At what point during dating do you bring up the topic of STI's and how do you even talk about it in the wider context of sex, consent, etc?

Should you expect someone to have an STI test before any sexual interaction happens? What if the person actively declines to engage in the conversation and/or get tested?

Should you expect someone to always have condoms before any sexual interaction happens?

The risk of STI's with any new partner is another reason to avoid sex and dating altogether.

If you are in any sort of relationship, do you and your partner(s) get regularly tested? I'll be honest - I've never in my life ever had an STI test. I've had no sex for 10 yrs so I'm not 'sexually active' anymore.

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exexec · 70-79, C

Back in the dark ages when we dated, girls assumed their dates were experienced and were possible disease carriers. My wife required condoms. It wasn't an option. Even then, one of them tore, resulting in a pregnancy scare.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@exexec My second ex is a sexual health nurse so it was *never* possible to have open-minded conversations about sex-related issues with her since she was always right and because I wasn't a female qualified medical professional I was always wrong, and my input was not accepted or given any value.