If you feel a little nervous, even embarrassed, about talking with your partner about getting tested for STDs, that’s okay. Many people do! GYT has some tips that can help get the conversation started. It’s all about feeling confident in knowing that you are doing the right thing! Many people are happy to find out how supportive their partner can be and how this conversation can bring them closer.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO GET YOURSELF TALKING WITH YOUR PARTNER:

Get in the Know

Read up. Knowing the facts about STDs will make you feel more confident and help you answer any questions your partner might have. Check out GYTNOW.org for more about STDs and getting tested.

Time it Right

Plan the conversation. Start it when you have time and privacy, and, and before things start to heat up. Explain this isn’t about a lack of trust. You’ve been reading up and STDs are really common and most people who have one don’t know it. All STDs, including HIV, are treatable and many are curable, so it’s better to find out if you have one to get treated. come in with a goal — knowing what you want to get out of the conversation will make things go a lot smoother. If you have an STD, it’s important that you tell a new partner before you have any sexual contact with him/her—including oral sex. You may find it helpful to have some materials that you can give to your partner, as well as suggest a local health center where he/she can talk to someone about protection. He/she still also needs to be tested—and treated if need be.

Take Charge

Don’t wait for your partner to bring up getting tested. You may even find he/she is relieved that you started the conversation first. Nervousness is normal, so speak up! If it’s something more you might want to question how ready you really are to be having sex at all. In a healthy relationship you can talk about anything, including STDs and getting tested. It’s possible that you or your partner got an STD from an earlier relationship, so suggesting that you get tested together is not a sign that you don’t trust him or her. It is also not a sign that you have been cheating.

Try Saying Something Like

“I’m kind of nervous to put this out there… but i think it’s important that we go get tested together.”

“I heard that 1 in 2 sexually active people in the U.S. will get an STD by age 25 — and most won’t even know it. The only sure way for us to know is to get tested.”

Millions of People have to deal with STDs each year. You are not alone.

Listen

After you have said what you want to say, listen. But what if there’s no response? Just ask your partner what he/she thinks about getting tested. This will help you to know if you are in the same place. If your partner is reluctant to get tested you may want to consider whether this is a person you want to be in a relationship with. After all this is about your health. If your partner reveals that he/she has an STD, don’t jump to conclusions. Be supportive of whatever your partner does say and recognize that it was probably difficult for your partner to share. You should both still get tested and ask while at the health center about treatment and prevention options.

Make an Appointment–and Go!

GYTNOW.org offers an easy to use health center locator to find testing places in your area. You’ll get a list of local testing locations, including hours of operation and cost. If you’re concerned about cost, many sites offer free or low cost tests. You can also text your zip code to GYTNOW (498669) and get information sent directly to your mobile phone.

Still have questions about STDs and testing? Ask them at the health center. Use this as an opportunity to get answers! Also, ask when and how your test results will be provided and confirm if you need to follow up.

Discussing Your Results

Because STDs are so common, more regular testing is recommended for some STDs–for example, Chlamydia testing is advised once a year for all women age 25 and under who are having sex. If you start a new relationship get tested again. Your partner will appreciate it. And ask that they do the same.

If Your Results Come Back Positive

Rest assured that by finding out you have an STD you are protecting your health and your partner’s. Tell your partner—just as you expect him/her to be honest with you, you owe them the same. Complete all treatments prescribed to you , even if you no longer have symptoms or feel unwell. Wait to have sex until you have completed your treatment. When you do have sex, use a condom – when used correctly condoms are very effective at preventing many STDs, including HIV, as well as pregnancy. If you’ve had sex with other partners since the last time you were tested, they should also be notified since they too may be infected. STDs are not the end of the world. Getting yourself tested is the first step in protecting yourself, and others. GYT.