How to ask Your Partner to Get Tested for STDs
Talking about STDs can be a difficult subject, but it is important that both of you communicate honestly about your health.
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You Will Need
- Honesty
- Positive attitude
- Appointment at a clinic or with a gynecologist
- Condoms
Steps
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Step 1
Be straightforward
Be straightforward and honest. Tell your partner you want to talk about sex and STDs.
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Mention any symptoms or indicators you may have noticed on you or your partner.
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Step 2
Keep positive
View the discussion as a positive step in your relationship. Your willingness to talk about a difficult subject is a sign that you trust your partner and you want them to be able to trust you.
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Step 3
Relieve stress
Mention that getting the results of an STD test will make sex less stressful for you and your partner, and will bring the two of you closer together.
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Offer to get tested together.
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Step 4
Listen
Listen to your partner during the conversation -- don't do all the talking. Instead, let the conversation flow naturally.
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Step 5
Be responsible
Remind your partner of the responsibility both of you have to get tested if you plan on having children. Infections like syphilis and hepatitis B can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus.
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Step 6
Avoid jumping to conclusions
Avoid jumping to conclusions. Just because your partner refuses to get tested for STDs doesn't mean they are cheating or have an STD. But don't back down -- continue to explain how important it is to you to get tested.
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If you're worried about your health, consider refusing sexual contact until your partner is tested and the results come back.
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Step 7
Make an appointment
Make an appointment with a clinic or doctor to get tested.
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Step 8
Stay protected
Protect yourself by using condoms. Condoms protect against transferring STDs like HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Now you can rest easy knowing both you and your partner have been tested.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.5 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea were reported in 2008.
