I am often baffled about decisions that women are making concerning their health in 2014.  So, I have decided to write this blog on “What Every Woman Should Know about Dating in 2014.” I am in no way standing on a soap box preaching about how a woman should behave or act.  I am, however, a strong advocate in making wise and healthy decisions.

Now, with the above being said, what should every woman know that will help her to make wise and safe decisions when dating in 2014? First and far most women should know their partner and their partner’s sexual history.  I often inform my patients that the first date should be to the local Health Department. (LOL…laughing out loud- if only you could see some of the looks I receive from patients when I say that.) However, seriously speaking, with so many different types of sexually transmitted diseases and some that are not curable, it is inconceivable that anyone would enter into sexual relations with someone without knowing what their sexual health status might be. A great conversation starter could be: So, what kind of lover are you “A one woman man or the more the better type of man?” Do you believe in getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases yearly? When was the last time you were tested for sexually transmitted diseases? 

One moment of pleasure could lead to a lifetime of consequences and sequelae that could affect every aspect of a woman’s life. So, why not talk to your partner about their sexually transmitted disease history? Just because he is sexy and appears to be clean does not mean that under all of his sexiness he is without an infection. And definitely, don’t just take his word that he has been tested and he has a clean record of health.  If I had a dollar for every time I have heard, “but, he told me that he did not have anything”; I would be a THOUSANDAIRE. (To say a millionaire would be exaggerating just a tad bit)

Women love yourself enough to protect yourself from any and all harm no matter what form it may come to you. #talldarkandhandsome #sexyhunk. After all, you only live once (YOLO) and you should live life to the fulliest and in the most healthy way possible.

 – Farinna Willis, MD