Ways to Maintain Your Sexual Health - Page 5

4) Communicate with your partner.

Regardless of if intercourse takes place in a relationship or not, both partners should be in agreement on a variety of elements that come into play when sex is involved.  Sex isn’t something that is always planned or scheduled, but a discussion about sexual history and birth control can help you both relax and enjoy the experience.  Getting tested together can also help bring partners closer and build trust, but keep in mind that HIV results can take up to six months to be confirmed.  Conversations about sex aren’t always the most comfortable, but neither are STI symptoms.

Consent, values and expectations are also things to consider when communicating with a partner.  Are you having sex just for pleasure or are you expecting something more out of the experience?  Are you comfortable expressing your desires?  Sex can complicate things and a sexually healthy person understands that communication can help clear up misunderstandings.