Archives for April 2022

In the past, the CDC recommended the use of condoms when having anal sex, but an FDA-approved condom for anal sex did not exist. February 2022 saw a change to that when the FDA granted approval for Global Protection Corp.’s ONE Male Condom, the first condom deemed safe for anal sex.  

Here at Rapid STD Testing, we are very excited about this development. In this article, we discuss the new ONE Male Condom and its implications related to preventing STDs. 

If you need an STD screening, call us at 866-872-1888. We offer fast results and answers with same-day STD testing.

Introducing Anal Condoms: the ONE Male Condom

Developed by Global Protection Corp., the ONE Male Condom is a natural rubber-latex product that comes in 54 fitted sizes so every man can find his ideal fit for maximum comfort. The manufacturer also offers standard and thin varieties. A three-pack sells for $3.48 and a 24-pack for $14.48 (at the time of writing). 

The ONE Condoms brand provides reliable external condoms for everyone. The manufacturers offer a variety of sizes because they believe condoms shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable, and men should be able to protect themselves with a condom that doesn’t bunch, slip, squeeze, or pinch. They provide recommendations, kits, and other resources to help you find your ideal condom size.  

So, what makes the ONE Male Condom so unique? This product marks the first instance of FDA approval for a condom deemed safe for anal sex. Before the ONE Male Condom, the FDA had only designated condoms as safe for vaginal sex and only allowed companies to market them for that purpose.   

The ONE Male Condom underwent testing in a study by Emory University that included both men who have sex with men and men who have sex with women for comprehensive results that were groundbreaking. The study found this product to be a reliable and safe form of barrier protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

The ONE Male Condom proved quite effective during clinical trials, with a condom failure rate of only 0.68% for anal sex. In fact, the failure rate for vaginal intercourse was higher at 1.89%, possibly due to less consistent lubrication use. The FDA recommends always using condom-compatible lubricant when using the ONE Male Condom for anal sex.

Do You Need Condoms for Anal Sex?

Some people incorrectly consider condoms unnecessary during anal sex due to the lack of pregnancy risk, but this is not true. In fact, barrier protection methods like condoms are the best options for preventing sexually transmitted infections like HIV and HPV. 

In fact, infection transmission presents more of a risk during anal sex than during vaginal sex, according to a statment made by Courtney Lias, Ph.D., in a press release. Lias works for the FDA as the director of the Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital and Urology Devices. 

This fact is a bit shocking, considering that the FDA allowed none of the hundreds of condoms deemed safe for vaginal use in the past to be marketed as safe for anal use. With the ONE Male Condom, men can feel confident about using condoms for anal sex, knowing that industry professionals specifically tested the condom for anal intercourse.  

You may still be wondering how effective condoms really are at preventing STDs. Click here to learn whether you can still get an STD with a condom. This linked blog article also includes helpful information on the transmission of specific STDs, including HPV, genital herpes, and syphilis—and how to use and store condoms properly.

Significance of FDA Approval

Another Emory University study, conducted in 2019, illustrates the significance of FDA approval for using the ONE Male Condom for anal sex. That study gathered information by surveying a sample of men who have sex with men. 

The study found that 69% of survey participants would use condoms more often if the condom had an FDA-approved label for anal sex. Consumers of all types may hesitate to use products for purposes other than those described on the label. With this new approval, however, men can be confident in using condoms for anal sex, knowing that industry professionals have tested and approved the condoms. 

The ONE Male Condom’s low failure rate of 0.68% for anal sex makes it an even more attractive option for preventing STD transmission during anal intercourse. Anal sex accounts for two-thirds of U.S. HIV transmission. Anyone can have confidence in a condom with a failure rate below 1%.  

This official FDA approval of a condom for anal sex, many believe, should have happened a long time ago. Many professionals, such as Dr. Will DeWitt, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center’s clinical director of anal health, are frustrated that it has taken this long for an official endorsement. 

Hopefully, the FDA’s endorsement of the ONE Male Condom for anal sex will serve as a regulatory model for the approval of future products of the same intended use.

Is There a Female Condom for Anal Sex?

Female-worn condoms, more appropriately called internal condoms, also offer barrier protection against STDs. Although no testing has occurred regarding the prevention of STDs while using internal condoms for anal sex, research has proven their effectiveness in stopping viral infections like HIV. Some people prefer them over external (male-worn) condoms. 

