If you are sexually active, always get an STI test when you have a new partner

I was a virgin when I started a relationship with my boyfriend. I knew for sure that I did not have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because I was not sexually active. I asked my boyfriend to get an STI test before we slept together. He didn’t do it, so I didn’t keep insisting. At one point, I felt a burning sensation in my vagina. I Googled it, and my symptoms were similar to an STI, like chlamydia or herpes. Panic overtook me.

STI test

My boyfriend was on vacation abroad when I told him. He was shocked.

I went to the doctor for the discomfort I was feeling. He saw that I had a vaginal inflammation and ruled out a fungal infection. The doctor tested me for the four most common STIs, including chlamydia and syphilis. He suspected it was chlamydia. To be sure, the doctor gave me a prescription among other things for antibiotics against fungal infection. The pain and itching stopped. My mother was my biggest support as I anxiously awaited the results.

Uncertain results

When the doctor called with the results, he said it was not possible to detect an STI. This could be interpreted in different ways. For example, I may have had an STI that healed on its own. Or, I never got infected. My gynecologist recommended that I have more extensive STI testing. My boyfriend also got tested when he got back from vacation.

Sorry

I regret abandoning my principles. I thought if I pleased my boyfriend, he would feel better. The first few times we used condoms, but after a while he asked me to have unprotected sex for his pleasure. He feels more sensation without a condom. I agreed.

Protection

From now on, we use condoms every time we have sex. We also talked about using lubricants, as this reduces irritation. 

When I look back now, I understand that I can’t blame my boyfriend. It takes two to tango. We were both part of this. I take responsibility for my actions and I have learned my lesson. If you are sexually active, always get tested for STIs when you have a new partner.