If you've dated at any point during the last few years, you've probably gotten pretty good at handling regular discussions about your health, from checking in on Covid status to requesting PCR results. But this is not the only way in which health concerns have been affecting the dating world...
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Now that many dating apps have started to include information on STI prevention, it has become a habit for some people in new relationships to inquire about safe sex practices and STI status before engaging in physical intimacy in higher. Relationship expert Ness Cooper at Lovehoney has given a bit of insight on the matter.
Here's why we love this trend and why you should join in on the discussion!
Why you should talk about STI status
It might be intimidating to share intimate information about your medical history with a new partner, especially during the honeymoon stage when everything seems perfect. Strong stigmas still surround STIs and there is a widespread misunderstanding of how STIs are spread and to whom.
However, STIs are both common and highly treatable.A reluctance to acknowledge or discuss STIs only increases their spread and has a highly detrimental effect on the whole population's sexual health and can also negatively affect a sex-positive mindset, whilst the reverse, according to Elite Daily, shows a sense of maturity, you are comfortable enough to have these conversations and that you actually care about the health of those around you.
How to ask for an STI status
It needn't be a huge deal to disclose your status or to inquire about the status of your new partner or about their safe sex and testing practices.
Why not ask your partner to go get tested together? Personally, we think a proactive partner that places your safety first is very sexy!
Sources used:
Elite Daily: 'ASKING YOUR PARTNER ABOUT STIS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE AWKWARD — HERE'S HOW'
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