Should I Stay with Someone That Has an STD?
Sexually transmitted diseases are a normal, albeit common part of sex and intimate relationships. With over a million new STDs popping up daily according to the World Health Organization, the topic should also be commonly discussed in every intimate relationship, preferably before intercourse. Not only does this set a base for a happy, healthy relationship, but it also cements a basis of honesty and care for everyone involved.
But what happens when you discover your partner has an STD? While this can be an understandably uncomfortable situation, it’s important to remember that it can happen to ANYONE. But should you stay with your partner after discovering their diagnosis? In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about handling the presence of STDs in a relationship and how to move forward.
The Risks of STDs
Regular testing and honesty in relationships are imperative–especially when you consider the risks associated with STDs. Continue reading to learn about the risks of STDs.
Long-Term Health Complications
STDs can lead to long-term health problems, including infertility and chronic pain.
Passing an STD on to Someone Else
If you don’t get tested, you could pass an STD onto your partner(s). And if they don’t know they have it yet, it could cause them a lot of pain and maybe even end your relationship!
Social Stigma
Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed about getting tested for STDs because of the social stigma attached to having one in today’s dating world (especially among millennials).
Should You Stay With Someone Who Has an STD?
If you are in a relationship with someone who has an STD, there are some things to consider. First, it’s important for both parties to be open about their sexual history and current health status. Communication is key when it comes to STDs because they can spread so easily through unprotected sex or skin-to-skin contact. If your partner has an STD and isn’t being honest with you about it, then this is definitely something worth addressing before moving forward in your relationship.
You should also consider whether or not they have had any symptoms of their condition (like sores) that may have been overlooked due to embarrassment or denial on their part. It is possible that some people will lie about having STDs because they don’t want their partners to know they’ve been unfaithful. Or worse yet, cheating without knowing themselves!
Making the Decision to Stay or Leave
The decision to stay or leave is a personal one. And in the end, it’s important to weigh the risks and establish boundaries. Additionally, it’s also important not to close yourself off from new experiences. If you are in an open-minded relationship with someone who is willing to be tested regularly, then there are many ways you can enjoy sex without putting yourself at risk for STDs.
And in the meantime, remember the importance of the following points:
- Educate yourself and others
- Seek support
- Be compassionate
How to Protect Yourself
If you choose to stay in your relationship despite the existence of an STD, it’s important to know how to protect yourself moving forward.
Practice Safe Sex
The best way to avoid STDs is by using a condom every time you have sex and/or abstaining from sexual activity altogether. Condoms are most effective when used consistently and correctly (i.e., don’t leave them in your wallet for years).
Get Tested Regularly
If you have unprotected sex with someone who has an STD or suspects they might have one, get tested for all STDs every three months until your partner gets tested and gives you the all-clear. Then. continue getting tested every six months thereafter! It’s also wise not to assume that just because someone seems healthy they don’t have an infection; many infections don’t produce symptoms until later stages when treatment options become less effective or even impossible (like HIV).
Vaccines Exist!
Some vaccines protect against specific types of HPV while others protect against multiple strains at once; these vaccines are recommended only for people who aren’t already infected with those particular viruses. That’s because they won’t help prevent infection if given after exposure has already occurred.
Treatment Options for STDs
If you discover your partner has an STD, try and remember that it’s not the end of the world. In fact, there are several relatively convenient and easy-to-access treatment options available according to Mayo Clinic. This includes those found below.
Antibiotics: These are the most common treatments for STDs. They’re used to treat bacterial infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Antivirals: If you have an STD caused by a virus (like herpes), antiviral medications may be prescribed to help ease the symptoms of an infection.
Surgery: If an STD has caused scarring or damage to an individual’s reproductive organs, surgery may be necessary to repair this damage and prevent future complications such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy (when an embryo implants outside the uterus).
24-7Labs Makes Prompt, Shameless Testing Easy
If you’re sexually active and haven’t been tested for STDs, now is the time to do so. The risks of not being tested are too great to ignore, and the benefits of knowing your status will help you make better decisions about your sexual health moving forward. And if you or your partner have been diagnosed with an STD, don’t panic! There are many treatments available that can help manage symptoms and prevent transmission to others.
If you live in the Tampa area and are interested in a quick, discrete lab that will get you tested on YOUR schedule, 24-7Labs has you covered with several locations and an array of testing services. Schedule an appointment today to get started and put your mind at ease.
