How to Talk to your Partner about STIs
In a new relationship, conversations about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) can seem unsexy. In a long-term relationship, they might seem unnecessary or accusatory.
Although people use the terms STD and STI interchangeably, there are a few small differences. STIs are infections transmitted through sexual contact, while STDs are diseases that result from STIs.
STI is also the most up-to-date term. Sex educators and healthcare professionals prefer the term STI because it’s more accurate and has less stigma attached to it than “disease”.
The stigma surrounding STIs not only makes them a difficult subject to navigate but also increases the rates of transmission. That’s why openly discussing sexual health is crucial for safeguarding both your and your partner’s health.
How to Ensure Relationships Survive Self-Isolation
Whether that is a couple who are both working from home, a whole family with children who need to be entertained or housemates who are finding communal living difficult, it is not yet known how long these measures may last. While it is not yet known, divorce lawyers have already forecast spike in splits later this year due to self-isolation. So how can you ensure tensions do not arise and if they do, are quickly dispelled?
Chemsex Comedown: The Rise In People Seeking Therapy For 'Sober Sex’
Aoife Drury says; chemsex is a “perfect storm”, offering an escape for people finding it hard to deal with their sexual identity, with stigma or with homophobia, internalised or otherwise – but then leaving them with no framework or coping mechanism without the drugs. Some people may have been rejected, either by their family or friends when they came out; perhaps they were from a religious background.
Central to the experience of trauma is helplessness, isolation and the feelings of the loss of control. In this first part of a two piece article, I discuss #selfcare in trauma recovery. More often than not, looking after your basic needs is the first thing to go while struggling to overcome and recover from trauma. In the aftermath of a traumatic experience, strategies for self care can massively assist with the recovery process.
Following my last piece that focused on how to involve self-care following a trauma. This article is shining a spotlight on the ways in which you can seek outside support. A way by which you can gradually recover from your experience. In general recovery is the ability to live in the present without being overwhelmed by the thoughts and feelings of the past.
