What Should I Do If I Find Out I Have An STD?

When visiting an STD Clinic for STD testing, you always hope for the best with that being a negative test result. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case and finding out that you have an STD can be quite a shock. Many different feelings will be going through your head but remember that most STD’s are treatable with the right medication and care.

What do you do if you learn that you have an STD? The first thing you should do when you find out you have an STD is to follow your doctor’s directions for treatment. Then, you must tell anyone that you are having sex with that you have tested positive and that they should visit an STD Clinic for STD testing. This will ensure that they get the testing and treatment they need if they test positive for an STD as well. You must also avoid having unprotected sex until you have finished treatment.

Telling Your Partner

While this isn’t the easiest conversation in the world to have with your partner, it is an important one, so don’t avoid it. Here are some tips that can help:

• Most STDs are easily cured with a short course of medication, so you can finish your treatment and get on with your life.
• While some STDs can’t be cured, there are many effective ways to treat your symptoms and prevent you from spreading the STD to anyone else.
• People with STDs can be in relationships, have sex, and live totally normal lives.
• Most people get an STD at least once in their lives and there are millions of people living with STDs now.
• Having an STD doesn’t mean that you are “dirty” or a bad person, just that you are a normal human who got an infection.
• Some STDs can be spread in non-sexual ways.

For some, they might not have the support of their partner, a close friend, or family member to help them through this time. Counsellors, therapists, and online and in-person support groups for people living with STDs are available and you can get a list of these from the STD Clinic.

Contact Northway Clinic

To learn more about STD’s and what to do if you find out you have one, contact Northway Clinic today and speak to a healthcare professional who can answer any questions you might have.

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