An internal condom is a sheath made from nitrile, a synthetic rubber material. While an external condom covers the penis before intercourse, a woman inserts an internal condom gets into her vagina or anus beforehand. It functions much the same way as an external condom, providing a protective barrier that catches semen and prevents skin-to-skin contact. 

The nitrile material offers an alternative to latex condoms for people with latex allergies. Some consider nitrile superior to latex in many ways, including softness, puncture resistance, and heat transfer, creating a more pleasurable sexual experience with a penis or a toy. 

When using an internal condom, ensure that the outer ring remains on the outside to help prevent tearing and breakage. The couple should also use a generous amount of lubricant, including oil-based lubricants, on the outside and inside of the condom. Internal condoms are meant for single use only, so avoid re-use to get optimal protection against STDs.

Implications of Anal Condoms on STD Prevention

This FDA approval of the ONE Male Condom marks the beginning of a long-overdue conversation about keeping men who have sex with men safe from STDs. Before now, professionals recommended condoms for all types of intercourse in blanket statements that never referred explicitly to anal sex. 

We need to start having honest conversations about preventing STDs no matter what kind of sex you’re having. As Dr. Courtney Lias mentioned in the press release linked above, having this FDA approval will guide future conversations on health equality and help the healthcare industry better provide for the diverse needs of every individual. Men no longer have to ask themselves, “Can I use a condom for anal sex?” because the FDA has now endorsed the ONE Male Condom. 

The effectiveness of the ONE Male Condom for anal sex is truly impressive. Even condoms with higher failure rates of 9% are very effective at preventing STDs, so a 0.68% failure rate means even better protection.

Get a Rapid STD Test Today 

We hope you stay safe in all sexual encounters by using condoms and other protective methods. All it takes is one unsafe encounter to become exposed to an STD. Click here to learn about the odds of getting an STD from one-night stands. 

Have you had a sexual exposure risk to STDs? Find answers with a 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD Testing.

Have you been doing that awkward dance of trying to scratch covertly at an itch between your legs? Nobody likes to talk about genital rashes, as they can be disruptive and painful. It may be tempting to ignore a rash on your genitals because it is awkward to talk about, but it’s crucial to find treatment, whether an STD or an allergic reaction caused it. 

Keep reading to learn more about genital rashes, what causes them, and how doctors treat them. If you suspect you have an STD, Rapid STD Testing is here for you. We have labs all over the US where we offer same-day STD testing in an empathetic and confidential environment.

What STDs Cause Genital Rashes?

Below, we have listed many STDs that cause itching and rashes in genital areas.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are small, flesh-colored itchy bumps (or groups of bumps) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). These bumps tend to appear on a woman’s labia and vagina opening and a man’s penis tip or foreskin, although they can also appear on the shaft of the penis and around the anus.

Genital Herpes

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), also called genital herpes, causes sores and lesions in the genital area. These sores, often clustered, start as fluid-filled sacs that ooze and then crust or scab over. 

They can cause tingling, pain, and itchiness. Scratching herpes sores may also cause intense pain. Men and women can develop genital herpes around their genital areas, including their thighs.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Caused by a poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum produces small, whitish growths in the genital area. These bumps, or papules, are often painless and firm with a dimple in the middle. They may itch.

Although professionals classify these bumps on the genitalia as an STD because molluscum contagiosum spreads through skin-to-skin contact, these growths may appear on the faces and trunks of children. In people with healthy immune systems, these viral skin growths tend to disappear within six to nine months, but you can have papules removed by a doctor.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum bacteria. The first stage, called primary syphilis, often presents with a chancre, an open sore that can show up on the outer genitals and inside the vagina or rectum.

You may not immediately notice a chancre because chancres often cause no pain. Once the chancre heals (or is close to healed), you may see a new rash on your genitals or other parts of your body. These rashes range in appearance from reddish-brown spots on your palms to oozing blisters.

Syphilis can look like many conditions, so tell your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any other signs of infection, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, weight loss, or fatigue. To get an accurate diagnosis, call one of our Rapid STD Testing labs to speak with a healthcare professional.

Scabies and Crabs

You may develop a rash on your genitals due to a parasitic infection. Microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei cause one such condition. It causes bumps that resemble pimples, usually in a line or grouped together.

