STIs infecting your relationship part two

It may very well be a complete flip out, and if it is, can you really blame your partner? STIs are serious business. News about an STI is shocking.

If you’re announcing to your partner before you’ve had sex or fooled around that you have an STI, then your partner has every right to have mixed feelings about their increased risk of contracting your STI, even if the STI is treated immediately and contraception is used perfectly. Give him time. It may take a while before your partner adjusts to the news of an STI. Be prepared to accept that he may never be able to adjust. Stay calm, and be patient. It is his choice and ultimately you’ll have to respect that no matter what.

You may consider asking if he’s been checked out for STIs recently himself. It could be helpful to offer to go with your partner to get tested and perhaps suggest somewhere affordable and highly confidential that he can visit.

In the meantime, it sort of goes without saying that sex may be off the menu for the foreseeable future with your partner. If, and when, you both feel ready to resume your sexual prowess, do yourselves a massive favour and practice safer sex methods! Also keep in mind that while being treated for curable STIS like Chlamydia, it is advisable to practice abstinence until the full course of treatment is complete. STIs are highly contagious, and any swapping of bodily fluids can lead to instant re-infection. Abide by the instructions that your GPs, GUM clinics and pharmacies provide. Enough risks have already been taken, so please don’t gamble with your health anymore.

Have I killed our sex life?

Stunned, almost certainly. Killed, maybe, maybe not. It is entirely possible to work through or around an STI infecting your relationship. At the end of the day though, like any challenge a couple faces, a lot of it boils down to whether or not both people are willing to put in the effort to make it work. If your partner throws in the towel at the sound of ‘STI’ then it’s unlikely he was your through thick and through thin soul mate. If he’s willing to stick around and not indefinitely blame or belittle you, then allow time to slowly soothe any STI whiplash and rebuild the foundation of trust that will establish your precious and enjoyable sex life. 

Safe and happy sexin!

By: nola

Image

The opinions of writers featured on SpunOut.ie do not necessarily reflect the views of the SpunOut.ie team or those of Community Creations. We try to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.

Login to leave a comment on this article

Login | Sign Up