Testing positive: Who should you tell?

Getting tested is the hard part done. No more wondering if that itch, rash, or pain when you urinate will go away. No more worrying about going to see your doctor, or sitting in the waiting room feeling like everyone knows why you’re there (FYI: they don’t at Better2Know clinics). You now know your STI status and can now receive treatment to clear or manage the infection. The next step is to notify sexual partners (past and present) of your status. Please ask them to book an STI testing appointment. This may seem daunting, but their health is at risk. It is not fair on them not to tell them. It is a conversation you will need to have to protect your partner.

Testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection is not the end of the world. Though upsetting and stressful, with the potential necessity for lifelong management worrying, you still took the first step in taking control of your sexual health and that is something to be proud of. Despite sex being more available today than ever before, the topic of sexual health and sexually transmitted infections still cause some people to shy away from discussion.

Telling a partner about an STI can be tricky, how do you find the right words? We have written this for you and in your patient area, we have a way you can text or email your partners to let them know. You can send it anonymously or sign it from you.

Anthea Morris, Co-Founder Better2Know

No one is immune to STIs; everyone who engages in sexual activities is at risk of catching an infection, especially if you had unprotected sex. Condoms are the best way to reduce your chances of becoming infected with an STI. However, not all infections need penetrative sex for transmission. Some only require skin-to-skin contact for you to become infected; this includes STIs such as Herpes and HPV which are both extremely common infections.

Most sexually transmitted infections have long-term complications if left untreated. Your willingness to be honest and discuss the topic with your current partner shows you care about their wellbeing. It also gives them the opportunity to make an informed choice on what to do about their own sexual health. As well as protecting them, encouraging your current partner to get tested and treated will reduce your risk of becoming re-infected. Your current sexual partner is not the only person you should notify; you should speak to the people with whom you had sexual contact within the past couple of months. This will help prevent an STI from further spreading to other people.

Sources

[1] Patient Info

[2] Treated

[3] Teens Health