Conversations about disclosing your STD to a partner.

Relating to your partner the STD can be terrifying. It is filled with awkwardness, embarrassment, and fear of the respondent's reactions. However, it remains one of the most important conversations you will have.

Get the Facts Before You Speak

Before jumping into relating the subject of the STD with your partner, know very well about your disease. Prepare well for demands—it shows that you take responsibility and maturity in going about your health. Important points of discussion should include an investigation on whether it mutilates treatment or not. Infected with curable STDs still poses a risk of re-infection, thus making revelation significant. To silence any legal storms, make sure to keep your partner posted in the case of lifelong conditions such as HIV, HPV, or herpes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been suggested that more than 50% of the population will contract an STD during their lifetime. Many STDs remain asymptomatic for prolonged periods, meaning that they may not be fully aware or conscious of their status. Even safe practices will not make one immune as there are some STDs that can spread through skin-to-skin contact; HPV is one of them. The prevalence of STDs is significant, much more than actually known, and infection may not always stem from risky behaviors or suspicious partners.

How They'd Get the News

Consider the degree of the STD. To aid the conversation, find a space where you can communicate this not in a bottle-kiss way but just in a test of compatibility based on trust. This disclosure of private and sensitive information will invariably increase levels of mutual emotional intimacy.

Pick a time when both of you are clothed, and doing something non-sexual may release some tension. You should prepare to give your partner an informational 101 on the STD: its transmission and consequences—regardless of their orientation or context. Misconceptions abound and please do note your partner may need facts.

You must steer clear of playing the blame game. It is often impossible or unproductive to trace back causes of STDs, as some require a period of dormancy lasting up to several years. Rather, the talk should revolve around how this will affect your future together. Some couples choose to manage risk through unprotected sex, while others do so by utilizing protection to prevent transmission.

If your partner reacts negatively, understand that they will need their space. Suggesting reputable website or a health clinic where a professional can speak with them would be suggested. They may need time to consider the information and understand the repercussions it holds for them. It is better for you to know that a deal-breaker would likely be a negative response sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

Remember, while a tough conversation, this is an essential step toward building trust and improving the health of a relationship.