Non-PG13: Testing Before Sex?

[Verità]

Put a tag on there just in case. But, I want to know people's opinions: Even if you and your partner were both virgins, would you still want to have an STD check done before having sex? This applies to both people involved. I intend to get myself tested before having sex, the first time, and if I ever have another partner. I also expect my partner to do the same for me. I think it's a great sign of trust, and there's no harm in being too safe. I just want to see what other people's opinions are on this.

[dancinfool]

I think if you're both virgins (and you trust that he's telling the truth!) then it's not essential to be tested. I've only ever slept with my ex, and we didn't get tested beforehand. To be honest, the thought never crossed my mind- as far as I know there are no sexually transmitted diseases you can get from a virgin.. except obviously genetically inherited AIDS or herpes from someone with coldsores. But neither of these were applicable.

[Revolution]

I said other because at the time I lost my virginity, I didn't know as much as I do, and didn't think it was necessary. Now I know that STIs can be caught just from infections, such as from the mouth during oral sex, or other different things. Even if I've only been with my partner, I'm going to get myself tested soon. and I've asked him to do the same. I'm also going to try to do it regularly (every 6-12 months). I want to protect him and myself.

[Chris.]

I would also have myself and another get checkup on if it was necessary to do so.

[katpanda]

I don't think it is necessary at all if both parties are virgins. I have only had sex with people I really trust so I haven't really had to worry about them having STDs because they would just tell me when I asked.
There was one case where I wanted to have sex with an ex but he said no straight away, when I asked why he told me it was because he had an STD. So, I am glad he had enough courage to stop and tell me that.

I think I would only ever do this if I was a little older and was a few months in on a serious relationship.

[Sincerely Yours ♥]

It depends. My ex & I didn't get tested because we were both virgins. My current boyfriend & I didn't get tested, because we've always used condoms with our sexual partners & he only had two before me (I had one). Now, I probably would because we have sex without a condom.

[MacGuffin]

As someone who is exposed to new sex partners on a fairly regular basis, I feel it is necessary to test between sexual partners. While I am not always perfect about it, both my partner and I use condoms if we are sleeping with people outside the relationship. That is non-negotiable, and stands even if they test clean. I take no chances, especially if the person has other sex partners.

[Magical Forest.]

If he asked me to, then i'd get tested. There's nothing wrong with being a bit cautious, so I might get checked soon actually. If someone declines then its obviously a trust issue!

[Nicole!]

My boyfriend used to sleep with lots of girls so he's gotten tested a lot of times. I on the other hand haven't, but he's only the 2nd guy I have slept with. If he ever asked me to however, I would.

[Le bonheur*]

I've gotten checked for STI's before so I know I'm clean and the first time I slept with someone, I was 15 and he TOLD me he was a virgin (turned out to not be true) and he didn't use a condom. Of course, I freaked out and got tested again, but nothing was wrong. Thank goodness. When I turned 17 I started sleeping with someone else who was a virgin, I knew I was clean so I didn't see any reason to get tested. However, if a new partner asked, I would just to make them feel better and I'd probably ask someone too if they'd be with a bunch of people.

[Aletheia*]

If it were a new partner, yes. I've been with my boyfriend for nearly 3 years now, and he gets regular STD tests done, as do I (Him for military purposes, me when I go in for my annual visits) so right now, I trust that neither of us have any STD's. If I were to be seeing someone new, I would ask them to get tested and if they don't, I wouldn't even consider having sex with them until they did.

[kayla1234]

I said other because at the moment, I am with the guy I think I'd like to give my virginity to, but he used to be a manwhore (before me of course!) and I don't think it'd be enjoyable if I was terrified of catching something. Honestly, I shoulddd have him checked sooner... but I'm not certain how to ask. I suppsoe I'll ask that in another thread and not hijack yours though! ^_^"

However.... if I were with another guy who was a virgin (and I trusted that he was of course, which I damn well better trust him if I'm giving my virginity to this guy...) then no, I wouldn't bother making him get tested...

[tithe_girl]

If both parties are complete virgins I don’t necessarily think you need to. But by complete virgins I mean no experience with oral or anal either, because it is possible to get STI’s from interactions besides traditional intercourse.
And if for any reason either party asked to get tested I would say go for it. Although the risk is a lot lower when both participants are virgins, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

[Dez]

I wouldn't get tested or have my partner tested if I TRUST that they are virgins, but if I have reasonable doubt I'd have them get tested, and get tested as well so it doesn't feel like I'm putting them on the spot or anything.

[Soliloquy]

I said yes. For me, getting an STD test before having sex (regardless of whether or not both parties are virgins) has more to do with respect than anything else. I don't believe I have any STDs, nor would I expect my partner to. However, if I love her, I would go the extra mile to ensure her safety and happiness.

[Gymnophoria]

I've never been tested. I've only had one sexual relationship and so has my partner, so I see no reason to be tested since I don't think we're at risk.

That and I'm terrified of needles so any blood tests are out of the question.

[MacGuffin]

Originally Posted by Gymnophoria

I've never been tested. I've only had one sexual relationship and so has my partner, so I see no reason to be tested since I don't think we're at risk.

That and I'm terrified of needles so any blood tests are out of the question.

HIV is, I think, the only test that requires a blood test to determine whether the patient is infected or not. Most other STD tests are performed (on women) by taking a sample of tissue from just inside the cervix. This is also how a pap smear is conducted. However, HIV is a very important test to have taken, especially once you have started having multiple sexual partners. Uncomfortable as it may be, a fear of needles should not get in the way of saving your life or the life of another.

I am surprised at the number of people saying they shouldn't have to get tested as long as their partner is a virgin. There is no way to tell someone is a virgin; you would be going on their word alone. And while most of the time that partner is probably telling the truth, you cannot know for certain. It is ALWAYS best to take an STD test before engaging in ANY sexual activities (including oral and anal sex), regardless of whether or not one or both of you are virgins.

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

I didn't with my ex because we both knew we were virgins. But now that I'm not, I'd get tested and expect my partner to get tested, simply because it is possible we could be carrying something that we're not aware of.