Tested positive for an STI? Here’s what you should do

For most people, testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can feel daunting. You may be thinking ‘What do I do now?’, ‘Who should I tell?’, ‘How do I get rid of it?’. There are several sensible steps you should take following a positive STI test result.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of an STI. If you have tested positive, do not worry. The most important thing is that you decided to take responsibility and get tested. Once you have your result, you can then begin to take the necessary steps to protect your health.

1. Access treatment

All STIs can be treated and most can be cured completely with a short course of treatment. It is important to start treatment early to prevent more serious long-term damage to your health. Your Better2Know Doctor will prescribe the most appropriate medication for you. If you would like to discuss your diagnosis further with a Doctor, we can arrange an appointment for you.

2. Tell your partner(s)

If you have tested positive, your previous and current partners may also be at risk of infection. Many people find it difficult to talk about sexual health, so we created an anonymous way to break the news. With Better2Know’s Partner Notification System, you can alert any relevant partners about your test result by SMS or email. Think about who may have been at risk and let them know as soon as possible – it is the right thing to do.

3. Refrain from sex

It only takes one time to pass an infection to another person. You should avoid sexual contact or intercourse until you have successfully treated the infection. This way you will know you are not passing it on to anyone else.

4. Consider a ‘test of cure’ for your peace of mind

If you are particularly worried about your STI, you may wish to have a repeat test at the end of your treatment. Since medication is effective if taken correctly, this isn’t always considered necessary. However, for some people, a test of cure can increase feelings of certainty moving forward. The choice is yours.

We are here to help you

Better2Know are experts in sexual health. We can help you to minimise the impact that your STI has on your life. Click here to find out more about testing positive for each STI. Our dedicated Sexual Health Advisors are available 24/7 to support you with your test and results. Remember, it is always Better2Know.