Remember, whether your partner has a clean bill of health and a history of making safe decisions is much more important that any specific “number.”

To help you get started, here are some questions that you might want to ask:

  1. Are you currently having sex with anyone?
  2. Have you ever been tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? If so, which ones, and when were you tested?
  3. Have you ever tested positive for an STD? If so, were you treated and retested after completing treatment?
  4. How many sexual partners have you had since you were last tested for STDs?
  5. Have you had any STDs in the past six months?
  6. Have you been diagnosed with herpes or genital warts? If so, are you currently being treated, and are you having outbreaks?
  7. Have you ever shared needles or other drug-using equipment such as snorting straws?
  8. Are you currently using any form of birth control?

To increase your comfort level, you may want to get tested for STDs together. Keep in mind that many STDs, such as herpes, can be transmitted in ways other than having sexual intercourse. For this reason, it is especially important to have current and accurate answers regarding your and your partner’s sexual health.

At South Tampa Immediate Care, we can provide discreet and accurate STD testing and treatment. We are conveniently located at 602 South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL, and we do not require appointments.