How to Tell Your Partner or Future Partner You Have an STD

This is a touchy subject for many people. If you have a sexually transmitted disease, you will have to eventually tell your partner or future partners. First of all you owe it to them and you need to protect them from getting the disease if they don't already have it. Many STDs do not show any signs unless there is an outbreak, but that does not mean that you are not contagious. You can pass on the disease without even knowing you have it. Safe sex is a must for anyone.

If you are just starting out in a relationship, you can either fully disclose to them about the STD or you can wait until you know you want to become sexually active with them. Whatever you decide honesty is always the best policy. If you are going to tell them right of the bat or wait until you feel the time is right, you should set down with them and have a calm discussion. You can start out by telling them that you really need to tell them something and it might not be something they want to hear. You can also tell them that you want to be completely honest for the sake of the relationship. You can tell them that it is for their safety and health. State the facts: by the time people are 24, they have a one in three chance that they have an STD (First Choice Women's Resource Center). Then you might say, I happen to be one of these people. You can go on to tell them what STD you have and when you were diagnosed. You can tell them how hard it is to tell them that you have it.

I know it is a sensitive subject, but you will need to disclose the fact that you have the disease. You can also tell them if the disease can fully be cured. Some STDs can, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, but some can't such as Herpes and HPV. If you have a curable one, explain to them that after treatment you will be checked to ensure that the antibiotics worked. IF you have an incurable one, you need to explain to them the importance of safe sex. With diseases like Herpes you can actually pass on the disease with no signs or symptoms.

There are some don'ts about the discussion. First of all, don't lie. All that will do is hurt both of you in the long run. Always be honest. The second is to never be close minded. Always keep an open mind and an open heart, listen to what they have to say too. Many couples can get through this, even if one partner does not have the STD.

First Choice Women's Resource Center, "STD Cheat Sheet". First Choice Women's Resource Center