If you’ve ever been tested for an STD, you know it can be nerve wracking when waiting to receive the results. It is even more nerve wracking dealing with a positive STD test. Fortunately, modern medicine has made dealing with sexually transmitted diseases far more manageable than it was in the past, however there is still work to be done if you find you’ve tested positive.
Finding out you’ve contracted an STD is an unpleasant experience and hopefully one you won’t have to deal with. However, should you find yourself diagnosed with one, here are a few tips on dealing with it:
A positive STD test can be jarring for anyone but thankfully many of them are able to be cured or managed with medication. Dealing with sexually transmitted diseases is not pleasant, but having a plan in case you find yourself in that situation can save a lot of time and stress. Be prepared to change your sexual behavior if you are engaging in high risk behavior.
Good luck.
Finding out you’ve contracted an STD is an unpleasant experience and hopefully one you won’t have to deal with. However, should you find yourself diagnosed with one, here are a few tips on dealing with it:
- Resist the urge to blame other people. It takes two to tango. Remember that. The stories of catching an STD “from a toilet seat,” while technically possible in some cases, are not likely. If you have had unprotected sex in the past this is the far more likely culprit. If you are in a relationships resist the urge to place blame, react with anger, or go off on somebody else. The important thing is dealing with the situation in front of you right now. There will be plenty of time to talk with spouses or partners later.
- Consult with your doctor as soon as possible. Whether or not it was your primary physician who ordered the tests it is important to get your doctor involved. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed. This is what your doctor is there for and this is what they have been trained to do. Many STDs are curable with treatment and the few that aren’t are typically manageable with medication. Don’t waste time. Get started with treatment right away.
- Inform past partners. It’s not pleasant, but it’s the right thing to do. However you’ve contracted this STD, if there is even the slightest chance a former partner may be infected as well then make the phone call and let them know. Remember the first tip? Don’t get caught up in who gave it to who or who might have cheated on who, etc. This serves no purpose. Simply inform them you’ve received a positive test and that they might want to get tested as well. End of phone call.
- Be prepared to make life changes. Without playing the blame game, examine the sexual behavior that may have led to you testing positive. Are you engaging in high risk behavior? Are you having unprotected sexual encounters? Be prepared to make changes to your sexual behavior and make better choices to protect yourself in the future.
- Practice Preventative Safety. If you haven’t tested positive but want to be proactive about lessening your likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or if you’ve already been treated for one and don’t want to go through it again, remember to exercise reasonable caution and discretion when engaging in sexual activity. Using condoms and not engaging in casual sex are two ways to decrease the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
A positive STD test can be jarring for anyone but thankfully many of them are able to be cured or managed with medication. Dealing with sexually transmitted diseases is not pleasant, but having a plan in case you find yourself in that situation can save a lot of time and stress. Be prepared to change your sexual behavior if you are engaging in high risk behavior.
Good luck.
