Home Healthy Article Health Topics Drug Safety Drug information News Health Video

STD Testing: Conversation Starters

HIV and Other STDs, Healthy Relationships, Sexual Health

Section #1

It might be hard to talk to your partner about getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but it’s important. Chances are your partner will be glad you brought it up.

Talk before you have sex.

  • “Let’s get tested before we have sex. That way we can protect each other."
  • “Many people who have an STD don't know it. Why take a chance when we can know for sure?”

There are other things you may want to talk to your partner about. For example:

  • Sexual history — like what type of protection you usually use (for example, condoms or dental dams) or the last time you got tested for STDs
  • Risk factors — like whether you’ve had sex without a condom or used drugs with needles

Share the facts.

  • “STDs that are found and treated early are less likely to cause long-term problems.”
  • “Getting tested is easy. Doctors and nurses can test your urine (pee) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, 2 of the most common STDs."
  • "Getting tested can be fast, too. For some HIV tests, you get your results in 20 minutes."
  • "If you want to get tested at home, you can buy an HIV home test online or at a store."
  • "If you don't feel comfortable talking about STDs with your regular doctor, you can get tested at a clinic instead." 

Show that you care.

  • “I really care about you. I want to make sure we're both healthy.”
  • “I've been tested for STDs, including HIV. Are you willing to do that, too?”
  • “Let’s get tested together.”

Agree to stay safe.

  • “If we’re going to have sex, using condoms is the best way to protect us from STDs. Let’s use condoms every time we have sex.”
  • “We can enjoy sex more if we know it’s safe.”

Related Articles

STD Testing: Conversation Starters Video Ralated

STD Testing: Planned Parenthood's Roo Chatbot Answers Your Questions

By AMAZE Org Published at 2021-04-15T13:25:10Z

STD Testing: Planned Parenthood's Roo Chatbot Answers Your Questions .

View

How to Talk STIs with a New Partner

By The Doctors Published at 2020-01-20T11:13:02Z

How to Talk STIs with a New Partner .

View

STD Testing - How To Know If You Have An STD | Planned Parenthood Video

By Planned Parenthood Published at 2016-01-04T15:39:05Z

STD Testing - How To Know If You Have An STD | Planned Parenthood Video .

View

Home #STD Testing: Why Get Tested & How It Works

By LetsGetChecked Published at 2018-01-23T12:54:32Z

Home #STD Testing: Why Get Tested & How It Works .

View

real options STD Questions

By realoptions3 Published at 2022-05-09T18:52:44Z

real options STD Questions .

View

STD Testing - Home STD Testing Kit Walkthrough

By getSTDtested Published at 2009-09-25T22:00:06Z

STD Testing - Home STD Testing Kit Walkthrough .

View

Let's talk: STI testing

By Vox Magazine Published at 2018-03-08T15:22:35Z

Let's talk: STI testing .

View

Startup delivers STD tests to your home

By CNN Business Published at 2017-05-17T21:07:17Z

Startup delivers STD tests to your home .

View

How Can I Get Tested For STDs | Planned Parenthood

By Planned Parenthood Published at 2016-09-21T14:30:29Z

How Can I Get Tested For STDs | Planned Parenthood .

View

Developments in STD Testing Needs - A Collaborative Discussion for Practitioners and Laboratorians

By hcetorg Published at 2020-07-29T20:07:39Z

Developments in STD Testing Needs - A Collaborative Discussion for Practitioners and Laboratorians .

View