Sex with a new partner may be something that you are waiting for and planning, or it could be something that happens spontaneously.Regardless, if you feel like things could be headed in that direction, it’s a good idea to ask the other person some questions ahead of time so that you can feel more confident about moving forward and protecting your health.This article will explore the questions that can help both you and yournew partnerprotect your physical health.Jamie Grill / Getty Images1Have You Been Tested for STIs Recently?If you ask people if they’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), they’re likely to say yes. Many of them will be wrong.Despite what some may think, healthcare providers do not automatically test for these infections during annual exams. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t call for it either. Rather, only some STI tests are recommended for certain individuals at different times.If another person tells you they have been tested for STIs, they should be able to tell you what infections they’ve been tested for. If they can’t, they may be mistaken about having been tested. They can call a healthcare provider’s office and ask for their most recent testing results to confirm one way or the other.With all of this in mind, you too should ask a healthcare provider about getting tested, at least forchlamydiaandgonorrhea, before starting any new sexual relationships.Healthcare providers are sometimes reluctant to test for other STIs, such assyphilisortrichomoniasis, unless you have symptoms or know you have been exposed. Still, it never hurts to ask for the tests you want.Why You Should Get Tested for STDs2When Was Your Last HIV Test?Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an STI. But some people, including some healthcare providers, think ofHIV testingseparately from STI testing.This may be because of an intentional or unconscious belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people. It may also be due to the stigma often tied to testing positive.If your partner tells you they’ve never been tested, you might want to wait to sleep with them until their answer changes.CDC guidelinesrecommend that these individuals be tested for HIV on the following schedule:Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 (at least once as part of routine health care)Those athigher risk, such as those diagnosed with/being treated for an STI, those who have had more than one partner since their last HIV test, transgender people and gender-diverse persons, and men who have sex with men (MSM, who should be tested at least once a year)Those with any possible exposure toHIV through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or other exposure to bodily fluids (immediate, as-needed testing)If you’re not sure if you could have been exposed, you should also be tested.In general, routine HIV testing is a good idea. Most states will test you anonymously.Free testingis available at numerous locations.3Are You Prepared to Have Safer Sex?Be clear about communicating what your understanding of safer sex is. For example, some may consider penile-vaginal sex and penile-anal sex without a condomunsafe sex, while thinkingoral sexcan’t cause STIs. However, that is not the case because oral sex can also spread STIs.Then, make sure they acknowledge their willingness to use whatever forms of protection you need to feel comfortable. This might includeexternal condoms,internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Do the same for your partner.It’s wise for both of you to have these items on hand should you need them.Remember, too, that even if you or your partner use a form ofcontinuous birth control, such as an intrauterine device, orIUD, you will still need to protect yourselves against STIs and the smallrisk of pregnancythat occurs with most forms of birth control.4Are You Currently Involved With Anyone Else?A person may have gotten STI tests and been negative, and that’s helpful to know. But those results are not as useful as you might think if a partner is continuing to engage in activities outside of your relationship that could result in new STI exposures.An example of this is having sex with others and not practicing safer sex. You may both be on the same page about being monogamous, but it’s also possible that you’re not. Your partner could behaving sex with someone elseand not taking the steps you’ve agreed to take to protect each other’s health.Open communication is important to maintaining your physical and emotional health.Long-term monogamous relationships represent the lowest risk to yoursexual health.
Sex with a new partner may be something that you are waiting for and planning, or it could be something that happens spontaneously.Regardless, if you feel like things could be headed in that direction, it’s a good idea to ask the other person some questions ahead of time so that you can feel more confident about moving forward and protecting your health.This article will explore the questions that can help both you and yournew partnerprotect your physical health.Jamie Grill / Getty Images
Sex with a new partner may be something that you are waiting for and planning, or it could be something that happens spontaneously.
Regardless, if you feel like things could be headed in that direction, it’s a good idea to ask the other person some questions ahead of time so that you can feel more confident about moving forward and protecting your health.
