There are several questions you may want to ask regarding your partner's prior sexual history if you're just starting out in a relationship. Healthy Place recommends first asking whether your partner is currently having sex with anyone else. If so, you should ask what steps they are taking to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. You should also ask how many previous partners they have had altogether. Also, it is important to ask whether they have ever engaged in any risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex, engaging in sex with multiple partners, having sex with prostitutes or engaging in intravenous drug use. Diseases Protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases is a vital part of getting intimate with someone else. According to "Health Magazine," your first question regarding sexually transmitted diseases should concern your partner's HIV status. If they have never been tested for HIV, ask them if they will consider getting tested prior to engaging in sex. You should also ask whether they have ever tested positive for any type of sexually transmitted disease and if so, the type of disease and when it occurred. You can also ask if they have ever had any type of symptoms related to an STD, such as warts, blisters, sores or any type of unusual discharge. Birth Control If you or your partner are not interested in having children, then it is imperative that you discuss what type of birth control measures you are or will be using. "Health Magazine" recommends that women ask men if they have any objection to using a condom or whether they have any allergies to latex. Men should ask women if they are currently using any form of birth control and if so, what kind and how long they have been using it. You should also discuss backup methods and what to do in the event that your birth control method fails, for example, if a condom breaks. Sexual Preferences If you have discussed your sexual histories and have decided that you are ready to move forward with the intimate aspects of your relationship, you can then begin to ask one another what it is you enjoy sexually. Sharing your sexual interests can help you to establish boundaries regarding the types of behavior you will or will not engage in and enhance your emotional intimacy. Asking your partner about their sexual preferences can help to build trust and ensure that you both enjoy the act.