Article: Getting a positive result back from an STD test can sometimes be an emotional experience. You may feel embarrassed, frustrated, sad, angry, or ashamed. You may not know what to do next. Having these thoughts is OK. Give yourself time to process your emotions. You don't have to feel bad for having an STD. You're already better off than you were before your test. Now, you know about it and can start getting treatment. Know that you are not alone if you get a positive STD diagnosis. Some STDs are extremely common. For instance, in the U.S., most sexually active men and women will get at least one case of HPV during their life. If you test positive for an STD, you have a responsibility to tell anyone that you've had sex with while you might have had the disease. This can understandably be an awkward experience, but it's a necessary one. By telling these people, you give them the chance to get tested themselves. If they have the disease, they can start treatment as soon as possible. If you test positive for a serious STD, like HIV, notifying past partners can be life-saving. Talk to your doctor about the results of your STD test. Usually, you will have the chance to do this when you receive your test results. A positive test will usually come with instructions to schedule an appointment. The quicker you start receiving treatment, the better the process of recovery is likely to be. Some STDs caused by bacteria, yeast, and parasites have "cures" that is, medicines that can make the disease go away forever. For instance, gonorrhea can usually be cured with antibiotics. However, STDs caused by viruses don't have cures. In some cases, you must wait for your body to fight off the virus on its own. In others, the virus stays with you for life, though treatment can make symptoms disappear and make it much harder to spread the virus. If you have an STD, it's your responsibility to notify any sexual partners prior to sex. Certain types of protection can help prevent the infection from spreading through sex. The easiest, most widely-available means of protecting against STDs is by using condoms. A male or female condom will greatly reduce the risk of giving your sexual partner an STD. However, this is only if it completely covers the infected area. Even condoms are not 100% effective, however, so it's important for both partners to make an informed decision before having sex. See our condom article for more information.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Give yourself time to deal with your emotions. Share the results with your sexual partner(s). Begin a doctor-recommended treatment plan. Prevent the spread of your STD if you have one.