This article will explore the questions that can help both you and yournew partnerprotect your physical health.
Jamie Grill / Getty Images
1Have You Been Tested for STIs Recently?If you ask people if they’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), they’re likely to say yes. Many of them will be wrong.Despite what some may think, healthcare providers do not automatically test for these infections during annual exams. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t call for it either. Rather, only some STI tests are recommended for certain individuals at different times.If another person tells you they have been tested for STIs, they should be able to tell you what infections they’ve been tested for. If they can’t, they may be mistaken about having been tested. They can call a healthcare provider’s office and ask for their most recent testing results to confirm one way or the other.With all of this in mind, you too should ask a healthcare provider about getting tested, at least forchlamydiaandgonorrhea, before starting any new sexual relationships.Healthcare providers are sometimes reluctant to test for other STIs, such assyphilisortrichomoniasis, unless you have symptoms or know you have been exposed. Still, it never hurts to ask for the tests you want.Why You Should Get Tested for STDs2When Was Your Last HIV Test?Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an STI. But some people, including some healthcare providers, think ofHIV testingseparately from STI testing.This may be because of an intentional or unconscious belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people. It may also be due to the stigma often tied to testing positive.If your partner tells you they’ve never been tested, you might want to wait to sleep with them until their answer changes.CDC guidelinesrecommend that these individuals be tested for HIV on the following schedule:Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 (at least once as part of routine health care)Those athigher risk, such as those diagnosed with/being treated for an STI, those who have had more than one partner since their last HIV test, transgender people and gender-diverse persons, and men who have sex with men (MSM, who should be tested at least once a year)Those with any possible exposure toHIV through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or other exposure to bodily fluids (immediate, as-needed testing)If you’re not sure if you could have been exposed, you should also be tested.In general, routine HIV testing is a good idea. Most states will test you anonymously.Free testingis available at numerous locations.3Are You Prepared to Have Safer Sex?Be clear about communicating what your understanding of safer sex is. For example, some may consider penile-vaginal sex and penile-anal sex without a condomunsafe sex, while thinkingoral sexcan’t cause STIs. However, that is not the case because oral sex can also spread STIs.Then, make sure they acknowledge their willingness to use whatever forms of protection you need to feel comfortable. This might includeexternal condoms,internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Do the same for your partner.It’s wise for both of you to have these items on hand should you need them.Remember, too, that even if you or your partner use a form ofcontinuous birth control, such as an intrauterine device, orIUD, you will still need to protect yourselves against STIs and the smallrisk of pregnancythat occurs with most forms of birth control.4Are You Currently Involved With Anyone Else?A person may have gotten STI tests and been negative, and that’s helpful to know. But those results are not as useful as you might think if a partner is continuing to engage in activities outside of your relationship that could result in new STI exposures.An example of this is having sex with others and not practicing safer sex. You may both be on the same page about being monogamous, but it’s also possible that you’re not. Your partner could behaving sex with someone elseand not taking the steps you’ve agreed to take to protect each other’s health.Open communication is important to maintaining your physical and emotional health.Long-term monogamous relationships represent the lowest risk to yoursexual health.
1Have You Been Tested for STIs Recently?If you ask people if they’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), they’re likely to say yes. Many of them will be wrong.Despite what some may think, healthcare providers do not automatically test for these infections during annual exams. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t call for it either. Rather, only some STI tests are recommended for certain individuals at different times.If another person tells you they have been tested for STIs, they should be able to tell you what infections they’ve been tested for. If they can’t, they may be mistaken about having been tested. They can call a healthcare provider’s office and ask for their most recent testing results to confirm one way or the other.With all of this in mind, you too should ask a healthcare provider about getting tested, at least forchlamydiaandgonorrhea, before starting any new sexual relationships.Healthcare providers are sometimes reluctant to test for other STIs, such assyphilisortrichomoniasis, unless you have symptoms or know you have been exposed. Still, it never hurts to ask for the tests you want.Why You Should Get Tested for STDs
1
Have You Been Tested for STIs Recently?If you ask people if they’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), they’re likely to say yes. Many of them will be wrong.Despite what some may think, healthcare providers do not automatically test for these infections during annual exams. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t call for it either. Rather, only some STI tests are recommended for certain individuals at different times.If another person tells you they have been tested for STIs, they should be able to tell you what infections they’ve been tested for. If they can’t, they may be mistaken about having been tested. They can call a healthcare provider’s office and ask for their most recent testing results to confirm one way or the other.With all of this in mind, you too should ask a healthcare provider about getting tested, at least forchlamydiaandgonorrhea, before starting any new sexual relationships.Healthcare providers are sometimes reluctant to test for other STIs, such assyphilisortrichomoniasis, unless you have symptoms or know you have been exposed. Still, it never hurts to ask for the tests you want.Why You Should Get Tested for STDs
Have You Been Tested for STIs Recently?
