An STD is Not the End of Intimacy – STDs and Relationships

The diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease for many is the handing down of punishment for enjoying sex and being sexually active.  A roller coaster of emotions follow the notification that an STD has been contracted and understanding how STDs and relationships are impacted – what this means for a current relationship or past relationships.  If one has been enjoying multiple partners, this is a wake up call that can affect any future sexual partners.

Ask Questions and Get the Fact about STDs

Initially, there is a whirlwind of questions going around in one’s mind.  Get the questions off y our mind and down on Intimacy and Your Partnerpaper then discuss them with a physician or STD counselor about what the truth is and what is myth.  There will be brochures and other information shared during this visit for testing and the results.  Once you are home, write down any new questions, look up information on the web, and then make another appointment to have new concerns addressed.  Remember, the more information one has available about your diagnosis, the better prepared one is to make the best decisions to move forward with treatment, healing and the rest of your life.

Decisions that Lead to an STD

Many STD testing centers and clinics offer counselors so one can discuss what happened when safe sex was not practiced.  One needs to remember that even practicing safe sex, STDs are not prevented 100 percent of the time by the use of condoms and practicing safe sex.  Do not use looking back over the past sexual encounters as a reason to beat yourself up over being sexually active.  Take this time to learn and move forward with a healthier and better understanding on the methods to not only protect you now, but any future sexual encounters as well.

Seek Counseling

Therapy with a counselor is considered a big step in the healing process.  Talking over concerns, the treatment process, as well as, the steps to move forward can be made easier knowing someone is there to listen and discuss concerns with.  This diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease is not the end of being sexual.  It is a lift up to the beginning of a new safer sexual future that will extend your sexual health for many years to come.

Rekindling a Sex Life

After the initial diagnosis, sex may be the last thing you want to participate in, especially if a partner gave the STD to you.  When the physician or testing center has given the clean bill of health, it is okay to start enjoying sexual relations again.  All humans are sexual beings and are meant to enjoy the intimacies and pleasures shared during sexual relationships.  One way to keep sex safer is to keep a supply of condoms and other protective products on hand.  This small step will empower one in the sexual arena, and take responsibility for being active.  It is completely possible for you and your partners to discuss how STDs and relationships can be enhanced.

Talk to your Partner

Keep communications open between you and your partner.  Communication and honesty of your sexual past experiences, when starting a new relationship, is “key” to safer sex, especially when the STD diagnosed is of the chronic nature as with herpes.  Online dating sites offer opportunities to talk with others that have had similar experiences.  These online dating sites are a good place to meet others, share experiences and test the waters of dating, again.

Acquiring an STD in the beginning may feel that life is over.  Life and especially, your sex life are far from reaching an end.  STDs and relationships can be maintained, without any loss of intimacy with your partner.  Learn from this experience to practice safe sex and honest communication about sex with others.  The first step was the hardest and most important, and that was to seek out medical treatment.  Getting tested, starting treatment and gaining new facts are all part of maintaining sexual health with all its intimacies.

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