Conversation Tips
Honest and open conversations, both with your provider and sexual partner(s), are an important part of keeping yourself and your partner(s) safe from infection.
Talk with your partner(s) BEFORE having sex so you can both make informed choices about your sexual health.
Be clear with your partner about the number of sexual partners you have.
Being respectful and nonjudgmental can create the space for a more productive conversation, and if you want, lay the groundwork to keep those conversations going.
Tell your partner if you have an STI, even if you’re currently taking medicine to treat those infections.
Find out when they were last tested for STIs. You could consider getting tested together.
Add the Conversation Badge to your dating profile to signal that sexual health matters to you.
It’s important to feel comfortable and heard, so take the time to find the right fit for you.
The sooner you are treated for an STI, the less chance an infection will impact other parts of your health.
Knowing your sexual history and any symptoms you have will help your provider to provide the best possible treatment.
The more aware you are of how to prevent infections, the better prepared you will be.
If you are concerned your partner has an infection, talk to your provider about EPT, allowing them to receive treatment without evaluation.
See the National Coalition for Sexual Health’s guidance on questions you can ask your healthcare provider and what a provider is likely to ask you. Tips and conversation starters for different scenarios with partner(s) are also available (see “Talk about safer sex” section).