How To: Have a Healthy Relationship with a Partner with STI/STD

Sometimes, it helps to be prepared before jumping into a new relationship; look before you leap! To have a healthy relationship with someone who has an STI, it is advisable that you enter the relationship knowledgeable about sexually transmitted infections and what your risks might be.

Dating someone with a sexually transmitted infection or disease might include viral infections such as; HIV, herpes, or HPV, for example. People with STIs are not different from anyone else; it's just that they are living with a long-term infection. Testing positive for an infection does not mean life has ended for them, and rather than experiencing stigma from potential mates, they should be loved and allowed to live a normal life like any other person.

If you started having feelings for a new partner and later discovered they were positive for a sexually transmitted infection, that shouldn't stop you from pursuing a relationship with them, because they deserve love, just like any other person.

The fight against stigma continues getting stronger, and even now, websites for people who are living with an STI are numerous. One such site recently launched mobile apps for their members; an STD Dating app for android and an STD dating app for iOS for people who are living with an STD to meet for support and to find love.

Best Practices for Dating Someone with an STD

Step 1: Date for Love and Not Out of Sympathy

If you want to enjoy dating someone with an STD, the relationship has to be based on mutual interest. If you have started dating a partner out of pity, you will eventually get tired, and most times, you will remain unhappy, as their infection will always take precedent in your mind.

Step 2: Make Sure You're Tested for Other STDs

Be open; get tested for other STDs as a couple, and don't hide anything. You can visit the doctor and test together, and that will improve your level of intimacy and trust.

Step 3: Don't Rush Things

After deciding you're interested in a new partner, be patient and don't rush intimacy. Whether you also have an STD or not, you want to take time to get to know one another.

Step 4: It Takes Two to Have a Healthy Relationship

This is very important; it is the two of you coming together, not only you, so you must make sure to communicate with one another. Communicate about your outlook on life, what you enjoy intimately, how you want to incorporate safer sex practices, and what you envision for your relationship.

Step 5: A Healthy Relationship Begins with a Healthy Self

Don't forget to focus on your overall health and well-being. It takes two happy, healthy, and mindful individuals to have a happy and healthy relationship. So, remember, that your desires and concerns are equally as important as your partner's.

Step 6: Expect the Unexpected

Be ready to face challenges as a team. Should you decide to be open about the status of your relationship and dating someone with an STI, reach out to friends and family and let them know what you are doing and why you are doing it. If they agree or disagree that is not your problem.