Dental Dam: a barrier used for oral sex safety. Image by Inga
Hey you! It’s spring, and spring traditionally means more sexiness in the air (not that being snowed in all winter hasn’t done a lot of damage already)… I get tested for all the things every 3 months. Yes, I am currently in a fluid bonded relationship, but it only takes one little mistake or indiscretion from my partner coupled with not having the courage to tell me about it that’s the difference between safety, trust, and a great relationship with responsible boundaries and loving communication, and SERIOUS problems that could include permanent damage to my reproductive system, cancer, death, and, you know, possibly contracting an STI/STD that might decide to stay with me and be transmittable to future playmates FOREVER. I’m not saying I don’t trust my top, I’m just saying that the responsible thing for me to do with my body is to keep up to date with my health just in case. Period.
Better safe than sorry. Better informed than ignorant. Better healthy than sick. Better living a transparent and loving life than messing everything up and trying to work it out when it’s already too late. Better to practice talking about these things by making them a routine conversation than having to learn one day because all of a sudden something goes wrong…
Some people get tested every 6 months. Every 3 feels good to me, and depending on how many partners I end up playing with over any certain period of time I think it’s been a pretty responsible timetable for some moments in my life too.
Here’s a link to the National HIV and STD Testing Resources website. You can throw your zip code in the search box or search by city and state to find a good amount of information about what easy testing options are near you! It’s a great resource when you’re on the road, or even if you need some emergency care right at home where you are, should you not be able to schedule through your PCP.
Take care of yourself, take care of one another, and love your body. You only get one in this lifetime.
To Breath and Being,
~ Karin
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~Thank you.
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