Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common and most are treatable. It’s completely normal to feel stressed, embarrassed or upset if you test positive for an STI, but anyone can get one. There is really no need to feel ashamed if you do. 

Even if you have tested positive for an STI that cannot be completely cured, such as genital herpes, there are still loads of things you can do to manage and treat it. We will be there for you at every step. 

What’s more, we will not tell anyone you have been in to see us. No matter what your situation is we will never judge you. 

Firstly, try not to feel anxious. You’ve done the best thing you can do by getting tested. Now, you just need to take some steps to feel better.

Get treatment for your STI 

You may have been treated on the day you went to a clinic, for example if you needed a single antibiotic injection. 

If not, you should start treatment as soon as you can. That’s because some STIs can cause complications if they’re left alone.

That said, very few STIs need urgent treatment. So, try not to worry if you have not had treatment yet. Just get started as soon as you can.

To do this, you can: 

Tell your sexual partner, or partners

Our sexual health services are totally private so nobody will know that you have tested positive. But telling your sexual partner (and any recent sexual partners) if you are advised to is really important. This is so they can be tested and get treatment if they need it. Many people with an STI have no symptoms so they could have no idea they might be infected unless you tell them. 

We know telling your partner, or previous partners, about an STI can be tricky and awkward. Here’s how we can help: 

  • If you test positive through our services, you may get a call from us. We can contact previous and current partners by text for you without giving your name. 
  • If you’re being treated outside of our service, you can still contact us on 0800 328 3383, to ask about our text notification service.  

Do not have sex until it’s safer 

You should not have sex, even with a condom, until you have reached the point in your treatment when it’s safe to do so. Your partner must finish their treatment too. This can stop you infecting them again or catching it from them. 

The point when it is safer to have sex will vary with different STIs, so follow the advice you get along with your treatment. If you’re unsure about anything, at any time, just let us know. 

Protect yourself from getting an STI in the future  

The best way to avoid getting an STI is to use a condom every time you have sex or share a sex toy. 

If you are in a relationship, or start a new one, it’s a really good idea to use condoms until you have both had an STI test. If you do not have symptoms you can order a free online test to use in the comfort of your own home. If either of you have symptoms, it’s better to visit a clinic. 

We know that testing positive for HIV will come as a shock and can be really upsetting. While there is no total cure for HIV you are likely to live a long and largely healthy life if you start treatment as soon as you can. 
Please know that you are not alone. The specialist HIV teams in Derbyshire and Derby city are here to help you with ongoing support and advice, now and in the future. 
You can also get support and information from The Terrence Higgins Trust, which has a helpline and offers a live chat service.