Your husband's desire to use condoms could stem from several reasons, ranging from health concerns to a desire for birth control. Let's explore some possibilities:
Health Concerns:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Perhaps he's concerned about the risk of STIs, either for himself or for you. This is a valid concern, even in long-term relationships. A sudden change in condom use might indicate a new potential exposure or a renewed awareness of risk. (This is supported by multiple sources like Quora and Reddit threads discussing sudden changes in condom use within relationships.)
- Previous Exposure/Infection: He might have been recently exposed to an STI or have an undiagnosed infection. He may be protecting both of you by using condoms. (As the provided reference notes, one or both partners might have an infection like herpes, acquired through previous partners or even childhood experiences, necessitating condom use.)
- Blood-Borne Pathogens: Some professions involve regular contact with blood-borne pathogens. Using condoms can reduce the risk of transmission in situations involving sexual contact. (This is explicitly mentioned in the provided reference.)
Other Reasons:
- Birth Control: While you might not be actively trying to conceive, using condoms provides a readily available form of birth control. (Several sources, such as Reddit threads on marriage and relationships, mention condoms as a form of birth control even within long-term relationships.)
- Reduced Stamina/Sexual Performance: In some cases, a partner might start using condoms to improve sexual performance or address issues like premature ejaculation. (One Reddit thread suggests a reduced frequency of sex correlating with decreased stamina, prompting the use of condoms.)
- Communication Breakdown: Open communication is vital. If he hasn't explicitly stated his reasons, have a calm and open conversation. This will help you understand his concerns and address them collaboratively.
Addressing the Issue:
To resolve any uncertainty, open communication is key. Ask your husband directly why he's chosen to use condoms now. A calm and honest conversation will foster trust and understanding.
