How to tell your partner about a sexually transmitted disease or HIV
Nobody knows how life will turn out. Infections are always very severe and uncomfortable. However, sexually transmitted infections are associated with the strongest social stigma. Therefore, it is not surprising that everyone is afraid of such conversations. However, it is important to warn your partner about the presence of such a disease or HIV. This is because he or she will likely have to undergo treatment. And the sooner treatment is started, the faster the recovery will come.
Contents of the article:
Features of STIs
Sexually transmitted infections are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Oluwatosin Goye emphasizes that some people may have very mild symptoms and simply ignore them for a long time.
However, if left untreated, they can increase the risk of HIV infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or serious pregnancy complications.
The most common sexually transmitted infections are chlamydia, genital herpes, warts, gonorrhea and syphilis.
The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is enormous. For example, a study conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that at least one in five Americans will experience at least one sexually transmitted disease in their lifetime. And more and more teenagers are infected.
How to confess to your partner
- Understand your illness well
The first step is to get as much information about the disease as possible. The better you understand the disease, the less embarrassment and guilt you will feel and the easier the conversation will be.
When a person knows how to control the disease and how to cope with it, he can already have constructive conversations without tears and hysterics.
- Remember that your partner cares about you
Family members and partners are close to the patient. They are simply afraid, that is why they are so tense.
- Openness and realism are the basis of conversation
Dr. Gow advises being open, honest and realistic in your confession. Of course, emotions are inevitable. But we must hope for the best.
Read also: The girls spoke about the number of sexual partners
Come on, sometimes everyone wonders what happens to people in shorts. Otherwise, the series would not have been so popular according to the “16 Year Pregnant” type.
In addition, Dr. Goye advises to be prepared for accusations. Perhaps your partner”s initial reaction is not entirely adequate. However, if there is a desire to save the relationship, this must be overcome.
Openness about an unpleasant diagnosis is much better than silence. In addition, we must not forget about the responsibility for concealing such information.
Severe symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia usually appear three months after sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is necessary to talk to all partners and family members.
How to have a difficult conversation
- Need to stay calm
You cannot be defensive, make excuses, or shift the blame onto someone else. Your partner will be shocked to hear this news — this is normal.
How to tell your partner (boyfriend) about an intimate illness. sex life and relationship with a guy
- Give your partner a chance to collect his thoughts
Panic and despair are a completely logical reaction to reports of sexually transmitted infections. You need to give your partner time and space to get comfortable with the idea.
If a person already has a sexually transmitted infection, they will be happy to share their experience. This information can be very useful.
What to do in an unstable relationship
Relationships can be different. Some partners quickly get over any difficulties, while others get angry and want to end the relationship. These feelings can be caused by fear and shame.
If your partner becomes angry and aggressive after learning your diagnosis, you need to take precautions to protect yourself. Dr. Goye suggests holding these conversations in public places where there are many people present. This serves as both an insurance policy and an additional deterrent. This makes it easier for partners to be attracted to you.
We shouldn”t talk about uncomfortable diagnoses in the bedroom. This is too large a closed space. To have a conversation, you need to go to a safe, lively place.
If the situation escalates, you should seek help or contact law enforcement.
If after the conversation the relationship does not work out, there is no need to engage in self-flagellation. This will never lead to anything good.
“Where did you come from?” I think. This is also unnecessary. The infection can remain dormant in the body for several months and sometimes years. You need to get used to your new state and try to throw all your strength into fighting the disease.
Dr. Goye emphasizes that neither sexually transmitted infections nor HIV are the end of the world today. If you show courage, you can cope with them and continue to live life to the fullest.
How to talk to your partner about your HIV+ status. When to talk about HIV. Maybe not talk about it at all?
