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How to tell your partner that you have an STI

That conversation you have with someone when you have discovered you have an STI (sexually transmitted infection) is not an easy one. For some, discussing the STI is more traumatic than having the condition itself.

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Acceptance

Many sufferers may feel shame about having contracted an STI. The condition is not a reflection of your moral character. There are more than 400,000 new diagnoses of STIs in England annually, which is less than the number of people who are infected with a norovirus, and no one feels any particular stigma about that.

When STIs such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia are diagnosed, the clinic will generally recommend that partners are informed so that they can get their own health assessed and make sure no infections are passed on to other people. Telling partners is the responsible and kind thing to do. In some cases, the clinic can contact partners for you.

Herpes

Herpes is a bit more complex because once the virus is in your body, it stays there and is technically not curable. However, contracting viruses is very common. To learn more about herpes, see this report from The Telegraph.

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Infertility

Many people are carriers of an STI without knowing it. For women in particular, a diagnosis of chlamydia can be a shock because up to 70 per cent of women do not have any noticeable symptoms. Although it may not cause discomfort, it is important to treat chlamydia because it can cause infertility.

If you have concerns about your sexual health and would like some peace of mind, chlamydia testing kits in London could be helpful, and you could visit Greenwich Sexual Health for chlamydia testing kits. A company like this has an extensive background in producing chlamydia testing kits in London and will be able supply what you may need, along with some helpful advice.

Shame paralyses many people and stops them talking about STIs. It is vital to realise that the discomfort of speaking about an STI may last a few moments, whereas the damage caused by having an untreated STI could be life-changing. Feel proud that you are doing the right thing when informing partners of an STI, and know that you are helping them to take control of their health.

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