Family Planning Plus

Discontinuing condom use is something that only you and your partner can decide.  If you are using your birth control correctly and consistently, then your risk of pregnancy is low. If you and your partner have been recently tested for sexually transmitted infections, then the risk of being infected is very low. This is assuming that you and your partner are only having sexual relations with each other. Viruses like HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and genital herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus type 2) may be present but have no symptoms. HPV is the sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and some cervical cancers. Unfortunately, there is no test for HPV. Due to its cost, herpes testing is not routinely performed. It is also helpful to have an honest discussion about your sexual histories. So, is it “bad” to have unprotected sex with your partner, especially if testing is negative? Medically, probably not.  Keep in mind, having trust in your partner is as important as the medical testing.