If you ask people if they’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), they’re likely to say yes. Many of them will be wrong.
Despite what some may think, healthcare providers do not automatically test for these infections during annual exams. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t call for it either. Rather, only some STI tests are recommended for certain individuals at different times.
If another person tells you they have been tested for STIs, they should be able to tell you what infections they’ve been tested for. If they can’t, they may be mistaken about having been tested. They can call a healthcare provider’s office and ask for their most recent testing results to confirm one way or the other.
With all of this in mind, you too should ask a healthcare provider about getting tested, at least forchlamydiaandgonorrhea, before starting any new sexual relationships.
Healthcare providers are sometimes reluctant to test for other STIs, such assyphilisortrichomoniasis, unless you have symptoms or know you have been exposed. Still, it never hurts to ask for the tests you want.
Why You Should Get Tested for STDs
2When Was Your Last HIV Test?Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an STI. But some people, including some healthcare providers, think ofHIV testingseparately from STI testing.This may be because of an intentional or unconscious belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people. It may also be due to the stigma often tied to testing positive.If your partner tells you they’ve never been tested, you might want to wait to sleep with them until their answer changes.CDC guidelinesrecommend that these individuals be tested for HIV on the following schedule:Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 (at least once as part of routine health care)Those athigher risk, such as those diagnosed with/being treated for an STI, those who have had more than one partner since their last HIV test, transgender people and gender-diverse persons, and men who have sex with men (MSM, who should be tested at least once a year)Those with any possible exposure toHIV through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or other exposure to bodily fluids (immediate, as-needed testing)If you’re not sure if you could have been exposed, you should also be tested.In general, routine HIV testing is a good idea. Most states will test you anonymously.Free testingis available at numerous locations.
2
When Was Your Last HIV Test?Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an STI. But some people, including some healthcare providers, think ofHIV testingseparately from STI testing.This may be because of an intentional or unconscious belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people. It may also be due to the stigma often tied to testing positive.If your partner tells you they’ve never been tested, you might want to wait to sleep with them until their answer changes.CDC guidelinesrecommend that these individuals be tested for HIV on the following schedule:Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 (at least once as part of routine health care)Those athigher risk, such as those diagnosed with/being treated for an STI, those who have had more than one partner since their last HIV test, transgender people and gender-diverse persons, and men who have sex with men (MSM, who should be tested at least once a year)Those with any possible exposure toHIV through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or other exposure to bodily fluids (immediate, as-needed testing)If you’re not sure if you could have been exposed, you should also be tested.In general, routine HIV testing is a good idea. Most states will test you anonymously.Free testingis available at numerous locations.
When Was Your Last HIV Test?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an STI. But some people, including some healthcare providers, think ofHIV testingseparately from STI testing.
This may be because of an intentional or unconscious belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people. It may also be due to the stigma often tied to testing positive.
If your partner tells you they’ve never been tested, you might want to wait to sleep with them until their answer changes.
CDC guidelinesrecommend that these individuals be tested for HIV on the following schedule:
If you’re not sure if you could have been exposed, you should also be tested.
In general, routine HIV testing is a good idea. Most states will test you anonymously.Free testingis available at numerous locations.