You may also develop a red, itchy rash caused by the bites of public lice, also called crabs. You can likely see these tiny insects with your naked eye.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

A healthy amount of yeast called Candida albicans lives on your skin, but an overgrowth of Candida can lead to infection. Candidiasis, also called a yeast infection, causes painful red rashes and often occurs in moist areas, including the genitals, armpits, and skin folds on stomachs or under breasts. 

When a yeast infection gets transmitted through sexual contact, professionals consider it an STD. Yeast infections share many symptoms with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Click here to learn about differentiating between a UTI and a yeast infection.

What Else Causes an Itchy Rash on Genitals?

STDs don’t cause every genital rash. Keep reading to learn about some other causes.

Drug Rash

Medications can lead to genital rashes due to allergic reactions and side effects. These rashes vary depending on the drug but sometimes appear as blisters, swelling, redness, or red and gray plaques.

Genital Psoriasis

Skin conditions like psoriasis can cause rashes on your genitals. Although psoriasis often causes scaly rashes, genital psoriasis produces red, shiny patches that may itch or crack from dryness.

Contact Dermatitis

Dermatitis essentially means skin irritation. You may experience contact dermatitis after coming into contact with a substance, fabric, or other product that irritates your skin. This may appear as redness, itchiness, or swelling in the genital area.

Balanitis

Balanitis describes a symptom that may be caused by poor hygiene, an allergic reaction, an STD, or a yeast infection. It causes inflammation, redness, and tenderness on the tip of the penis and itchiness, an unpleasant odor, and foreskin discharge and bleeding.

Allergic Reactions

You may develop a rash on your genitals due to an allergic reaction. These types of rashes tend to appear and spread quickly. You can prevent these genital rashes by avoiding the allergen.

Inflammation

Two types of inflammation commonly affect the genital area. The first is a rash caused by too much moisture called intertrigo (“diaper rash” in babies). It often looks red and shiny with scaly edges.

The second condition, hidradenitis, affects your sweat glands, leading to boils and skin lumps. These painful growths appear in moist areas like armpits and genital regions.

Yeast Infections / HIV Rash on Genitals

Sexual contact is not the only way to get a yeast infection. Poor hygiene or antibiotics may lead to a yeast infection. Weakened immune health caused by a viral infection like HIV may also cause this rash on the genital area.

How Can I Prevent and Treat a Rash on Genitals?

Having a rash on your genitals causes a lot of discomfort and embarrassment, but treatments and methods exist to help you recover and prevent future outbreaks.  

How to Prevent a Genital Rash

You can’t prevent every rash on your genitals, but there are a few things to keep in mind that may stop one from developing:

• Practice proper hygiene, but avoid soaps that irritate your skin.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that restricts your skin’s ability to breathe.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine for optimal immune health.
• Avoid allergens that may cause an allergic reaction.
• Practice safe sex using condoms and other barrier protection.
• Try not to scratch areas of sensitive skin.
• Get a rapid STD test at one of our Rapid STD Testing labs on a regular basis.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor.

The last bullet point above often proves to be the most important. Your doctor can help you with a diagnosis and provide advice.

How to Treat a Rash on the Genitals / What to Put on a Genital Rash

If you’re wondering what to put on a genital rash or what medication to take, that depends on what caused it. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend various treatments, including:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections like syphilis.
• Antifungal treatments for yeast infections.
• Medicated soaps and shampoos for parasitic infections.
• Medications to help manage incurable conditions like herpes.
• Topical medications to improve immune response.
• Antihistamines for allergic reaction triggers.
• Hydrocortisone for itchiness and inflammation.

Your doctor will determine what the best treatment option is for your condition. They will also advise you to avoid sexual contact until the rash has cleared and you have finished all prescribed medication. It’s essential to follow these instructions to avoid infecting partners with transmissible diseases.

Get Tested Through Rapid STD Testing

If you suspect an STD caused a rash on your genitals, consider our 10-panel STD test. Call today at 866-872-1888.

If you’ve ever heard the term PID before, you may be wondering, “What is pelvic inflammatory disease?” 

A woman’s reproductive organs—the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix—can be vulnerable to bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infection. When infection occurs, professionals call this pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can also develop as a complication of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. 

Left untreated, PID can lead to many complications. If you suspect you have PID, take a look at the following symptoms, and talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Not all women experience the same symptoms of PID. Keep reading to learn about the most common symptoms of PID.

