In a perfect world, we'd make our partners get tested for STIs before getting busy in the bedroom, but as we all know, talking about it and making this kind of request with someone you've recently met can be stressful and a little awkward. So I'm curious, are you adamant about your guy getting tested to make sure he's clear of STIs first, or is having protected sex with a condom good enough for you?
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Dear Sugar,
I went to the doctor today to find out why I was experiencing a painful breakout on my nether regions, and it turns out I have herpes. I have been with only one man for the last two years, and he is the only man I have ever had intercourse with.
I had a serious talk with him today, and he told me that before we started dating, he got tested for every STI, and they all came back negative.
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If you're not into taking hormones to prevent pregnancy, and you don't want something long-term like the Depo shot or an IUC, then condoms are a great option. If you're not a fan, another short-term option is to use spermicide, but I only recommend it if the person you're with is STI-free. Creams and gels can be really messy though (and some stain your sheets), so that's where VCF (vaginal contraceptive film) comes in handy!
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I talk a lot about STIs and how important it is to take measures to prevent contracting or spreading them. Not only can they cause discomfort and infertility, but some, such as HIV, can even result in death. Good news, though — it looks like scientists are working on a pill that can prevent HIV, the STI that causes AIDS.
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Hopefully some of your New Year's resolutions were to get tested for STIs and continue practicing safe sex. These are two simple things you can do to respect your body and keep yourself healthy. Knowing about STIs is helpful too, so take this short quiz to test your knowledge.
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Weigh in and tell us if you forgive or not forgive this True Confession.
"I found out my boyfriend cheated on me. I know the girl's phone number and email address, so would I be forgiven if I were to tell her he has an STI, even though it's not true?
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If you're not a fan of hormonal birth control, your options are limited when it comes to staying pregnancy-free. Condoms are an easy choice to stay protected when you're not in a committed relationship, but I've been hearing more and more married couples say that condoms are their preferred method of birth control, too. Of course to each their own, but isn't one of the perks of being in a committed marriage (one that's clear of STIs) that you don't have to fuss with interrupting the moment to find a condom?
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Although most of you say you've never had a one night stand, 48 percent of you admitted to doing it at least once. Sure, one night stands have a negative stigma attached to them, but if you're safe and smart about it, I say to each her own. But as we all know, STIs are on the rise and condoms won't necessarily protect you 100 percent.
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Dear Sugar,
I've been dating my boyfriend for almost a year and we've been friends for three years before that. We're very much in love and plan on getting married and having kids. About four years ago I found out that I have HPV which developed into genital warts — I've since had treatment and the warts are gone.
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I know you'd rather not talk about herpes, but the only way you'll know how to prevent yourself from contracting this