Sexual health? It almost seems like a taboo and sensitive topic for many, especially those raised in a traditional Asian household. However, issues on sex aren’t just about pleasure, it can help protect you and your partner from risks associated with sexual intercourse.
It is even more important to have open conversation with your partner if you are sexually active, as these conversations will give you the right information about each other’s needs and sexual history. Encouraging each other to practise safe sex will help build and maintain trust between the both of you.
To further understand why it is necessary to talk to your partner about sex, let us share some of the most fundamental reasons why discussions about sexual health are something that your relationship should have.
It prevents the spread of STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become more and more common these days as people become increasingly liberal. The most common types of STDs that affect both men and women include genital human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia infections, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Many people avoid talking about sex with their partner because they are afraid or embarrassed to touch on the STD subject. However, there is nothing to be embarrassed about having an STD. As a matter of fact, it is essential to talk about STDs, so you and your partner can avoid acquiring or spreading them.
If you have been engaging in unprotected sexual activities, have concerns about physical symptoms, or suspect some risk factors, you should talk to your partner about it and visit a STD clinic in Singapore right away. Early diagnosis is important in protecting your partner and getting treated properly.
It promotes safe sex practices
One of the best ways to avoid getting an STD is to adopt safe sex practices with your partner. Safe sex practices include wearing condoms when having vaginal, anal, or oral sex and practicing sexual monogamy. In the event that these are not possible, knowing that your partner is going for regular STD tests can act as a measure of safety and security.
Aside from minimising your risk of catching STDs, practising safe sex can also help you and your partner prevent unintended pregnancy. Sometimes, unintended pregnancy can result in a wide range of health risks, especially for the woman and the child. These include illness, malnutrition, abuse, neglect, and even death. Therefore, it is important to avoid unintended pregnancies as much as possible through safe sex practices.
It facilitates a healthy overall relationship
Openness and effective communication are two essential components of a healthy relationship. These components are especially necessary when it comes to your sexual health. Being open to discussing sex with your partner will help both of you establish positive boundaries and enables communication and mutual compromise in a relationship.
Normalising the conversation on sex with your partner will make you feel more comfortable in expressing your likes and dislikes, identifying the safe sex practices that work for you, and drawing clear lines of consent and permission. Ultimately, when you cultivate positive sexual health habits with your partner, your overall relationship can become more joyful and satisfying.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits that come with having good discussions about sexual health with your partner. Contrary to the social stigma, talking about sex is actually a healthy and necessary practice that you and your partner should develop. By simply being open about your sexual health, you can already help your relationship avoid the risk of STDs, unintended pregnancy, and potential misunderstandings. Apart from having open conversations about sexual health, you and your partner should also consider undergoing regular STD tests in Singapore, especially if either party has a history of previous sexual partners.
Therefore, consulting a reliable STD clinic on a regular basis is a must. At Elyon Clinic, we provide trusted and confidential sexual health checkups for our patients. To make sure that you and your partner are sexually healthy, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us anytime by calling us at 6802 7208.