Abdominal and Pelvic Pain in Women

Pelvic pain in women occurs for many reasons, but having pain in certain areas can signal PID. This includes:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Subtle, mild, or severe pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Pain while urinating (and frequent urination)

Many diseases in the reproductive tract cause similar pain symptoms, so it’s important to rule out other conditions when considering PID.

Area Tenderness

Women with PID may also experience the following discomforts:

• Abdominal tenderness (in the belly)
• Pelvic organ tenderness (in the vagina or genital area)
• Uterine tenderness (in the uterus)
• Adnexal tenderness (in the ovaries or fallopian tubes)
• Cervical motion tenderness (in the cervix area)

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Irregular vaginal discharge in more-than-average amounts or strange colors may also signal PID. Women with this symptom may also notice an unpleasant vaginal odor.

Irregular Menstrual Bleeding

PID may also cause irregular periods. Women with PID sometimes experience heavier-than-normal periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding after sex. 

See this article, Can Your STD Stop Your Period? for more information on irregular menstrual bleeding.

Fever and Inflammation

Fever and chills present with most infections, including PID. If you find yourself with a fever at or above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, please see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. PID also causes inflammation of reproductive areas, which may be uncomfortable or painful. 

When considering the question, “What is pelvic inflammatory disease?” you may be tempted to self-diagnose. Keep in mind that other diseases can cause these symptoms, such as infections of the urinary or gastrointestinal tracts, so talk to your doctor for a PID diagnosis.

What Are the Common Causes of PID?

The most common cause of PID is an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially chlamydia or gonorrhea. If left alone, the bacteria from these infections can spread upward through the reproductive tract, causing the infection of reproductive organs. Click here to learn about the symptoms of chlamydia.

STIs aren’t the only causes of PID. You may also develop PID after:

• Childbirth
• Abortion
• IUD insertion
• Pelvic Procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of PID after one of these events, talk to your doctor. 

Several risk factors can affect a woman’s likelihood of getting PID. You may be more at risk of getting PID if you:

• Have an STI, especially chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Have had multiple sexual partners
• Have a sexual partner who has had multiple sexual partners
• Are 24 years old or younger and sexually active

If you meet the above criteria, consider regular STI testing with same-day STD testing.

Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Serious?

One million women in the U.S. get PID every year, and although it is very treatable, PID can lead to several complications if left untreated. These possible complications include:

• Scar tissue buildup resulting in tubal blockages (within the fallopian tubes)
• Ectopic pregnancy (when a pregnancy occurs outside of the womb)
• Chronic pelvic and abdominal pain (when the pain persists long-term)
• Infertility (when a woman can no longer get pregnant) 

So, yes, PID is very serious, but you may avoid complications by getting an early diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor about your symptoms, even if they don’t seem severe. The longer you delay PID treatment, the more likely you will experience one or more of these complications.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose PID, and What Medication Do They Use to Treat Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

A physician will diagnose PID through a medical and sexual history, a pelvic exam, and a vaginal culture. If the diagnosis requires other tests, they may include the following:

• Blood test: An elevated white blood cell count indicates infection.
• Urine test: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) get ruled out through urine tests. Doctors test for this because UTIs can also cause pelvic pain and painful urination.
• Ultrasound: Professionals use ultrasounds to take images of the reproductive system, looking for abnormalities such as excessive scar tissue.
• Endometrial biopsy (in some cases): Physicians may also test the woman’s endometrium, which lines the uterus. They collect a sample of this lining through an endometrial biopsy, where a doctor takes a small tissue sample in a minimally invasive procedure.
• Laparoscopy (in some cases): Another minimally invasive surgery, a laparoscopy uses light to allow professionals a clearer look at the reproductive organs.
• Culdocentesis (in rare cases): This procedure draws fluid from behind the vagina for testing that may help with PID diagnosis.

Professionals may also test for pregnancy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

PID Treatment

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat PID. While taking these antibiotics, be sure to finish the antibiotic prescription even if you start feeling better. Abstain from sex until the infection is gone to prevent infecting your partner, who can then re-infect you. 

Medication cannot reverse reproductive damage that has already occurred, so seek early diagnosis and treatment. 

If this discussion of “What is pelvic inflammatory disease?” sounds familiar, consider a rapid STD test.

How Can You Prevent PID?

