I have an STI. What do I do now?

If you’ve just found out that you have an STI, you may be trying to figure out what to do next. Here are some most important steps that you can take:

1. Stop: Stop engaging in sexual activities that put your partner(s) at risk of getting your infection.
2. Doctor: Have a chat with your doctor and determine the best course of actions for your infection. There are 2 types of STIs: those that can be cured and those that cannot be cured but can be managed.
3. Inform partners: Tell your (ex)partner(s) about your condition. Then your partner(s) can get tested and treated. Otherwise your partner(s) can have an STI without knowing it and pass it on to others. Otherwise your partner can have an STI without knowing it and pass it on to others.
4. Complete treatment: Do not have sex until your treatment is complete. You can pass on an STI from the moment you get infected until the treatment is completed. 
5. Be safe: Do not go back to engaging in risky sexual activity like not using a condom during anal and vaginal sex. 
6. Protect yourself and others: If your STI cannot be cured, take all precautions like staying on treatment and using a condom during sex to minimize the risks of infecting future partner(s) and make sure to inform them of your condition. And take care of yourself.

Prevent: Even if you are cured, start using appropriate precautions such as using a condom and get tested whenever appropriate.