Planned Parenthood

Someone asked us:

im scared my significant other might have an std and i dont know how to bring it up or if i even should cos it wont really change anything now ????

Anytime you think you or your partner has an STD, it’s a good idea to talk about it. Different STDs mean different things for your life and there are different ways to proceed, depending on what you’ve been diagnosed with. A few go away on their own, but most require some kind of treatment — like antibiotics to cure it, or ongoing medicine to treat symptoms.

Talking about STDs can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. The best way to bring this stuff up is to just be direct and honest. Ask if they have whatever STD you think they may have, and explain your feelings and needs around that. Are you asking because you want to have the info you need to stay healthy yourself? Are you asking because you want to talk about using condoms or getting tested together? Try not to be accusatory or judgmental — STDs happen to the best of us, just like any other kind of infection.

If you’re worried you might have this STD you think your significant other has, it’s important to get tested. It’s also important for your partner to get tested, and then you’ll both know what’s up.

-Julia at Planned Parenthood