- Set your boundaries and expectations clearly.
- Be open from the start of a fling, affair, relationship, or one-night stand. The more people talk openly about STIs, the less people will feel ashamed.
- Tell them about your experience being tested and ask them if they have been tested themselves.
- Show them this guide. Feeling secure and safe can make sex far more pleasurable.
- Let them know that you believe in always using condoms until a lover or partner has been tested.
- Make it clear that this goes for everyone, regardless of who they are, what they look like, what they act like, etc.
- Invite them to exchange STI results with you.
- If someone is unwilling to engage with you about STIs or is unwilling to use protection, consider that they may not be ready to have sex with you.
- Consider that if someone is unwilling to use protection with you, they are likely to have been unwilling to do so with others before you.
- Always ask for consent before you engage in any sexual activities or foreplay and make it clear that you expect to be asked for consent as well. For example, “Is it ok if I kiss you…”
- Sexual health=Consenting individuals ... it takes two to consent to tango!
