Open Communication with Your Partner about Reproductive Health for Stronger Bonds
Reproductive health is very less talked about among the
partners. They hesitate to talk about sensitive topics like reproductive health
and sometimes end up regretting things, or worse in an unwanted pregnancy.
Though unwanted pregnancy has a solution where you buy abortion pill online, as a quick
solution.
But talking about reproductive health with your partner can
help with many things. It could ease the differences, build trust and honesty
among partners, and make your relationship stronger.
Your overall health depends on your reproductive and
menstrual health. We understand that discussing these topics could make you
feel embarrassed, shy, awkward, or just downright scared. Having mixed feelings
about your sexual life is very normal, but take a step forward and have an open
communication with your partner, and see how things start to change.
Why Do You Need to Talk About Your Reproductive Health?
Prioritizing a conversation with your partner, where you
both just talk to each other, your likes and dislikes, your emotions and
desires, and just anything important to maintain stronger bonds. Talking with
your partner can help you with:
- Managing Stress and Anxiety: Talking about your
reproductive issues could really help with managing your stress and anxiety.
Discuss your concerns and put forth your expectations so that you can solve the
issues regarding your sexual life. This could also improve your intimacy on a
deeper level.
- Building Emotional Intimacy and Trust: Once you start
talking about your personal experiences and weaknesses regarding your sexual
health can help deepen the emotional intimacy and trust. And having this talk
could also improve your communication in the future, making it easier for you
to communicate if a problem arises.
- Increases Mutual Respect and Understanding: Talking is the
key to stronger bonds. Once you make it your habit to have open conversations
with your partner, things will seem easy. This will allow you to get to know
each other better, know each other's opinions, desires, values and concerns
related to your sexual health. This fosters respect and empathy for each other,
and the perspectives that you carry.
- Problem-Solving will be Easy: Once everything’s in the
open and transparent, together you can solve problems related to your
reproductive health. If you are facing any health issues like STIs or unwanted
pregnancy, your partner should be aware of it. They can motivate you and be
there for you in tough times.
- Improved Decision-Making: There are major topics every
couple must discuss in their relationship. Things like birth control options,
family planning, or just simply understanding what each other’s body needs
could be very helpful. This way you can take important decisions together.
How Can You Start a Conversation?
Initiating a conversation can be difficult but if you want
to reach the destination you need to take the road. Below we are giving some
tips on how to start a conversation with your partner.
- Right Place and Time: Pick a place where you feel
comfortable, a private spot you two love to spend time at. Also the timing must
be good, choose the time when you both are free and can put all your
concentration on the conversation you are going to have.
- Start with Small Talks: You don’t have to go big in the
beginning, start with small casual conversations, like healthy habits, hygiene,
and just general knowledge on reproductive health. This could lead to deeper
conversations and you will feel like an ice just broke.
- Be a Good Listener: Whenever you are having a conversation
with your partner take notice of every small detail, give complete attention to
your partner. While conversing, avoid interrupting your partner, consider their
feelings, take genuine interest in what your partner has to say, and get to
know their perspectives on certain things related to reproductive and sexual
health.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Never ask questions for which
you will get answers in the form of yes and no, your question should be
open-ended. Ask questions that start with what, why, or how. This way you will
get to know what your partner wants, needs, and thinks.
- Avoid Accusatory Tone: Make sure your statements begin
with ‘I’ and you avoid using an accusatory tone. Stop making assumptions and
instead try to clear things out with your partner. If you use an accusatory
tone in the conversation, it may lead to arguments and disagreement, which is
not good for a healthy relationship.
- Make your Partner Feel Comfortable: Initially, you and
your partner may feel awkward and shy to talk about this subject, and that’s
normal. Take things slowly, and give your partner some time to adjust to the
conversation. Once they get comfortable, you can engage them in a deep
conversation about your reproductive and sexual health.
Work on the Issues Together
Once you have established a successful open conversation,
you can freely discuss things you are worried about, things like:
- Birth Control Options: If you are sexually active, discuss
the contraceptive options with your partner. Among the several birth control
options available, find out which one’s the best for you. Get to know about the
side effects that may be caused due to birth control. Once you are aware of all
the things related to birth control methods, you will be sure of your next
step.
- Menstrual Health: Discuss about the period concerns with
your partner, and share your experiences openly. Talk about menstrual hygiene,
and know what are your preferences about hygiene during menstruation. Your
menstrual health can affect your sexual life, and that could be an issue in a
relationship. Your partner’s support during menstruation can be a huge thing,
as that is the time you require most of the attention. So whatever it is about
your menstruation, discuss it with your partner.
- Reproductive Issues: If you and your partner encounter
serious issues related to your reproductive health, talk about it. Issues like
sexual dysfunctions, infertility, miscarriage or unwanted pregnancy. Seeking
help during tough times like these, can connect you on an emotional level and
you can seek help together.
- Take a Therapy Together: Couple therapy may sound a bit
too much, but trust us, it can help you in improving your relationship on a
deeper level. You can discuss sensitive topics like reproductive health, sexual
health, and menstrual health in a professional space. Taking help from a
professional can help you in improving your communication skills and know the
root cause of an underlying issue.
- Family Planning: Now at some you might want to start your
family together or you won’t want to have children, whatever it is, your
partner must know about it. Family planning is a huge thing, and you shouldn't
hide anything from your partner. You both may want different things at the same
time, and not talking about it can be a mistake. So sit down with your partner,
and just talk.
The Bottom Line
Now that you are aware of all the things you need to do
before and during having open communication with your partner, be cautious
about your decisions and make the right choice, as one wrong choice can affect
your relationship. Do not forget to be kind to yourself and your partner.