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Being nervous about telling your partner(s) you have had an STD can be daunting and overwhelming.
You have to come to terms with your own diagnosis before you start talking to partner(s).
It’s unrealistic to expect other people to understand if you’re uncomfortable with the diagnosis yourself.
How well-informed you are can
make a difference. You need to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the
disease you were diagnosed with. Remember, if the disease goes untreated, many STDs can be passed back and forth indefinitely.
Syphilis,
Gonorrhea and
Chlamydia are curable STDs. If these diseases go untreated they can cause extensive damage to the
internal organs and neurological system, and gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections can spread to other parts of the body.
Often people who are HIV infected have few or no symptoms. Other times,
symptoms of HIV are confused with other illnesses such as the flu, unexplained
weight loss, fever, chills or sweats (especially at night).
Talking to your partner about the diagnosis is not only going to reduce the stigma associated with getting an STD/HIV, it
may help prevent your sex partners from developing STDs. If you choose to notify your partner(s),these are a few tips
that can help you with this process and gain more confidence and empowerment.
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Role-playing with the DIS who is assigned to you. He/She
is well trained in partner notification and can provide you
with one on one tips.
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Be as natural as possible and be yourself. Go where you
won’t be distracted, to a neutral setting.
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Trust yourself and avoid giving a lecture.
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Stay as calm and collected as possible. Your attitude
and body language will demonstrate your honesty and concern .It may not be as bad
as you think.
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Partner(s)
can be accepting and provide support.
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