STDs and Sexual History: Does Sexual Past Matter in a Relationship?

In a sexual relationship, talking about STDs should not be like beating around the bush. It should be elaborate, clear, and understandable. Now, does sexual past matter in a relationship? Yes, it directly does.

The conversation must include your sexual history that will help each other understand the importance of taking care of both of your sexual health in the best possible way. 

Moving ahead, do not worry if talking to your partner about STDs gives you anxiety. You aren’t alone. Many people find it difficult how to talk about STDs with partner. The fear and embarrassment of talking about STDs make it a topic that invites nervousness.

The taboo around it is still intact because people still whisper about it and don’t discuss it out loud. But with us by your side, we can make it a little easier for you with some tips you can follow. 

Before that, allow us to share how various STIs, STDs, and RTIs get transmitted. It will give you a brief insight into the importance of what we are trying to explain here. 

Any type of sexual contact, be it vaginal, oral, or anal, with direct skin contact can spread STIs, STDs, or RTIs. These infections and diseases impact sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Moreover, more than 1 million STIs are acquired each day. If not treated well on time, they can pose serious health problems to both you and your partner. 

Do you see how common it is and why is it important to know about STDs? You have to discuss it with just one person in the world to get things in place. 

How to Talk to Your Partner About STDs & Be Careful

Before you talk about it to your partner, talk to your doctor. Get an STDs test done to know better about your health status and other risks involved with it, if any. Once you get hold of your status, it’s the best time to open this conversation with your partner.

It’s the right thing to do to enjoy a healthy sexual relationship without worrying about any potential health risks involved. If you have a clear plan in your mind, the conversation gets uncomplicated. Get your questions in place you want answers for, and keep your answers ready. 

Kicking it off with your reports will make it smooth and will determine if either of you has a sexually transmitted disease or not. Further, you can discuss what precautions to use if your partner has had a history of sexual relationships with multiple partners.

Also, you both must mutually agree to get regular STD tests done to be safe and healthy if you are sexually involved with multiple partners, or in short term relationships. In long term relationships, getting yourself tested once is enough. 

The other tip would be to keep the conversation light and informal. You don’t have to be formal or stressed about it. Be upfront and open about it with a relaxing attitude. Let your partner know everything, tell them how important safe sex is, the importance of tests, ask them everything, and that’s it. 

The kind of stigma that’s attached to STDs directly makes the person suffering from it ‘dirty’ or ‘bad.’ One thing that you and your partner must keep in mind is that judging each other at this point might take a very negative toll on your relationship. Everyone has a past, and you must respect what’s in the present. 

Do not take it as neighborhood news you are shocked about. Be compassionate and understanding. Even if your partner is diagnosed with STD, deal with the situation together. It’s a sign of trust that your partner is feeling vulnerable to this extent with you. 

Let things unfold for the best. STD doesn’t mean you and your partner will have to put a halt on your sexual life. It just means to have safer sex. 

1. Educate yourself enough on STDs.
2. Choose your protection wisely; that’s best against STDs transmission.  
3. Get yourself tested regularly. 
4. Have a plan & follow it.

There are multiple STDs with no visible symptoms like HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. We can’t emphasize enough on getting yourself tested regularly. 

It brings us to another very vital point. Many people, to date, are uncomfortable getting tested for STDs for fear of criticism, judgment, or the results.

If the same is the case with you and your partner, remember that precautions are better than a cure. The sooner you get to know, the sooner it will be treated. Always support each other! 

How to Talk About STDs With a New Partner

Before you indulge in a sexual relationship with a new partner, it’s recommended to discuss STI. Make sure you two are together in your health, safety & fitness. Have an open minded and direct conversation.

Remember, take the news as you would want it to be taken. Try to understand each word they are saying, and be on the same page. The disclosure should happen early on. If one is infected, the other person can be at a major risk. 

Starting the Conversation on How to Talk About STDs

All the above-said things might be great, but the confusion may still stay as to how to start the whole thing. Here’s a little help: 

1. Are you aware of your sexual health status?
2. What do you think about precautions? 
3. Is sex more enjoyable when it’s safe or vice-versa?
4. Have you ever got your STD test done?
5. Health is important, isn’t it? Let’s get our tests done. 
6. Are you willing to talk about your sexual partners in the past? 

We hope these will help you slide in smoothly into the conversation you are willing to have.

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STDs Conversation in Short Term & Long Term Relationships

In a short-term relationship, it’s easy to make people understand it’s an important step before getting into anything deeply. It’s all-new, you are discovering each other every day, and it’s comparatively easier to sneak in such conversations. 

But quite surprisingly, many might disputably disagree that all this is not required in a long-term relationship. We know each other well, and STDs are out of the question. The reality is that it’s equally important. Talking about STDs is health-specific and not relationship-specific. 

The Final Verdict

Living with STI is capable of making dating even more complicated and stressful than it is ordinarily. But when there’s a way, why take the tough road? Through the right measures, emotional support, transparent communication, and love, it’s easy to fight STIs and other related roadblocks. 

We hope you got clarity on how to talk about STDs with partner. Now, what do you think? Does sexual past matter in a relationship? 

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