BY GERALD PALMER

We’ve recently had an influx of questions from people who are seeking advice on notifying their partner that they’ve had a positive test result.  So, with guidance from our medical staff and other experts, we’ve put together a partner notification tip sheet based on the most frequently asked questions.

Why should I tell my sexual partners about my positive result?
If you have an STD, there is a good chance that your recent sexual partners are infected too.  It will be important for them to get tested so that they can know their status, get treated and prevent further transmission. Talking honestly with current or potential sexual partners about a positive STD result can be tough, but telling your partner shows them that you respect and care about their health.

Although they may initially be disappointed, shocked or even angry, disclosing a positive STD diagnosis will help protect you from being re-infected and protect your partner from the consequences of an untreated infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) that may lead to infertility. Being honest and upfront with your partner gives them the opportunity to make the appropriate choices to protect their sexual health.

How do I tell my partner I have an STD?

Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can regarding your positive result from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or give us a call.  Our health care providers are here to help.  You will feel a lot more in control of the situation as you learn about your diagnosis.  You’ll be able to answer your partners initial questions and will have resources to share in case he/she has questions you can’t answer.

Timing is everything: You definitely want to have this conversation face to face – no texts, e-mails or voice mails. You also want to avoid sharing this information when you and your partner are in a sexual situation.   Find a time and place where you can give each other your undivided attention and you have enough time to fully explain and discuss the situation. If you are concerned that your partner may react negatively, choose a safe, public location to share the news.

Start the conversation: “I’ve tested positive for [STD]. You should get tested to see if you need treatment too”.

Give your partner all of the information you’ve learned. Let them know which infection they may have been exposed to, encourage him/her to complete an STD test even if there are no symptoms present, and note the importance of getting tested as soon as possible. The longer they wait, the greater the chance for complications to arise. Sharing your testing experience or offering to go with your partner may ease some of his/her anxiety about the situation.

Prefer to notify your partner anonymously?

You may be able to get help from a local physician, hospital or county health department. Many healthcare providers are willing to confidentially contact former partners on your behalf. Talk to your health care provider about this option or find your local health department.

There are also notification options using eCards. You’ll need to supply the name of the STD your partner may have been exposed to. The card will inform your partner of the situation and provided information about the condition and local testing and treatment options.

Need more advice?
For more resources about talking to your partner, call the CDC National STD Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 232-4636.

If you have any questions, contact one of our counselors at (888) 215-9543.  We talk to people who have these kinds of questions and more every day.  As always, we’re here to help.

BY MICHELLE SOBEL

Greek mythology is full of sex.  Zeus was notorious for his love affairs, conquests, infidelities and nymph seductions.  Likewise, myths about herpes have been long-lived, undoubtedly spawned during ancient times.  We’re here to present the facts about herpes and unwind the myths.

Here are the facts.

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2 is a chronic infection that can cause genital sores.
• Evidence has shown that it can make those infected with genital herpes 2 to 3 times more likely to acquire HIV if exposed.
• 16% of the U.S. population has genital herpes, many of whom are unaware they’re infected.
• It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of the people who have genital herpes are undiagnosed and may be passing the virus to others unknowingly.
• The only way to know if you are infected with genital herpes is to get tested.

Here are the myths:

Myth #1 Once you have herpes, you’ll have itchy rashes forever.
Not true. You may have an outbreak of itchy sores, but it does go away. Some people get occasional outbreaks. And some people live with herpes without any signs, itching or symptoms at all.

Myth #2 You can catch herpes from toilet seats.
It’s highly unlikely. The microorganisms that cause genital herpes can’t survive outside the human body on a surface like a toilet seat for very long.

Myth #3 If your partner gets herpes, he or she must be cheating.
Don’t jump to conclusions on this one. Your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse may have been infected for years and not have known it due to mild or no symptoms.

Myth #4 People with herpes can’t give blood.
According to the American Red Cross, people with genital or oral herpes may donate blood as long as they’re feeling healthy and don’t have any other restricted infections.

Myth #5 People get herpes from sleeping with too many people.
While having unprotected sex with multiple partners raises your risk for contracting an STD, it only takes one unsafe exposure to contract genital herpes.  Having herpes is so common.  It doesn’t say anything about a person’s promiscuity.

Myth #6 You can’t have sex again if you have herpes.
Of course you can have sex again if you have herpes.  There are ways to manage outbreaks and ways to protect from transmitting the virus.  It’s not a life sentence of celibacy.

Myth #7 My doctor routinely screens me for herpes.
No she doesn’t.  There are no current guidelines for routine herpes testing.  If you want a herpes test, you need to ask for one.

Myth #8 You can’t get herpes from oral sex.
Herpes is spread from skin to skin contact.  Even if your partner isn’t having an outbreak, it’s possible to transmit the virus.  Unless you’re using a condom or dental dam during oral sex, you’re not practicing safer sex.

Myth #9 It’s shameful to have herpes.
This is the myth we’d most like to bust.  Herpes is incredibly common.  Let’s stop stigmatizing this common virus.

