So, you or someone you know just found out you have a sexually transmitted infection… what is a safe way to tell previous sexual partners about it?
First off, what is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
You may have also heard them called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are what they sound like – an infection that can pass between people during sexual contact. Some STIs can be cured, meaning you will no longer have it or be able to give it to someone else unless you get infected again. Others are treatable, meaning the symptoms can be managed, but the infection does not go away, so you can still give it to someone else without precautions. More information on STIs can be found by visiting the Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240
STIs can also be asymptomatic. This means that you might have the STI and can give it others, but you might not have symptoms at the moment. This is why it is important to not only get tested, but to tell your sexual partner(s) if you think you have been exposed or test positive for STI(s) because they could end up having serious symptoms, such as fevers, rashes, bleeding, pain during sex, and even death if left untreated.
Why don’t people tell their partner(s) they have an STI? There could be many reasons. There is a stigma about STIs, so the person might feel embarrassed. Maybe they don’t know their recent partner(s) very well and don’t know how to talk about it. But the bottom line is that it is important that exposed partners know because STIs can cause harmful symptoms, especially if not treated!
There are ways to anonymously tell your partner(s) that they’ve been exposed to an STI. Depending on the situation, someone might not be comfortable or able to talk with their partner(s) in person that they’ve been exposed to STI(s). This is okay! Free, online resources like https://tellyourpartner.org/ will send an anonymous text or email to them letting them know they’ve been exposed and should get tested. The website does not ask for names or other information; just provide a partner(s) email or phone number and which STIs they might be exposed to. There is a space to either write a custom message or pick the pre-written message that will include necessary information.
Overall, it is important to get tested for yourself and for your partner(s) to know if you are positive, even if it means telling them anonymously.
–Katie Kuhlwein, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador