How to Talk to Your Partner About Getting TestedHow To Talk To Your Partner About Getting Tested

Condoms can reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections, but they’re not 100% proof, and many STDs can spread even when you’re practicing safe sex. If you’re planning on starting a sexual relationship and you’re wary about the risks, it might be a good idea to discuss the issue with your partner.

If you’re not sure how to talk to your partner about getting tested, check out a few simple tips that will help you have an honest and positive discussion, without running the risk of upsetting your partner. However, don’t forget that their unwillingness to get tested gives you the prerogative to just walk away, because a flippant attitude about sexually transmitted infections is a huge red flag.

Get Educated about STDs

The first thing you should do before you approach the subject with your partner is get educated about sexually transmitted diseases. While herpes spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected site, condoms will be able to stop most STDs, but not all of them and they have no effect on pubic lice or fungal infections in the genital area.

Make a Plan

Before you talk to your partner about getting tested, have an outline of what you want to discuss. Don’t write a script, just make sure that you hit a few important points. Always mention that it’s in the best interest of both of you to get tested regularly and have a couple of options (STD clinics or doctors you know) ready to recommend once he agrees that getting tested for STIs it’s important.