Greetings chaps. I hope you’ve been continuing to enjoy the new freedom we have here in the U.K – I for one feel extremely fortunate to be able to see my loved ones again.
As the final lockdown date edges inches closer, official freedom day brings with it the opportunity to meet new sexual partners, and have some well-deserved fun. But remember chaps, if you’re at all concerned you might be living with an STI, this is the first thing you will need to confront before anything else unfolds with an existing or new sexual partner between the sheets.
Telling them: where do I start?
his can feel like it’s the hard part, but honestly chaps, it’s the right thing to do. If you’re hesitant about telling your partner you’ve tested positive for an STD, it’s worth taking a bit of time to consider how you would feel if the shoe was on the other foot. Treat yourself how you would wish to be treated in the same circumstances.
Whether you knew you were infected with an STD and had unprotected sex, or you’ve found out at screening after having slept with the person in question, you must let them know.
If you’re feeling anxious about taking the next step and visiting a clinic or your GP, reach out to a friend or member of your family who can offer initial words of support when you might be feeling at your most vulnerable.
The support of a health care professional in telling your partner
You obviously have the freedom to tell your partner yourself if your test for a particular STD comes back positive. However, if you feel you might need the support of a health professional, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Certain sexual health clinics can contact your partner for you, without disclosing any information about you, and ask them to attend a screening appointment.
They can also advise you on how to communicate with your partner about the issue should you feel you would like to be the one to let them know. With such a sensitive issue, it’s important you feel comfortable with how you would like your partner to find out and take time to think about their feelings.
Time is of the essence
A number of STDs often don’t present any symptoms until they have progressed into what can end up being irrevocable damage to the body, including HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and even HIV.
This is no laughter matter. When caught early, you stand a much better chance of a complication-free recovery, so getting tested early and letting your partner know ASAP is vital.
It can be really easy to sweep your worries under the rug, especially if you feel well and healthy, but you could literally be saving your life and someone else’s by making the wise and brave decision to face things head-on. And that’s what being a decent chap is all about.