If you are unsure about a partner’s sexual health status, try to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids like vaginal fluids and blood. These are the main cause of transferring of infections and diseases.
To avoid contact, you can use dental dams during anal play and oral sex. Make sure you don't share sex toys or at least wash them before and after sharing.
Well, this one is more of a basic hygiene pointer. It’s important to have your fingernails trimmed so you don’t hurt your partner while fingering. Long nails can cause injury to the delicate walls of the vagina and increase the risk of infections.
And pain: you only want your partner to let out pleasure-filled screams, right?
While it might feel good to share things like sex toys (dildos, vibrators) with your partner, it is best to have some boundaries here.
Ideally, everyone should have their own toys to decrease the risk of passing on infections. If they must be shared, make sure that the toy is thoroughly washed with soap and water before and after each time it's used.
The best way to ensure good sexual health is to know your body. This way, you are more likely to spot if there are any unnatural changes: like an itchy pubic area, smelly or differently coloured vaginal discharge, and so on.
It is good to consult the gynaecologist whenever you feel something is even slightly off.
But, even if there are no health issues, periodic check-ups at the gynae should be done. Try to shed the fear of being judged and go ahead to talk honestly. Ask around for references to non-judgemental gynaecologists, beforehand though.
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