We all have the right to safe, healthy, and satisfying experiences with our partners whether we are in casual or long-term relationships. This is true even if you’ve had bad experiences with partners in the past.  

Choose partners who appreciate you, and make you feel comfortable, desirable, and safe. You should both respect each other’s boundaries and never pressure or force the other partner to do something they are uncomfortable with.  

A part of respecting each other is ensuring safe sexual practices and being honest about your sexual health. Unprotected sex (without a condom) can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), serious health complications, and unplanned pregnancies.  

Get to know the basic steps required to protect you and your partner/s: 

• Have an honest discussion with your partner about your need for protection before having sex so that you don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment. Practise safe sex using a male or female condom.  
• Make sexual health part of your annual physical health check-up and be honest with your healthcare provider about your sexual behaviours so they can give you sound advice on preventative vaccinations, treatment, and protection. 
• Know your status by getting screened regularly for STI’s and HIV, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or may not have any symptoms. Some symptoms of STI’s only appear much later, are not curable, and can lead to severe health problems. 
• You can still enjoy sexual intimacy even if you have been diagnosed with an STI and HIV, taken that you are upfront and honest about your status, and both you and your partner/s follow the necessary precautions and treatments to avoid cross-infection.
  

Did you know that couples counselling is available through NMG SmartAssist benefit at no charge to you? If you and your intimate partner need professional support to address some relationship issues, call 0800 166 361 to be connected to a counsellor.