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STI Awareness Week








Conversation Tips						Print
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										How to Start the Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider and Partner(s)Honest and open conversations, both with your provider and sexual partner(s), are an important part of keeping yourself and your partner(s) safe from infection.Partner(s) Conversation Tips:Don’t Avoid the ConversationTalk with your partner(s) BEFORE having sex so you can both make informed choices about your sexual health.Be Open and HonestBe clear with your partner about the number of sexual partners you have.Be UnderstandingBeing respectful and nonjudgmental can create the space for a more productive conversation, and if you want, lay the groundwork to keep those conversations going.Let Them KnowTell your partner if you have an STI, even if you’re currently taking medicine to treat those infections.Ask When They Were Last TestedFind out when they were last tested for STIs. You could consider getting tested together.Get your Conversation BadgeAdd the Conversation Badge to your dating profile to signal that sexual health matters to you.Illustration of a cell phoneHealthcare Provider Conversation Tips:Illustration of a married coupleFind the Right Healthcare ProviderIt’s important to feel comfortable and heard, so take the time to find the right fit for you.Ask to Get Tested for STIsThe sooner you are treated for an STI, the less chance an infection will impact other parts of your health.Be Open and HonestKnowing your sexual history and any symptoms you have will help your provider to provide the best possible treatment.Don’t Be Afraid to Ask QuestionsThe more aware you are of how to prevent infections, the better prepared you will be.Consider Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)If you are concerned your partner has an infection, talk to your provider about EPT, allowing them to receive treatment without evaluation.Want more tips?See the National Coalition for Sexual Health’s guidance on questions you can ask your healthcare provider and what a provider is likely to ask you. Tips and conversation starters for different scenarios with partner(s) are also available (see “Talk about safer sex” section).The content on this page can also be syndicated (added to your website).
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  February 5, 2024						Source: 	Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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