Talking
With Your Partner |
The best time to talk with a partner about HIV and
other STDs is before you start having sex. If you are
already in a sexual relationship, it is still better
late than never. Tell your partner you want to talk
about this topic so that the two of you can be closer
and worry less.
Get tested together. By knowing your status you will
eliminate any uncertainty. If either one of you does
have an STD or HIV, you'll want to discuss how to prevent
the other person from getting it. Your health care provider
can help you with this.
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What If My Partner Won't Talk? |
If a couple is open about safer sex and each person's
sexual history, they can create a stronger and safer
relationship. If your partner is reluctant to talk about
STDs and HIV/AIDS, you may want to frame the discussion
by saying that being open is a way for you each to express
that you care about the other's safety and health.
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Talking
With Your Health Care Provider |
Many health care providers do not discuss HIV or other
STDs with their patients. If your provider does not
bring up the topic, you should !
Be prepared to be open about your sexual history,
including sexual experiences, number of partners, methods
of protection or contraception used, and drug use history.
You should also mention any bodily changes, including
menstrual cycle changes, vaginal or penile discharge,
genital discomfort, or genital skin changes.
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Question
For Your Health Care Provider |
So, you've found a doctor, made an appointment and
now, the big day is here. What should you do? Just follow
the three Ts: Take control, trust and talk. Here are
some topics to cover:
• Write down a list of questions before you
get to the doctor's office. Be sure to note anything
unusual like rashes, bumps or sores that won't go away
and painful areas.
• Ask whether you should be tested for HIV and/or
other STDs.
• Be honest about your sexual experiences, your
lifestyle, and whether you use protection.
• Ask about your provider's policy is on confidentiality
if you are concerned about privacy.
• If something feels uncomfortable or confusing,
you always ask your health care provider: "Can
you explain what is going on?" or "Can you
slow down, please?"
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It's important to talk with your kids about HIV/AIDS.
It's never too early to start. By the time they reach
third grade, research shows that as many as 93 percent
of children have already heard about HIV/AIDS. But what
they learn is often inaccurate. With these tools you
can set the record straight.
The
Basics -- Talking With Kids about HIV/AIDS
Talking
Tips -- From kindergarten through middle school at Nickelodeon's
Talking With Kids About Tough Issues
Teens
and Tweens -- HIV/AIDS at The N
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* Text courtesy of KNOW HIV/AIDS, a partnership
of Viacom and the Kaiser Family Foundation
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