Talking about it is caring for others!
Discussing a positive STBBI result is nobody’s idea of a good time. You may be afraid of being judged or of the other person’s reaction, or you may just wish the problem would go away on its own.
Thing is, STBBIs don't just magically disappear. They require treatment…and a bit of courage to talk about.
By letting exposed partners know, you’re giving them the chance to get tested and care for their health.
Telling your partners isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s a way of saying, “I value your well-being as much as my own.”
Courage means doing the hard thing…even if it makes you feel anxious.
Want tips on sharing your results? Give this article a read.
Tip #1
Don’t worry about being perfect, just be honest
It’s only normal to feel discouraged or worry about how the other person will react, but some people might surprise you by being grateful that you took the time to let them know.
The more we take the drama out of talking about STBBIs, the more we break the taboos surrounding them.
The idea is to talk about it openly, without judgment. You could start by saying something like:
“I got tested and received a positive test result for chlamydia. Since we saw each other recently, I wanted to let you know so you can get tested, too.”
If you’re nervous, you can also add:
“I’m nervous about telling you because I care about you.”
Tip #2
Use your preferred method of communication
Share the news via text message, over the phone, or face-to-face. All that matters is that you share it however you feel most comfortable.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can always use the partner notification service on the Quebec HIV/Aids Portal to send a notification without revealing your identity.
