How to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI or STD!
So, you have an STI or STD. Testing positive can be a scary experience. The thought of how to tell your partner you have an STI or STD can be even more daunting.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are among the most common of the infectious diseases. STIs have, in fact, become more common in Australia in recent years. STIs can be passed from an infected person to others through sexual contact – which includes genital skin-to-skin contact, oral sex and sexual intercourse.
Common STIs include:
gonorrhoea
chlamydia
genital herpes
genital warts.
Other less common STIs include:
syphilis
hepatitis B
If you currently have a significant other, you may be afraid of jeopardising your relationship. If you’re re-entering the dating scene (congrats!), you may worry that laying it all out on the table for potential partners could be a disaster. “The talk” can be filled with complicated emotions, but it is crucial to feeling comfortable, safe, and sexy together. So, before you discuss your status with your partner, it’s important to think about you first.
Clearing Up Stigma
Being in a good state of mind can help you approach the conversation with a clear head. Let it be loud and clear: you are not your STI.
Being intimate with an informed partner can be liberating, allowing you to explore each other’s desires in a safe and trusting environment. In fact, your partner may respect you for being upfront, as conversations about sexual health are too often neglected.
You aren’t alone
Having an STI or STD may seem isolating, but the good news is you are not alone—not even close. Sexually transmitted diseases are very common in Australia and worldwide.
Why You Should Tell Your Partner(s)
Your partner (plural or singular, current or future) has every right to make informed decisions about their health. Having a conversation about your status opens the door to informed consent and protective practices to reduce transmission.
If you have tested positive for an STI or STD, encourage your partner(s) and previous partners to test and get treated because:
Untreated STDs can lead to serious health complications such as fertility issues, organ damage, and potentially death.
If you have tested positive and have a current partner OR if you have past partners that may have been exposed, it is best to talk to them as soon as possible!
Treatment and management
Anyone who is sexually active can catch an STI.
If you suspect you might have an STI/ STD or need any support with treating and coping with the situation, please contact our friendly, caring and discreet team. We are here to help you!
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