Episode 315: My Partner Has an STI. What Do I Do?

Aug 2, 2024

Navigating conversations about a partner's STI can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to maintain a positive dialogue while addressing the stigma surrounding STIs. The complexities of relationships with STIs, like HSV, HPV, or HIV, are discussed, offering insights into communication strategies. Additionally, discover the importance of HPV vaccination and resources for managing sexual health. The conversation emphasizes empathy and understanding during these sensitive disclosures, turning potentially challenging moments into opportunities for connection.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Navigating STI Disclosure in Relationships

02:53 • 21min

Navigating HPV Vaccination: Accessibility and Recommendations

23:48 • 3min

Navigating Relationships with HIV: Understanding Prevention and Communication

26:35 • 4min

Essential Resources for Understanding STIs

30:19 • 2min

Imagine for a moment that your partner told you they had a sexually transmitted infection. What should (and shouldn’t) you say or do in that situation? That’s what we’re going to be talking about in this episode: tips for navigating a partner’s STI disclosure. Some of the topics we’ll explore include tips for keeping the conversation productive and not perpetuating STI stigma, how to manage a relationship where one partner has an STI and the other doesn’t, and what it means when someone in a long-term relationship suddenly tests positive for an STI.

I am joined once again Dr. Kayley McMahan, a sexual health scholar and educator. She serves as the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she also teaches an undergraduate Human Sexuality class. Kayley recently co-authored a comprehensive review article in the Journal of Sex Research focused on STI disclosure.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

When a parter discloses an STI, how do you keep the conversation positive and productive?
How do you manage a herpes, HPV, or HIV infection in dating and relationships?
Does a partner suddenly testing positive for an STI necessarily mean they were cheating?
Where can people go to learn more about managing and treating STIs?

You can find out more about Kayley here and connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.