Warn your partners
All too often, people who have an STI don't dare talk about it with those around them for fear of being stigmatized, and so don't inform their partners. This is annoying because it encourages the spread of STIs. A person who doesn't know they have an STI and has no symptoms isn't particularly worried and won't go and get tested quickly, while continuing to have sexual relations with other partners and therefore transmitting STIs to their other partners.
Warning your partners is the best way to break the chain of transmission.
First and foremost:
- There's no shame in catching an STI, you don't have to feel guilty about it. They're part of sexuality!
- We advise you to wait until you have received medical advice (screening or clinical examination) before telling your partners.
- Your partners will surely appreciate it if you tell them in person (face-to-face, by phone, message or email).
- It's often very difficult to know exactly who has infected whom. When you send a notification to your partners, you can't necessarily know who has contaminated whom. The most important thing is that everyone is tested and treated.
- If your partners have questions or need reassurance, you can direct them to prevention associationshealth professionals or the www.depistage.be .
- You can explain to your partners where and how you have benefited from screening and treatment.
There are many ways to talk about it, and it's up to you to find the one that suits you best.
by phone, by message, over a hot drink, ...
Before telling your partner, it's a good idea to ask yourself how you would take the news and how you would like to be told. This way, you'll be able to pass on the information with more kindness and empathy.
Despite these recommendations, if you are not able to notify your partners directly, we have developed a free and anonymous partner notification tool: SMS TEST.