3Are You Prepared to Have Safer Sex?Be clear about communicating what your understanding of safer sex is. For example, some may consider penile-vaginal sex and penile-anal sex without a condomunsafe sex, while thinkingoral sexcan’t cause STIs. However, that is not the case because oral sex can also spread STIs.Then, make sure they acknowledge their willingness to use whatever forms of protection you need to feel comfortable. This might includeexternal condoms,internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Do the same for your partner.It’s wise for both of you to have these items on hand should you need them.Remember, too, that even if you or your partner use a form ofcontinuous birth control, such as an intrauterine device, orIUD, you will still need to protect yourselves against STIs and the smallrisk of pregnancythat occurs with most forms of birth control.
3
Are You Prepared to Have Safer Sex?Be clear about communicating what your understanding of safer sex is. For example, some may consider penile-vaginal sex and penile-anal sex without a condomunsafe sex, while thinkingoral sexcan’t cause STIs. However, that is not the case because oral sex can also spread STIs.Then, make sure they acknowledge their willingness to use whatever forms of protection you need to feel comfortable. This might includeexternal condoms,internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Do the same for your partner.It’s wise for both of you to have these items on hand should you need them.Remember, too, that even if you or your partner use a form ofcontinuous birth control, such as an intrauterine device, orIUD, you will still need to protect yourselves against STIs and the smallrisk of pregnancythat occurs with most forms of birth control.
Are You Prepared to Have Safer Sex?
Be clear about communicating what your understanding of safer sex is. For example, some may consider penile-vaginal sex and penile-anal sex without a condomunsafe sex, while thinkingoral sexcan’t cause STIs. However, that is not the case because oral sex can also spread STIs.
Then, make sure they acknowledge their willingness to use whatever forms of protection you need to feel comfortable. This might includeexternal condoms,internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Do the same for your partner.
It’s wise for both of you to have these items on hand should you need them.
Remember, too, that even if you or your partner use a form ofcontinuous birth control, such as an intrauterine device, orIUD, you will still need to protect yourselves against STIs and the smallrisk of pregnancythat occurs with most forms of birth control.
4Are You Currently Involved With Anyone Else?A person may have gotten STI tests and been negative, and that’s helpful to know. But those results are not as useful as you might think if a partner is continuing to engage in activities outside of your relationship that could result in new STI exposures.An example of this is having sex with others and not practicing safer sex. You may both be on the same page about being monogamous, but it’s also possible that you’re not. Your partner could behaving sex with someone elseand not taking the steps you’ve agreed to take to protect each other’s health.Open communication is important to maintaining your physical and emotional health.Long-term monogamous relationships represent the lowest risk to yoursexual health.
4
Are You Currently Involved With Anyone Else?A person may have gotten STI tests and been negative, and that’s helpful to know. But those results are not as useful as you might think if a partner is continuing to engage in activities outside of your relationship that could result in new STI exposures.An example of this is having sex with others and not practicing safer sex. You may both be on the same page about being monogamous, but it’s also possible that you’re not. Your partner could behaving sex with someone elseand not taking the steps you’ve agreed to take to protect each other’s health.Open communication is important to maintaining your physical and emotional health.Long-term monogamous relationships represent the lowest risk to yoursexual health.
Are You Currently Involved With Anyone Else?
A person may have gotten STI tests and been negative, and that’s helpful to know. But those results are not as useful as you might think if a partner is continuing to engage in activities outside of your relationship that could result in new STI exposures.
An example of this is having sex with others and not practicing safer sex. You may both be on the same page about being monogamous, but it’s also possible that you’re not. Your partner could behaving sex with someone elseand not taking the steps you’ve agreed to take to protect each other’s health.
Open communication is important to maintaining your physical and emotional health.
Long-term monogamous relationships represent the lowest risk to yoursexual health.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening Recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Sources. September 15, 2021.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening Recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Sources. September 15, 2021.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening Recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Sources. September 15, 2021.
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