What Next After Finding Out I Have an STD?

The immediate future seems bleak when one is diagnosed with an STD more so, when the disease is dire or its advanced stages. What step to take next is a recurrent question at this time? First things first remember to remain calm because a lot hangs on your ability to make the right decisions. Below are things you should do after diagnosis with an STD or if you suspect yourself of having a sexually transmitted disease.

Things You Should Do After Diagnosis With an STD:

• Take a Test for the STD

One may have suspicions but taking the test will help you do away with the doubts. The tests are for specific STDs or comprehensively for all sexually transmitted diseases. The options for testing also include bringing a spouse in case you suspect that they risk infection too. This allows you to take better precaution for yourself as well as loved ones. It is important to disclose any information you think may be insightful like the time, which you think you contracted the disease, or from whom. The testing is private and the results are only privy to you and the medical practitioner. New online platforms also allow the patient to do tests right in their homes and have their results sent via email. These offer privacy and convenience in case one is wary of the long queues in the STD testing centers.

• Inform Your Spouse or Partner

It is important that one inform their partner of the test results or their suspicions in order to protect them. This gives them enough time to do testing and get medication. If one suspects that, they may have contracted an STD, they may invite their spouses or recent partner to go for a testing. These both provide moral support while ensuring that they keep safe together. If you test positive for an STD it is also important to inform the recent sexual partners so that they too may go for testing and receive medical care. If a personal delivery of the news seems too difficult, an anonymous email or a message through social media is another option to take.

• Seek Counseling and Medication

On exposure to a sexually transmitted disease, it is important to seek the guidance of the doctor. Some of the SDTs have simple cures and medication while others are incurable. The counseling will help the patient to manage their life to ensure they remain safe while prevents them from transmitting the disease through safe sex practices. If the doctor recommends medication, it is paramount that the patient finishes their regimen while abstaining from sexual activity. This will ensure that they fully recover without exposing themselves or other persons to the disease. Incomplete medication also poses the risk of making the disease resistant to medication.

• Practice Safe Intercourse

While complete abstinence from sexual activity may not be feasible with some safe sex is a recommendation. This will prevent spreading of the disease or even exposure to the disease. When one tests positive, it does not necessarily mean that their spouse is too this means safe sex protects them from exposure to the disease. When receiving medication for an STD, practicing safe sex prevents one from exposure to new diseases or spreading the disease in turn. It is still important to use protection even when one suspects to have exposed their partners to the STD. Not every sexually transmitted disease is contracted every time one as intercourse. In turn, not every STD’s transmission is by sex, some spread by skin contact. Practicing safe sexual practices prevent exposure to the various STDs. It is a double measure to protect oneself and their loved ones.

(What Next After Finding Out I Have an STD?)

Category: Information & Guide