Renegotiating Trust After Sexual Transmissions
Sexual transmission refers to the spreading of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites through vaginal, anal, oral, and/or genital contact. This can be caused by direct skin-to-skin touch, sharing sex toys, mutual masturbation, kissing, oral sex, vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, or any combination of these activities. Partners may become infected with an STI even if they do not have visible symptoms or feel completely healthy themselves. Therefore, it is essential that both partners get tested regularly for any STIs and inform each other about their results. If one partner has an active infection, they should avoid having sex until they are treated.
Once treatment has been completed, renegotiation of trust must take place between them.
Communication Is Key
To begin the process of rebuilding trust after a sexual transmitted infection (STI), communication is key. It's important for both partners to be open and honest about what happened during the time leading up to the diagnosis and treatment. They should discuss how they were affected emotionally and physically. Were there feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, anger, betrayal, or fear? How did the diagnosis change their perceptions of the relationship and each other? Did they feel like they could trust each other again? These conversations are necessary for understanding each other's emotions and perspectives, but they should also serve as a reminder of the importance of safe sex practices.
Addressing Emotional Concerns
Partners should express their concerns and vulnerabilities freely. Perhaps one partner feels uncomfortable being touched or doesn't want to engage in certain types of sexual activity anymore. Maybe the other partner feels rejected, rejected, ashamed, anxious, or even angry. Both parties need to understand the other person's perspective and consider ways to accommodate these new needs.
If one partner wants more frequent testing than before, this can show that they care about the other person's well-being while still respecting their boundaries. The couple should work together to build an environment where each individual feels secure and comfortable enough to talk about any issues or worries that may arise.
Renegotiating Rules
Renegotiating rules around intimacy is crucial after an STI incident because it allows both individuals to create new boundaries that make them feel comfortable and safe again. This includes revisiting what activities they have previously engaged in, such as kissing, touching, or having intercourse without protection. They might decide on only using condoms during oral sex, vaginal intercourse, or anal intercourse instead of just relying on birth control pills or emergency contraceptive pills alone. In addition, partners should discuss how often they will get tested and for which specific STIs. Establishing clear guidelines helps prevent future occurrences from happening again while also protecting everyone involved.
Taking Action
Trust must be established through consistent action. It takes time and effort to restore relationships after experiencing a breach in intimacy due to an STI.
By being transparent with each other, communicating openly and honestly, creating new rules, and taking proactive steps towards better health practices, couples can move forward toward healing their relationship. There are many resources available to help them navigate these conversations if needed, such as counseling sessions or support groups specifically tailored towards building stronger bonds following sexual transmitted infections. With time, dedication, and commitment from both sides, the couple can find renewed intimacy while maintaining safety protocols at all times.
How do partners renegotiate trust after sexually transmitted infections?
Partners who have been affected by sexual infections can often feel betrayed and upset due to their partner's lack of honesty and openness about their condition. Renegotiation of trust after such an event requires time and effort from both parties involved. Partners should be willing to communicate openly with each other about their feelings and concerns and work towards rebuilding a strong foundation of trust and intimacy.