You cannot always prevent PID, but you can lower your risk of infection by being safe and smart in your sexual activity. Keep the following in mind to help you prevent PID:

• Practice safe sex: Latex condoms prevent the spread of STIs, which are the cause of PID in 90% of cases.
• Get tested regularly: Consider regular annual screenings for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, especially if you are sexually active and younger than 25.
• Avoid douching: Douching may cause infection by forcing bacteria up the reproductive tract and removing helpful bacteria from the vagina.
• Reduce the number of sexual partners: The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting an STI. Women in monogamous relationships have a lower risk than women with multiple sexual partners.
• Require partner testing: You can gain confidence in your sexual partners by having them get tested before having sex. It is always acceptable to request partner testing before any sexual contact, including oral and anal sex. Don’t let awkward conversations prevent your health and safety.
• Don’t skip regular pelvic exams: Gynecological exams may catch signs of infection, sometimes before the infection reaches your reproductive organs.
• Don’t ignore STI or PID symptoms: If you notice any symptoms of PID or an STI, don’t wait to talk to your doctor. PID is very treatable, but delaying treatment may cause irreversible reproductive damage.

Get Answers With Rapid STD Testing

If you are experiencing symptoms of PID, consider a comprehensive 10-panel STD test. Call us at Rapid STD Testing today at 866-872-1888.

Sex is a major part of every satisfying, healthy relationship. However, many people struggle with talking sexual. They feel uncomfortable discussing intimate topics or fear hurting their partner’s feelings.

For a quality sex life, communication matters as much as, if not more than, performance. So, how to talk about sex with your partner? A positive attitude, empathy, and well-chosen timing will help you and your partner have an open and productive conversation about sex.

Last but not least, a healthy sex life requires protecting yourself and your sexual partners. A rapid STD test will help you rule out sexually transmitted infections.

Why Talking Sexual Stuff Out With Your Partner Is Important

Talking with your partner about sex is an integral component of a thriving relationship. In a healthy partnership, no topic — especially an important one like your sex life — should be off-limits or taboo.

It’s easy to understand why sex is a sensitive point for many couples. Sexuality is often intertwined with deep emotional vulnerability, long-time insecurities, and performance anxiety. Sometimes, people may fear that bringing up unusual sexual desires may lead to rejection by their partner.

Nevertheless, overcoming the hurdle of sexual communication will help your relationship flourish. Here are just a few reasons why talking about sex is so important:

• Higher sexual satisfaction. Open sexual talk is a vital step toward a healthy sex life. Direct communication is the most straightforward way to let your partner know what you like, learn about their preferences, and find out what makes either of you feel uncomfortable.
• Greater intimacy. Talking about sex in an understanding, sensitive way leads to a stronger connection and a higher feeling of security in the relationship.
• Safer sex. STDs and unwanted pregnancy may not be the most seductive topics, but it is vital to lay these issues on the table. Sex gets better when you know your partner cares about your safety.

What You Need to Talk About

So, what exactly does healthy sexual communication entail? Discussing sex looks different for every couple. Young adults taking their first steps in a long-term relationship have the advantage of an empty slate, while more experienced couples may need to unlearn counter-productive practices like sweeping sexual issues under the rug.

Here are some points that may steer your sexual talk in a positive direction:

Desire and affection

It is impossible to separate sex from affection, romance, and the broad context of a relationship. An attentive partner will want to know when you are in the mood for sex and what turns you on. However, what seems obvious to you may be a total mystery to your partner.

When in any doubt, keep communication plain. Statements like “I enjoy doing this more than that” or “I prefer to do this after sex” will help prevent misunderstandings.

Trying out new things

Some people are daring and adventurous, while others are cautious and conservative. If you’re eager to try out something new while your partner is perfectly happy to stick to conventions, proceed with caution. People tend to feel more comfortable and open up more easily when there is no pressure or criticism.

Frequency of sex with partner

Each one of us has a different libido — and it is often subject to change. In women, sex drive may fluctuate with the monthly hormonal tides, while men may experience low libido due to a drop in testosterone production. Factors like health issues, stress, weight loss or gain, and certain prescription medications may also influence sexual appetites.

If you and your partner have drastically different ideas regarding how often you should have sex, try your best to avoid open frustration and statements like “all you think about is sex” or “you’re never in the mood.” Instead, try to reach a happy medium that satisfies both sides.

Dealing with differences in what you and your partner enjoy sexually

It’s important to remember that, as long as sexual preferences hurt no one, there is no right and wrong in sex. You and your partner are different, and what makes you tick may seem unappealing to them, or vice versa.

