Talk That Talk

They say that communication is one of the most important aspects of a relationship, especially budding relationships that are only just beginning. Through this, you understand your partner’s needs, wants, habits and so much more.

Although we all have our secrets, there are some things that shouldn’t be kept to yourself, and this includes sexual health. There are so many sexually transmitted infections and viruses out there – from HIV-Aids to syphilis.

Shockingly, many people are still not seeing their doctors or going to hospitals or clinics regularly to get tested with their partners, rather opting to go ’40 for trust’, but at what cost?

It is important to note that you will not always know if you have a sexual disease or infection, because the symptoms can often be shrugged off as a ‘passing thing’. The scary part is that some people do not even show symptoms for the STIs that they may have. But as long as you are having sex with someone, you are completely at risk of having an STI, which is why it is crucial to get tested, and inform your partner if ever you test positive.

If not, you will be keeping secrets from them and the relationship will be based on lies. And this has long term effects. Possibly even depression.

Psychological counsellor Beauty Boois, who specialises in yoga, says “meditation can be used in conjunction with therapy or medications in treating mental and emotional disorders like depression”.

With such a heavy cost, it is clearer than ever that being honest with your partner is key.

Talking about sex may be uncomfortable, but those conversations avoid a lot of unwanted problems in future, as it lays the foundation for a better relationship.

Testing At Home

Doctors and clinics may seem scary to some, which is why it has become a practice for people to take over-the-counter HIV rapid test kits (RTK). But is this safe? According to a report done by US Aid in Namibia, “most pharmacists reportedly provided information about the kits – for example, instructions on administering the test and the need to seek counselling.”

But they are still questioned because some pharmacies and organisations are not supposed to be distributing these products over-the-counter, unless they have authorisation to do so.

Private pharmacies have seen a spike in selling these HIV RTKs, but for the sake of safety, it is recommended to rather have them done at a hospital, pharmacy or a centre where trained staff can assist.

One such place is the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (Nappa) where people are offered free services at various clinics around the country. John Bosco Katjiua, acting executive director, said that testing at the organisation is available at all the facilities “at no cost”.

On discussing health issues with your partner, he felt that it was crucial.

“On what basis do people build trust? How do you make love to someone who is not tested?

You will be compromising your freedom. Who wants to be in a relationship where you are compromising your freedom?”

Katjiua also noted that not many people are getting tested together. “People are coming individually,” he said. “And it’s initially those who already know their statuses, but mainly people come separately.”

Warning that looks can be deceiving, he also noted that it is important for people not to just look at someone’s physical appearance before deciding to have sex with them and hoping they are not infected.

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