Playing it safe.

A little over a month ago I started dating a guy that I hope to build a stronger relationship with. Part of building that stronger relationship includes becoming intimate. This is the first time I have ever dated a guy and Have NEVER been intimate with another male before. I care a great deal about this guy and we are very open about our pasts and share things with each other that are important. I feel that we both want to play this safe(who wouldn't?) and we want to make sure to take the proper steps to ensure that both of us will live long happy lives, possibly with eachother. it has been well over 6 months since his last sexual encounter and well over 4 months since the last time I was intimate with anyone. we have both only had one previous sex partner. we have both been tested in the past and test negative and normal. If we were to get tested now would all test results be accurate? Also, we have every intention of having protected sex are there any other precautions that we should take? and lastly, is there any advice in terms of how to further protect myself so that later on down the road I'm not  playing the "what if" game? we want this to be special and we want this to be safe. Thanks for your advice and help.

Jake-

[Vance2335]

3 months from last sexual encounter to test for a 100% conclusive result. Best thing you can do is for both parties to test at the proper time frame and always use condoms unless the relationship is committed and no one is going outside of the relationship.
But also test for all STD not just HIV.

[ease_my_mind_]

Thanks for your advice. We have both been tested out to well beyond 3 months. We have boh been tested for STI's including HIV. we have both decided that to build a stronger relationship that we are going to go together to get tested one more time just to be entirely certain. and we do will most certainly use condoms.

Anyone else have any advice? it would be greatly appreciated.

[Teak]

Nothing more to add.

[ease_my_mind_]

Thanks Teak, I appreciate your input.

-Jake-

[ease_my_mind_]

I have yet to have sex with my boyfriend and I am beginning to seriously reconsider this because of FEAR of getting HIV or any other STD. I love him very much and trust him but I think my fear has gotten the best of me. we both have tested negative past 3 months and yet I am un-able to accept that this is conclusive and that I have nothing to worry about. If and when we do have sex we will use condoms and take precautions in protecting ourselves, but I still can't shake the fear of getting HIV. Am I overreacting? This will be the first time I have penetrative sex and I am scared to death of it...

[LIZZIE LOU]

WRONG FORUM.

this should be on the anxiety forum.

[ease_my_mind_]

i just want to make sure I am taking the right precautions that is all...When it comes to your own well being a little anxiety is good in terms of making sure you are protecting yourself. At any rate, thanks for the input