If you are diagnosed with an STI, it is important to let your sexual partners know.
People with STIs often don’t have any symptoms, so you might have passed the infection on to your sexual partners without knowing. Or they might have an STI they don’t know about and have passed it onto you and any other sexual partners they might have.
If left untreated, STIs can cause long-term health complications like infertility or serious infections requiring hospitalisation.
Most people like to be told in person. Discuss it when you are feeling relaxed and confident. However, there are other options.
Let Them Know (external site) is a useful website that allows you to send either personal or anonymous emails, text messages (SMS) or letters to your sexual partners to encourage them to get tested.
Similar sites which have been created specifically for Aboriginal people, include Better to Know (external site) and The Drama Downunder (external site) for men who have sex with men.
You can also ask your doctor for help.