Talking to your partner about reproductive health issues can be tricky. For some couples, it is a touchy subject. All sorts of factors come into consideration, from relationship expectations to spiritual views.
Fortunately, this post can help. We take a look at some of the ways to talk to your partner about reproductive health issues and what you can do to resolve them in a happy and amicable way. Read on to learn more:-
Choose A Good Time And Place
Don’t bring up reproductive health issues when you’re in the middle of sex, arguing, or stressed out. Instead, pick your moment and introduce the idea gently. Find a calm and private space where you can both focus on the issue at hand and be courteous to each other. Don’t do it when you are feeling angry or stressed out.
Be Honest And Respectful
Also, try telling your partner why you want to talk about reproductive health issues and what your goals are. Don’t fall into the trap of knowing precisely how they will respond or make accusations. Simply listen to their preferences and see how things evolve from there. Avoid the temptation to judge or criticise, as these habits can actually worsen your relationship.
Use Positive And Clear Language
Another great strategy is to use positive and clear language. For example, instead of saying “I need to tell you something bad”, say “I have some important information to share with you”. How you frame the conversation can affect the responses and the feelings of your partner. Go into a discussion thinking clearly about what you want to achieve and how you might get there.
If the conversation is about STIs, then you might want to say something like “We should both get tested” instead of “You need to get tested because you have a problem.” Try to make your language positive and cooperative to avoid distress or feelings of unease in your partner.
Provide Facts And Resources
Whether it’s about contraception or health issues, it’s always good to provide your partner with facts and resources. These can help to create authority and trust, backing up what you say. Then use what you discover to find a middle ground that works for both of you and honours your values and desires.
Show Appreciation And Affection
Thank your partner for listening and talking to you about reproductive health issues. Tell them how much you appreciate the fact that they took the time to listen and have a reasonable discussion with you.
Thanking your partner when they engage in behaviours you want is a great strategy in general. Behaviour change can take a long time to occur, so rewarding your partner with little things along the way can make a tremendous difference in how they approach the relationship.
Seek Compromise
Lastly, respect your partner’s right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. Avoid the temptation to apply pressure or coerce them into doing something they don’t want to do. Do things that work for both of you.
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