7 CRUCIAL Things To Know About Your Partner Before You Stop Using Condoms

Don't lose the protection until...

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when should you stop using condoms? If you are considering ditching condoms, it is vital that open and honest conversations are taking place and that there is trust between the people involved.

"Trust and honesty are the most important. Going condomless is something that requires consent. Trust your gut and don't be coerced into condomless sex if you are uncomfortable or that is not what you want," says Tiffany Yelverton, sex educator, sex coach and founder of Entice Me. "It is important to know your goals and expectations for pregnancy because a condom can provide birth control protection."

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It is important for both partners to be tested for all STIs, HPV, and HIV, and making sure your health is in top shape.

"It is a good idea to go together. That way both know for sure the results are current. If either partner has had unprotected sex in the last 3 months with another person, I would suggest getting tested again in 3 months before going condomless," says Yelverton. 

Before you even think about when should you stop using condoms, be sure to ask yourself the following questions. Above all, your health is the most important thing. Don't risk it.

1. Will he be ejaculating inside of you?

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You need to decide where he will ejaculate. If you are on birth control, will he ejaculate inside of you, or use the "pull out" method?

2. Are you using an alternate birth control method?

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"What method are you planning on using if pregnancy is not desired? Is that method being used diligently? Do you trust that is true? If in the case the male has had a vasectomy, has he received several clear tests from the doctor?" asks Yelverton.

3. Are you monogamous?

It's very important to have a discussion about whether you're both monogamous prior to giving up condom use.

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"If you're not, do you trust your partner to make wise choices with others? Not all STIs are visible or have immediate obvious symptoms," says Antonia Hall, MA, a psychologist, relationship expert, and sexpert.

4. Have you both been tested?

Some physicians test for more STIs than others. It's imperative that you check with your doctor to determine what you are being tested for.

"Be sure that you both get tested for everything and have been cleared of all STIs and HIV prior to giving up protection," advises Hall.

5. Is he a drug user?

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"You can not only get infections from oral, anal and vaginal sex, but also from sharing a needle," says Hall. Proceed with caution and protect yourself.

6. Are you inspecting him before sex?

Men typically aren't tested for HPV, but a current or previous partner may have had a positive test.

"Be aware of any changes on the partner's genitals. Discretely inspect your partner each time before having condomless sex," says Yelverton.

7. Is the condom still good?

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Check for an expiration date and any tears, rips, or packaging bends. An old or broken condom is as dangerous as going without one.

Watch the video below to see how people really feel about using condoms:

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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.

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