My bf had a vasectomy a few years ago and does not want to use condoms. Is it safe to have unprotected sex if we get tested?

[Chloe29]

His last tests were 3 years ago, mine two months ago (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis). What are health risks for both of us if we opt for unprotected sex and what STI tests we should not forget to do? Also, is it possible to contract an STI from genital contact without penetration and ejaculation?

[Bpas_1968]

Hi Chloe,

Vasectomies are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy - out of 2,000 men who have a vasectomy, only one will get a woman pregnant in the rest of his lifetime. However, you are completely right to think about STI testing before you have unprotected sex. It would be best if both you and your partner both went for full sexual health checks. They can use blood tests for HIV and hepatitis, as you know, and urine tests and swabs for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

And yes there are STIs which can be contracted from genital contact without penetration or ejaculation. Herpes, warts, lice and scabies can all be passed on through skin-to-skin contact - at a full sexual health check they should do a visual check for these STIs.

The FPA have a really handy tool to help find your nearest sexual health clinic - fpa.org.uk/find-a-clinic if you are unsure of where to go.

I hope this is helpful. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Best wishes,

Katherine

British Pregnancy Advisory Service, bpas

[Chloe29 in reply to Bpas_1968]

Thank you so much, Katherine

[Bpas_1968]

No problem at all.