As long as you are sexually active, you should be regularly updated on your sexual health and do regular screenings, even if you are in a relationship. While having an exclusive partner limits your risk of getting an STD, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of contracting an infection entirely.
If you believe you have gotten an STD from your partner and are unsure of what steps to take next, here are some tips to help you
Go for a screening
If you are experiencing some STD symptoms, it is vital to get tested.
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain when urinating
- Unusual genital discharge
- Rashes or itching in the genital area
- Lumps or skin growths around the genitals
Some of these symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). To determine whether you have gotten an STD or have contracted something else, you should take an STD test.
Tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms, when you might have been exposed to it, and when your previous test was. The process is entirely confidential, and you should receive your results within a few days.
Consult a doctor
Most STDs, like gonorrhoea and chlamydia, are caused by bacteria and can be treated. All that is necessary is to take a round of antibiotics that kill the specific bacteria attacking your body, thus removing the infection from your body.
Another type of STD is viral STDs, which are caused by viruses. This category includes hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and SPV. While they cannot be cured, they can be managed: taking the right medication can minimise the prominence of symptoms and allow your body to handle the pathogen better.
If untreated, STDs can cause long-term health complications like infertility and cervical cancer.
Hence, you should seek a doctor to start treatment as soon as possible.
Refrain from having sex
You should avoid having sex until your doctor says it is okay, even if you and your partner are both infected.
One reason to be cautious is that re-exposure may lead to a flare-up in symptoms. Moreover, it is possible to be infected with multiple STDs; your partner may carry a second STD that you are at risk of contracting.
As STDs can infect the mouth, throat, and rectum, all kinds of sexual activity should be avoided, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
Talk about it
Getting an STD from your partner is an unpleasant experience you may not want to think deeply about. However, having an honest conversation about it will help you move forward as an individual and a couple.
Conducting in-depth research about how STDs spread before you have this conversation is also essential. This will allow you to detect any possible untruths your partner may provide so that you will not be manipulated.
Conclusion
Getting an STD from your partner is a confusing and distressing experience. When faced with such a situation, it is normal to feel unsure about your relationship and be at a loss for what to do next. If you find yourself in this position, try to stay calm and take the steps mentioned above.
For those looking for a place offering confidential STD testing in Singapore, visit Elyon Clinic, a women’s and men’s health clinic that provides various sexual health services. Contact us at https://elyonclinic.com.sg/ and schedule an appointment to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your partner today.
