There are perks to being married. You’ve got a built in friend, some new tax breaks and you no longer have to worry about unprotected sex. Right? As singles, many of us were familiar with having to take precautions to protect ourselves from STD’s as well as having yearly (or more frequent) screenings. But, once we get married is that something we should continue to do?
The question of whether or not married couples should have regular STD testing is a delicate one to say the least. I’m a little torn on the subject myself. I want to say that marriages should be built on trust and that if either partner feels the need to be tested for STD’s, it kinda says to the other partner “I don’t trust you and I’m gonna get myself checked out just in case you’re a horrible person”. Maybe not in those exact words. On the other hand, I also understand that despite our best efforts, we’re all human and flawed and subject to make mistakes. Life altering, trust shattering mistakes. If you do choose to have regular STD check ups, are you looking for trouble or just being responsible?
According to a 2013 poll, 33% of men and 19% of women admitted to infidelity. Now… I’m married and I totally understand that when you exchange those vows, you want to believe that your husband or wife would keep them; for better or for worse. But, the numbers don’t lie.
So what are we to do? It really is quite a conundrum.
For those at the beginning of a relationship, this may be an easier subject to broach than for those of us who have been married for a few years, but what do you think?
BMWK, Do you think that married couples should have regular STD tests?
I agree that couples should be tested during marriage, but this is based on past experiences with a previous marriage. The bottom line both people need to communicate with each other and give explanations on why they want to be tested. I don’t think the basis needs to be on because I don’t trust you. My husband brought home a std to me.. I think for the most part its about protecting yourself.
I believe a complete std screening should be a part of an annual gyn exam period! This is not about trust this about maintaining your health on a regular basis. We regularly check other aspects of our health and this is no different.