Someone I slept with is positive.
If a sexual partner has told you that they have an STI, you may be worried that you were exposed to the STI during penetrative or oral sex. If you share drug equipment, you may also have been exposed to certain STIs.
See a health care provider
If you have had penetrative or oral sex with someone who has an STI, see your health care provider as soon as possible. If your partner has tested positive for an STI, it is important that you also have STI testing. Depending on the type of STI, you may be given medications to prevent the STI whether or not you have symptoms.
Get treatment
Depending on the STI, you may be given medication to treat or prevent an STI. It is important to take all of the medication to make sure that the STI is treated properly. While taking medication, it important that you and your partner(s) do not have sex until each of you finishes taking all of the medication.
HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If your partner has HIV and you believe you may have been exposed to the virus, then there is medication that you must start within 72 hours which can reduce your chances of getting HIV. Talk to your health care provider about whether taking PEP might be beneficial for you.
Talk to someone who knows about STIs
Sometimes people will worry so much about having an STI that it interferes with their daily life. For example you may have trouble sleeping or you can’t stop thinking about having an STI. Some people have found that it can be helpful to talk to someone who is knowledgeable about sexual health. Your health care provider is a good source of information. You can also ask us questions, chat with a nurse online or call the Options for Sexual Health BC SexSense line at 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367).