Transparency is hot (and responsible)
Being on the receiving end of this kind of confession can be surprising, to say the least. Remember, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and several other STBBIs are treatable with antibiotics upon detection.
In this moment, what matters is that your partner is taking charge of their health… and choosing to talk to you about it. This type of revelation takes courage and shows that this person cares about your health. That deserves respect.
Even if the news catches you off guard, responding kindly, calmly, and without judgement is the right move. It not only makes navigating the conversation easier, but creates a safe environment where open, shame-free dialogue about sexual health is welcome.
Tip #1
Breathe
When it comes to STBBIs, not everyone is an expert. It’s normal to be surprised or worried after someone discloses their status.
The important thing is not to panic. You can even tell the other person who you need to take a few minutes to process.
Tip #2
Keep an open mind
Disclosing an STBBI status is rarely easy. Taking a moment to acknowledge that your partner had the courage to get tested and share the results with you is already a big step!
After all, being accountable for their sexual health is a sign of responsibility and a sign that they take your health seriously, too.
The better we respond to this news, the better we’ll feel if we have to tell others about our own positive result someday.
By developing a more open attitude around such diagnoses, we can also help reduce the stigma surrounding STBBIs, which helps slow their spread.
For more information on how to respond to a disclosure in a supportive way, check out this article from Club Sexu.
Tip #3
Your turn to get tested
If your partner has gonorrhea, then you have likely been exposed to the risk of transmission, even without showing any symptoms.
To ensure your peace of mind, make an appointment to get tested as soon as possible. That way, you’ll know for sure if you also need to seek treatment.
