The Importance of Disclosure: Talking About STIs for Informed Consent
This post is in response to some of the comments that my most recent reel received.
Do I to tell my partners that I…
•live with an infection that is treatable and manageable, but currently without a cure? (herpes, HIV, HPV, Hepatitis B) YES
•live with oral herpes (aka cold sores)? YES
•have not been tested for STIs, so I do not know my status? YES
•was tested and do not have an STI? YES
When I say that disclosure is for everyone, I mean it. Talking about our sexual Heath is an act of self-care, with ourselves and our partners. It is also necessary for informed consent.
Many times, people avoid the conversation because of a lack of knowledge, fear, or a feeling that they don’t have to disclose if they are not living with an STI (to their knowledge). Avoiding the conversation is one of the places stigma thrives.
*NOTE* There are nuances to testing (ex. What your provider recommends and advises, false negatives/positives, and asymptomatic infections) and relationship dynamics that this post may not capture. However, disclosing your STI status, whether positive or negative, is encouraged.