Receiving a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can be overwhelming at first. Along with the physical symptoms and treatment concerns, you may also feel uncertain about what your diagnosis means for your sex life going forward.
The good news: An STD diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of your sex life. And in many ways, learning more about your health and your habits can be an empowering experience that can help you protect your health — and the health of your partner — in the future.
At Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, board-certified OB/GYN DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, and her team offer confidential, compassionate STD testing and treatment, helping women and men get the knowledge and the tools they need to stay healthy.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an STD, here’s what you can do to restore your confidence and play a more proactive role in your sex life.
STDs don’t just involve your physical health — they can take a toll on your emotional wellness, too. After an STD diagnosis, many people feel an array of emotions, like regret, sadness, fear, guilt, and even self-loathing. That’s why it’s important to put your diagnosis into perspective.
STDs are extremely common, with infection rates rising over the past decade or so. How common? Researchers estimate that about half of all sexually active adults will have an STD by age 25.
Having an STD doesn’t mean you’re dirty, unintelligent, unattractive, or unlovable. In fact, most people find that when they take control of their sexual health, they feel more empowered and better educated — and often, they enjoy sex more.
The next step: Follow your treatment plan. Our team performs a series of tests and evaluations to diagnose your infection, so we can make sure you receive appropriate treatment.
Some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are curable with antibiotics. Others, like herpes or HIV, can’t be cured (yet), but they can be managed with ongoing treatment.
Following your treatment plan is essential for preventing complications and for keeping your partner healthy, too. That means taking all prescribed medications, attending all your follow-up visits, and following guidelines regarding when it’s OK to have sex again and if you need to take any additional steps to stay safe (like using condoms).
It’s normal to feel anxious, embarrassed, or even a little scared about sharing intimacy after an STD diagnosis. You may worry about rejection or feel unsure about how to discuss your diagnosis with your partner.
But as with any aspect of your relationship, honesty and openness win the day. Let your partner know you care about their health and well-being, and share what Dr. Taylor has told you about your diagnosis and your treatment.
Even though the conversation may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, open communication supports an environment of respect and trust that can lead to an even deeper bond in the future.
Like you, your partner is likely to experience their own range of emotions. Be supportive of their feelings and encourage testing so they can find out if they also need treatment. Work together to establish safer sex practices focused on preventing future infections while supporting greater intimacy and satisfaction.
Once you’ve completed treatment or started long-term management, protecting your sexual health becomes a regular part of life — for you and for your partner. Practicing safer sex means taking steps to avoid infections in the future, like using condoms or dental dams, even when symptoms aren’t present.
Regular STD testing is another critically important step, especially if you or your partner have multiple partners. Routine checkups allow for early detection and prompt treatment, preventing complications so you both stay healthy.
If you have a chronic condition, like herpes or HIV, you need to continue visiting Dr. Taylor on a regular basis for ongoing care. Through regular visits, Dr. Taylor monitors your health and helps you manage your symptoms, adjusting your treatment plan if needed.
An STD diagnosis can feel isolating at first, but it doesn’t define who you are, nor does it mean your intimate life is at an end. To learn how we can help or to schedule an STD test, request an appointment online or call us at Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, today.
