By Jill Eversole in consultation with Bhupendra Sheoran, Executive Director of YTH.
When it comes to STIs, of course you want to encourage patients to get tested regularly (and to practice safe sex). But what if testing results in a positive STI diagnosis? You may be able to support your patient not only in getting further testing or treatment as appropriate, but also in notifying current and past partners. Online resources make it easier than ever to let partners know about a positive STI diagnosis, often while providing further information about that STI and where to get tested.
Why it matters…
While it can be uncomfortable to contact partners about STI exposure, it is incredibly important. Partner notification is a critical component of reducing the spread of STIs. Bhupendra Sheoran, Executive Director of YTH, says: “Partner notification is a valuable strategy for breaking the chain of STI/STD infection and reducing morbidity. With the Internet becoming a key platform for social networking and hooking-up, using online contact information is a critical method to make sexual partners aware of STD risk. Online partner notification does not replace but instead supplements traditional partner notification strategies and has the potential to make a significant impact in early detection, treatment and prevention of STDs.” If your patient is interested in notifying partners in person, you could refer them to this resource from The STD Project. Another option is for your patient to disclose their status using an online service.
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Jill Eversole, MPH, works on expanding education and access to birth control at the University of California, San Francisco with the Bixby Center’s Beyond the Pill Program. She is passionate about sexual and reproductive health, sexuality education, and contraceptive care. When not talking about all things birth control, you can probably find Jill reading in a cafe, doing yoga, or daydreaming about puppies.