One of the last topics that you want to engage in when on a first date is health issues. And while some singles prefer to get all of their issues out on the table in the beginning, many choose not to disclose concerning health problems even several years into a relationship.

Nearly every man and woman on the planet has to deal with being sick or injured at some point in their lives. And this is just the nature of living life. People get sick, and some people develop serious illnesses, but this doesn’t need to be an issue that one should conceal from a partner.

Opening up the floor and being honest with your partner may also help you to cope with a serious health concern, and with your partner backing you and offering support, you won’t have to deal with your health concerns alone.

Here, we’ll explore a few major health concerns, and why you should discuss these issues with your partner.

STDs

One health concern that you should always be upfront and honest about when dating is when you have (or if you suspect you’ve contracted) a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). In fact, many states have laws specific to sexual battery cases, and you can be sued if you choose to knowingly withhold evidence of having an STD.

It’s no surprise that this is a conversation that can ultimately end a relationship, even before it fully gets started. But, you have to give your partner or the person you’re dating the right to this information in order for them to make an informed choice as to what’s right for their lives.

You might be surprised, but many couples live full and thriving lives with incurable STDs such as Herpes and even HIV. And though many might try to withhold this type of health issue out of fear or embarrassment, this is one conversation that you must have before the relationship becomes sexual.

Cancer

Believe it or not, cancer is one particular health issue that many do not like to disclose, even in a committed relationship. One of the primary reasons for this has to do with the anxiety and stress that living life with cancer can cause. In addition to being a debilitating physical condition, this also affects mental health in many ways as well.

In particular, cancers involving the reproductive system should be discussed with your partner or with the person you’re dating.

Your partner might be wanting to have children one day, and having reproductive cancer might keep you from being able to have children. For example, some ovarian and reproductive cancers have been known to be caused by the use of talcum powder. And sufferers of these specific cancers have begun filing lawsuits against talcum powder producers for compensation.

Going through any type of cancer treatment can take its toll on the human body, and if you blindside your partner by not disclosing your condition, this might cause even more damage to your recovery process and your relationship.

Mental Health Issues

Conditions such as bipolar disorder, severe depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the like can produce unhealthy emotions and can cause issues in coping with day-to-day life. These mental health issues are also something that you need to discuss with your partner or with a potential mate.

Sufferers of mental health issues are often plagued by severe mood swings and the occasional occurrence of what others might consider as “odd” behavior. And this can cause issues with developing a relationship.

Most people who suffer from a mental disorder often don’t disclose this information, and this can leave a partner wondering what is causing bizarre behavior if they’re unaware of symptoms associated with a mental health issue.

In cases of mental health issues, it’s always best to have these conversations at the outset of a relationship, especially if deep feelings develop and it begins to get serious.

Relationships are all about communication. And without honest, genuine communication, you cannot expect a relationship to grow or develop. If you have any health concerns, it’s best to start the conversation and be honest no matter the outcome.

The post Uncomfortable Conversations: Importance of Discussing Health When Dating appeared first on Loveawake.com blog.