In some cases, one partner may agree to engage in a certain type of sexual activity just to please their significant other. However, if there is outright discomfort on either side, it may be best to suspend certain practices from a couple’s sexual repertoire. 

Consent

Consent is the basis of healthy sexual relationships. Pressure, coercion, or guilt-tripping have no place between sex partners. Learn what your partner feels comfortable with and don’t be afraid to set boundaries when necessary.

How to talk about sex issues with your partner

Sometimes, you need to talk about talking before you can engage in a fruitful discussion. If you and your partner have never had a conversation about sex before, getting to the point of open communication may require some work. Setting aside some time to discuss sex in a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere is a good start.

Why Safe Sex Is an Important Part of the Conversation

If “how to talk about sex with your partner” is a sensitive topic, STDs and unplanned pregnancy are even more so. Nevertheless, protection is an inseparable part of healthy sex.

According to the CDC, 20% of the American population has some type of STI. Many people aren’t aware of being STD carriers and may inadvertently pass an infection on to their intimate partners.

This is why open discussion of sexual health and STDs is so important:

• Safety. Undiagnosed and untreated STDs may lead to serious health consequences, including chronic inflammation, immune failure, and cancer. A rapid 10 panel STD test will allow you and your partner to rule out STDs or pursue appropriate treatment.
• Trust. An unexpected STD diagnosis may lead to uncomfortable questions, including “Did my partner cheat?” Honest communication about one’s sexual history will help you and your partner maintain mutual trust.
• Reproductive health. STDs may cause devastating long-term damage to the reproductive system, including male and female infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage. A timely STD diagnosis and treatment can protect your and your partner’s reproductive health.

Telling your partner you have an STD can be difficult, but it is a fair and responsible thing to do. Remember, anyone can contract an STD. STDs may remain dormant for many years and afflict even people in long-term monogamous relationships.

Unless you are in an exclusive relationship and you and your partner have tested negative for all common STDs, keep up with safe sex practices to follow.

STDs can be asymptomatic or have nonspecific, vague symptoms. Getting tested is the only reliable way to find out whether you carry STDs. All sexually active individuals should get tested for STDs at least once a year, and people who engage in sexual encounters with multiple partners should undergo testing every six months or so.

Tips on How to Talk About Sex Problems with Your Partner

To ensure productive communication, talking about sex requires some planning. The following principles will help you and your partner resolve sexual issues and enhance your sex life.

Timing

Discussing sensitive topics rarely goes well when your partner is stressed, tired, or overworked. Similarly, sexual communication won’t be very effective in the middle or right after an intimate act. Choose a time when you and your partner are relaxed and in a good mood — for example, during a laid-back weekend when you have plenty of one-on-one time.

One topic at a time

Maybe your sex life includes several elements you hope to change. However, it is best to work through one issue at a time to avoid overwhelming your partner. For example, you could select one evening to talk to your partner about your sexual fantasies and put off the conversation about sex frequency for another time.

Be clear with your intentions

If you’re wondering how to talk about sex with your partner, clarity is imperative for smooth communication. Avoid vague, sweeping statements like “I’m dissatisfied with our sex life,” and try to be constructive, positive, and empathetic. Your partner is more likely to go along with specific suggestions, such as “I’d like to try this during foreplay” or “Let’s try to make time for sex earlier in the evening.”

Above all, refrain from placing blame or heaping criticism. Instead, start with a reaffirming statement like “I have thought of a few things that could help us improve our intimate relationship.”

Talk frequently

Sexual talk is not a one-time fix. Couples tend to be happier when they discuss sexual issues, desires, wishes, and concerns openly and regularly.

If sex is a tension-loaded topic for you and your partner or if you find it difficult to agree on sex frequency, certain practices, or other issues, talking to a counselor or sex therapist could help.

The answer to “how to talk about sex with your partner” involves a delicate balance of open communication, understanding, empathy, and flexibility. Honest conversations about sex will help improve your sexual relationship and reinforce the connection with your partner.

Awesome Sex Is Safe Sex: Protect Yourself and Your Partner With Rapid STD Testing

A clear picture of your sexual health will help you enjoy safe sex with your partner. Rapid STD Testing operates over 2,500 testing centers nationwide.

Contact us today for reliable and discreet same-day STD testing.