[JupiterGirl]

I am getting an IUD next month and although I am single, I do feel like I'm ready to have sex. I just had some questions.

How can my partner and I both show proof that we have been tested for STD's? After sex, other than peeing, what should I know about hygiene? Maybe there are other things I need to know, but I don't know what to ask. Thanks for any advice!

[atskitty2]

You can show a printout of the lab report to him, and ask for the same from him. Just keep in mind that, it needs to be recent, because he could have slept with multiple people in the time between when the test was done and when you have sex. So, since you're not in a relationship, I'd be very cautious about sleeping with a random man you meet, and those test results would need to be dated within few days. If you are going to be sleeping with men you don't know well, make sure that you have condoms on hand. Chances are that person will not be carrying around a copy of his test results for such occasions! And if he did...I'd be apprehensive about sleeping with him anyway!

Also, some STD's won't show up as positive on a blood test, so be aware of that and don't take too much comfort in all negative results. Additionally, condoms won't necessarily protect you from things like herpes or warts, as those are viruses spread by skin contact. Condoms don't cover everything, just the penis. Interestingly enough, Herpes is one that won't necessarily show up on blood tests, and I think HPV won't always either. So protect yourself with condoms, but be aware that risks do still exist.

Urinating after intercourse is good. Shower or wash yourself off also, to remove any fluids that remain in the area. You can experience some changes in your body when you start having sex. The introduction of a new object (penis) with it's own set of bacteria, it's own pH, another person's fluids, etc. can cause an upset of the delicate balance in your vaginal area. Be mindful of itching or new discharges, uncomfortable feelings in the area, not necessarily just pain, and get medical advice if you notice anything. Much of it isn't worrisome, but since it's new, be diligent about following up with your doctor, should you have any question at all, so you know what's a normal change associated with sex, and what's not.
You may find you need to wear a panty liner for a day or so after sex, especially if no condom is used.

[JupiterGirl]

You can show a printout of the lab report to him, and ask for the same from him. Just keep in mind that, it needs to be recent, because he could have slept with multiple people in the time between when the test was done and when you have sex. So, since you're not in a relationship, I'd be very cautious about sleeping with a random man you meet, and those test results would need to be dated within few days. If you are going to be sleeping with men you don't know well, make sure that you have condoms on hand. Chances are that person will not be carrying around a copy of his test results for such occasions! And if he did...I'd be apprehensive about sleeping with him anyway!

Also, some STD's won't show up as positive on a blood test, so be aware of that and don't take too much comfort in all negative results. Additionally, condoms won't necessarily protect you from things like herpes or warts, as those are viruses spread by skin contact. Condoms don't cover everything, just the penis. Interestingly enough, Herpes is one that won't necessarily show up on blood tests, and I think HPV won't always either. So protect yourself with condoms, but be aware that risks do still exist.

Urinating after intercourse is good. Shower or wash yourself off also, to remove any fluids that remain in the area. You can experience some changes in your body when you start having sex. The introduction of a new object (penis) with it's own set of bacteria, it's own pH, another person's fluids, etc. can cause an upset of the delicate balance in your vaginal area. Be mindful of itching or new discharges, uncomfortable feelings in the area, not necessarily just pain, and get medical advice if you notice anything. Much of it isn't worrisome, but since it's new, be diligent about following up with your doctor, should you have any question at all, so you know what's a normal change associated with sex, and what's not.
You may find you need to wear a panty liner for a day or so after sex, especially if no condom is used.

Okay, thank you.

[Texasred]

Kitty, what a very thorough reply. I think this topic should be pinned, saved, whatever it's called because I'm sure many people have the same questions as the OP.
Good job!

[a_dub]

Definitely use condoms until you really know ther person well.

as Kitty already mentioned, some diseases take weeks to show up on a blood test. like HIV/AIDS, a person could be tested negative but still be infected. it takes 3-6 weeks for HIV to show up on a blood test.