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If you have tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it’s crucial to disclose your condition to your partner(s) to protect their safety and health.
This talk is not the easiest to have. So how should you go about it?
Read on to prepare for this vital conversation with past, current, or newly affected partners.
Decide How You Will Let Them Know
How you tell your partner that you have an STI will depend on your relationship and what you prefer.
Meeting face to face, having a video/phone call, or sending a text message are all valid options.
The only wrong way to tell them you have an STI is to not tell them at all!
Quiz
When would be an appropriate time to have this talk?
To have good, clear communication with your partner, pick a time when you are both in a good mood, you’re not feeling too tired, there is plenty of time available, and neither of you is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Did you know?
Plan It Out
Think about what you’re going to say in advance:
write down what you want to say
practice in front of a mirror
talk it through with a trusted friend
Finding the right words to begin the conversation can be challenging, so try using one of the following examples as an icebreaker:
"I care about you, and I want to protect you by telling you that I have…"
"Have you ever had an STI? The reason I am asking is that I have..."
"I'm really happy with our relationship and value honesty. I want you to know that I have..."
"Before we have sex, I want us to talk about STIs & protection because I have..."
Did you know?
Share The Specifics Of Your STI
Explain what type of STI you have and how you got it.
Let your partner know that they need to get tested if they were exposed.
Be direct, honest, and stick to the facts.
Did you know?
You Can't Control Their Reaction
Anticipate - and prepare for - possible reactions that your partner may have.
They may:
panic
be angry
have questions
need some space to think and get used to the idea
Try to stay calm.
Listen To What They Have To Say
Effective conversations are not one-sided. Allow your partner time to share their thoughts, concerns, questions, or fears.
Acknowledge their feelings, even if they are different from your own.
It may help to remember how you felt when you first tested positive for an STI.
Support Them With The Facts
Share what you know about the symptoms or treatment.
Look up reliable resources, like health centers, websites, or pamphlets, to find more information.
Give your partner time to research on their own too.
Quiz
What's an example of a reliable resource?
Government websites are among the most reliable sources on the web as they are usually more careful about fact-checking information. Be wary of health information found on social media or television as it may be inaccurate or misleading. Keep in mind that your doctor is your most trustworthy source of info!
Move Forward
Don't pressure your partner to decide on the spot about sex or your relationship.
If you and your partner choose to have sex, practice safe sex with a condom/dam/glove.
If you and your partner decide against having sex, remember that there are other ways that you can be intimate or show physical affection.
Take Action
It takes openness and courage to tell a partner that you have an STI. You cannot control how they react, but you do have control over how you share this information.
After testing positive for an STI make sure to:
This Byte has been authored by
Carol Starratt
Learning Experience Designer