Sex With A Chronic Infection

Sex with a chronic STI

For those with a chronic STI, such as genital herpes, engaging in sexual practices can bring about feelings of anxiety, fear and sometimes shame. Ways to navigate sex with a chronic STI are:

• Open communication with your sexual partner about your sexual health and any symptoms your might be experiencing 

• Explore other ways of connecting with your sexual partner through touch, massage or kissing to avoid passing on the infection. Physical touch can be incredibly powerful, and intimacy does not always have to result in penetrative sex

• Utilise a barrier method due to the ability of microbes to be passed back & forth between sexual partners. Invest in high quality, pH friendly condoms such as ….

• Use a high quality, pH friendly lubricant to decrease dryness and reduce friction

Sex with a chronic infection

Chronic infections such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis or UTIs can make sex less than enjoyable for some. To decrease discomfort during intercourse:

• Practice good hygiene! Wash hands and any sex toys thoroughly before use to reduce the risk of transferring microbes

• Open communication with your sexual partner about your sexual health and any symptoms your might be experiencing 

• Utilise a barrier method due to the ability of microbes to be passed back & forth between sexual partners! Invest in high quality, pH friendly condoms such as ….

• Use a high quality, pH friendly lubricant to decrease dryness and prevent tearing

• Ensure you urinate post sex and wash the vulva to reduce symptoms and prevent reinfection