An STD during your committed relationship
Discovering an STD while in a committed relationship can be a shock. You may wonder what this means for you and your partner. Does it mean someone has cheated? In this article, we discuss possible causes of an STD within a steady relationship and give advice on how to deal with it.
What does an STD mean within a relationship?
Getting an STD within a relationship often raises immediate questions. Many people automatically think of infidelity, but an STD does not always mean cheating. There are several scenarios in which an STD can occur in a relationship without cheating.
Old infection now coming to light
Some STDs, such as chlamydia or herpes, can be present in your body for a long time without causing symptoms. You can have an STD for years without noticing it. It is possible that an infection from before the relationship may now suddenly come to light through symptoms in your "new" partner, or through a recent test. So this does not necessarily mean that someone in the relationship has been unfaithful.
Complaints that arise later
Not all STDs produce symptoms immediately. Some infections can sit in the body for weeks, months or even years without symptoms. If you or your partner have symptoms now, the infection may have been there for a long time without your knowing it. It is important to realize that you can contract an STD without noticing it right away.
What to do if you have an STD within your relationship?
If you discover that you have an STD, there are a few steps you can take to best handle the situation.
Communication with your partner
It is important to talk openly and honestly with your partner. Getting an STD can bring up feelings of mistrust and uncertainty, but it is important to stay calm and not immediately accuse each other. Together, try to figure out where the infection may have come from and discuss how you will deal with it.
Get both tested
If an STD is discovered, it is wise that you and your partner both get tested. This helps not only to get clarity, but also to prevent further spread and alert other partners.
Treatment is important
Many STDs are treatable, especially if detected in time. See your doctor or an STD clinic to start treatment. This may include antibiotics or other medications, depending on the STD. It is important that both you and your partner complete the treatment before you have sex again without protection.
How do you prevent an STD within a steady relationship?
Preventing an STD within a relationship begins with good communication and having a test taken before sex has taken place and making arrangements for safe sex. Here are a few tips to help you avoid dealing with an STD.
Get tested at the beginning of the relationship
It is wise to get tested for STDs at the beginning of a new relationship, especially if you have previously had unprotected sex. That way, you and your partner can know with certainty that you are both healthy before you decide to have sex without a condom. You can easily get tested at OneDayClinic.
