“Have you been tested?”

Whether those four words leave you offended or appreciative, or you simply view the question as general pre-sex etiquette, learning the status of your partner’s sexual history is something all of us should do before doing the deed.

Regardless of whether you wrap it before you tap it, sexually transmitted infections, also known as STIs, are a serious health concern and anyone who is sexually active is susceptible to them.

I recently got into a relationship. In the midst of the whirlwind that was the beginning of my relationship, somewhere between the first kiss and the moment we ‘officiated’ our relationship status, I thought I had asked him the important question.

Perhaps it was the excitement of us actually finally being together, but looking back, I realize I didn’t exactly ask him if he had been tested — instead, I recall that I asked him if I had anything to worry about, which of course, he said I didn’t.

A few weeks later, it suddenly occurred to me that I didn’t know if my own boyfriend had been tested. Which led to the super fun conversation of talking about our sexual pasts. I’ll be honest and admit that I have a — ahem — rather colorful past, but so does he.

Without going into the sordid details of our previous sexual escapades, I told him that there were a few drunk nights where there might’ve been some love with no glove. But I always made it a point to get checked, at least twice a year or, if and when, I had reason to worry.

Yes, we all make mistakes sometimes, and while some people find it embarrassing to get tested, at the end of the day, it’s your body and your health that’s at risk. So, yes I’ve been tested and I know that I’m good to go.

That was when I realized that he still hadn’t answered my question. “Wait babe, so have you been tested?” I asked. After a pause and with some hesitation, he responded, “No?”

Now, I love this boy and I like to think that by this point I understood his thought process, but this discovery definitely threw me a little off guard. He then proceeded to explain that he just didn’t see the need to because he’s a guy and he knows there’s nothing wrong with him.

While a part of me was a little baffled by his reasoning, statistically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that men are less likely to go in for sexual health tests than women.

Due to several anatomical factors, women are more likely to become infected by an STI, according to the CDC. For STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, we’re also less likely to show symptoms. Three cheers for our lady parts. But in general, it’s common for guys to feel like it’s not something of concern to them.

Unless there are visible sores or outright symptoms, men think there’s no reason to worry. Sadly though, men can also be STI carriers, meaning that even though symptoms might not show, they can unknowingly transmit them to their sexual partners.

Just last week, the CDC released its 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance Report and the results will have you thinking of your prized possessions.  The report showed that the total number of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis — the three most common STIs in the country — have reached an all-time high.

The report also noted that “there are 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases in U.S. each year, and half of these are among young people ages 15 to 24 years.” It’s no surprise that we college kids are right smack in the middle of that statistic, and while this may seem terrifying and have you declaring celibacy, the good news is that you can make a difference.

Besides practicing safe sex and using condoms, take the initiative to go and get tested. Even though you might not be showing any symptoms, it’s important to know that you’re clear of anything and if you do have an STI, early detection and treatment is key to avoiding any long-term effects such as infertility.

From personal experience, a standard STI testing at Health Services doesn’t take more than 30 minutes — depending on what you’re getting tested for — and just that short visit could give you ease of mind for the rest of the semester.

Sex is amazing, and good sex is even better. But ultimately, safe sex is necessary, especially if you’re still playing the field. For those in a committed relationship, it’s always best to have the conversation before you engage in any sort of sexual activity but if you, like me, get easily sidetracked, have it as soon as possible.

Whatever the outcome, you and your partner can take the necessary steps together to ensure both of your well-beings. While I’ve already gotten my routine checkup, I’m proud to say that my boyfriend already booked an appointment to get tested too — better late than never, right?

Lydia Chan is a senior magazine major. Her column appears weekly in Pulp. You can reach her at lychan@syr.edu.

Published on October 26, 2016 at 8:55 pm