Episode 314: How To Tell Your Partner You Have An STI

Jul 30, 2024

Discussing sexually transmitted infections with partners can be daunting. Many individuals find it challenging to disclose their STI status due to stigma and fear. Statistics reveal the prevalence of STIs among the population, highlighting the need for open conversations. Strategies for initiating this sensitive topic are presented, along with insights into emotional factors affecting disclosure. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding partner reactions to foster healthy communication and reduce stigma surrounding STIs.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Navigating STI Disclosure: Understanding Prevalence and Communication

03:27 • 2min

Understanding STIs: Stigma and Surveillance

05:18 • 4min

Understanding STI Disclosure: Factors and Stigmas

09:02 • 3min

Navigating STI Disclosure in Relationships

12:00 • 23min

Understanding Partner Reactions to STI Disclosure

35:05 • 2min

A lot of people find it hard to talk to their partners about sex in general. But discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) specifically can be even more challenging. It is such a fraught topic that many people who have STIs don’t even tell their partners. That’s why I’ve put together a two-part series for you on STI disclosure. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss how to tell your partner you have an STI. In the next episode, we’re going to explore what to do when your partner tells you they have an STI.

My guest today is 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:

At any given point in time, how many people have an STI?
How many people who have an STI actually disclose this information?
What are the main reasons people with STIs don’t tell their partners about their status?
When is the right time to tell a partner that you have an STI?
What are some strategies for bringing up the subject of STIs with a partner?

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.