Real Men: Support For Partners 

Ten ways to support your partner

When it comes to sex, a lot of guys feel pressure to "know it all" and to be "the best." One way to improve your sex life is to provide support, trust, and understanding while following these ten tips :

1.   COME ON DOWN and accompany your partner to Gannett to provide emotional support during a sexual health visit. Some people get nervous or have anxiety when seeking out sexual health care. Show your partner you care by offering to accompany her or him to Gannett– your partner will surely appreciate it.

2.   TALK to your partner about sex, protection, pregnancy, and STI (sexually transmissable infection) testing to make your relationship stronger. It’s not always easy to talk about sex and protection from disease and/or pregnancy, but your relationship is sure to be much stronger once you do.

3.   TEST TOGETHER for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. A great way to build trust and strengthen relationships is to get tested for STIs together before engaging in sexual activity.  Both men and women can get tested for STIs, including HIV, at Gannett. Be forewarned that screening, without symptoms, may not be covered by insurance. But isn't it worth the investment to save you and your partner from worrying about infection?

4.   DOUBLE UP with a condom and another method of contraception to best protect you and a female partner from pregnancy and disease.  If you partner with women, condoms are a great method to protect against pregnancy and disease, but male/female couples can better protect against pregnancy by using an additional method of contraception. Men who partner with men can use condoms, lubricants and other latex barriers to help protect against STIs.

5.   SUPPORT CHOICE – that is, a female partner’s choice of contraceptive method.  There are many different options for women’s contraception including a variety of hormonal and barrier methods.  Women will choose methods they feel they can use comfortably and consistently.  Show your partner you care by supporting her choice of method – and using a condom for added protection.

6.   KEEP STASHES of condoms and support your partner’s decision to purchase and keep them on hand too.  Smart, sexy, trustworthy partners purchase and carry condoms as a way to show they care about their own and their partner’s health. 

7.   OPEN YOUR WALLET and share the costs/help pay for safer sex methods. While many students get condoms for free at Gannett, other barrier methods do cost money. Show your partner you care by sharing the cost of  disease prevention.

8.   WOW ‘EM with your ability to help use a contraceptive or disease prevention method.  From reminding her to take her pill to helping a partner use a latex barrier, there are many ways you can help your partner correctly and consistently use a contraceptive or disease protection method.

9.   BE AWARE and encourage your female partner to seek out emergency contraception (EC) when needed.  Accidents happen – a condom slips off, breaks, or is not used at all.  Talk to your partner about seeking out emergency contraception within 120 hours (5 days but the sooner the better)  in order to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.  EC is available at Gannett; non-prescription for individuals over 18 yrs. old, by prescription for women 17 yrs. and younger.

10.  BE A MAN by respecting your partner’s decisions about sexual activity.  Talk to your partner about your values and listen to and respect your partner’s decision about their readiness for sex.  Never pressure or force your partner to engage in any sexual activity against their will.