Myth #10 When you have herpes, you know it.
80% of people living with herpes don’t know they have it.  Symptoms may not appear or can be very subtle.  The only way to know if you have herpes is to get tested.  If you’d like to know if your status, get tested.  We can help.

BY SU McFAY, R.N.

We come across a lot of interesting stories at the Unzipped news desk, but this one wins the week.  In a weird twist of life imitating art, teenagers are literally biting each other as a way to express affection.  Call it the “Twilight” zone.

Sucking blood is also described as a way to “mark” a loved one.  Some teens are cutting themselves and letting others taste their blood, as a means of being “connected eternally.”  You know, like vampires.

But, we’re not vampires.  We’re humans.  Our bites are notoriously infectious and frequently under-managed.  Approximately 10-15% of human bite wounds become infected.  And the possibility of transmission of disease through human bites is real.  Of the sexually transmitted infections, human bites have been shown to transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis.   While there is evidence to suggest that it’s biologically possible to spread HIV through human bites, the risk is low.

Teens -  there’s just no safe way to experience this hot new blood-sucking trend.  You can play on Team Edward or Team Jacob, but when it comes to your health, play safe.

• I’m not a blood sucker, but am I at risk for having an STD?

BY ADRIENNE DeLUNA

“So…my condom broke last weekend. I’d probably know if I had something by now, right?”
If only it were that easy.
“My partner said they tested negative for everything, so that means I should be good to go.”
Sorry. Not true.
“If he wasn’t experiencing any symptoms, I can’t get anything passed to me.”
Nope, that’s not right.
“I don’t have any of the symptoms I’ve researched online, so I should be clean, right?”
Sorry, again.

Welcome to the most common questions our counselors hear every day.  If you’re wondering the same things, you’re not alone.  The thing about STDs – and why they’re so common – is that people don’t think they need to get tested.  Your date looks “clean” and you know you don’t show any symptoms of an STD, so there’s no harm with a little unprotected sex, right?  No.  You have no idea if you or your date has an STD unless you’ve been tested.

We get asked these questions so often, we felt the need to pass this bit of information to you.

• There are 19 million new cases of STDs in the U.S. each year.
• The two most common STDs (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) show no symptoms for 50-75% of the people who are infected. This means you may be infected, and in turn, unknowingly pass the STD to your partner.
• And Herpes? It’s estimated that only about 20% of those who have herpes are even aware they have it.

It also only takes one time of having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex to get an STD. One time! It doesn’t matter if it was for a minute, or for an hour. (and no, oral is not safe –we’ll dive into that one another time.)

We know this isn’t an easy thing to do, so we make getting tested easy. There’s no undressing, swabbing, or answering any embarrassing questions. Get your results (and peace of mind) in 2-3 business days, and enjoy your sex life without the anxiety.

Still confused or have more questions? Give us a call, that’s what we’re here for. 888-215-9543.

• Want to get tested today?  Start here.
• More questions?  Check out the FAQ.

Before you toss your little blue pills, the researchers at Harvard did not discover that Viagra and other ED drugs cause sexually transmitted diseases.  They don’t.  They do what they are designed to do — help men achieve erections strong enough for sexual intercourse.  What the researchers did discover, however, was that men who take Viagra, Cialis and the others tend to engage in riskier sexual behavior.  In fact, according to the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, men who were prescribed ED drugs are 2 to 3 times more likely to contract an STD, particularly HIV or chlamydia, than men who aren’t popping Viagra.

Earlier research has found that men aged 50 and older are less likely to use a condom and less likely to be tested for HIV compared with people in their 20s.  It’s not hard to understand why this trend is happening.  “We are typically unaccustomed to practice safe sex over the age of 50, because the risk of pregnancy is eliminated,” study lead author Dr. Anupam B. Jena of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Viagra.  Meet Trojan.  Trojan?  Meet Viagra.  Guys — we’re happy you’re enjoying great sex, but please stay safe.  And if you haven’t gotten your routine STD or HIV test, we’re here to help.

• Are you at risk?  Get a Free Test Recommendation.
• Get tested for the 8 most common STDs today.
  

Unzipped has just learned that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath end every tour the same way.  Do they enjoy a feast of bats?  Drink the blood of virgins?  Maybe.  But that’s not news.  Ozzy writes in Britain’s Sunday Times Magazine that he and his bandmates end every tour with a visit to an STD clinic for testing and treatment.  A life of rock and roll has health consequences, but we have to say that we’re sincerely heartened by this story.  And we’re sure that Sharon feels the same.

• Learn about how private STD testing works
• Think you can tell an STD Fact from an STD Myth?
  

Weigh the facts.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2006 only 21% of those surveyed said they’ve been tested for HIV in the last 12 months. And of those 21%, only half asked to be tested.  In 2006, the CDC released new U.S. guidelines recommending routine HIV screening of all adults in health care settings.  The national trend is moving toward eliminating any barriers to HIV testing so more people can be diagnosed earlier.  Earlier diagnosis yields better prognosis.  With early detection, there are fewer hospitalizations and better quality of life.  Also, early diagnosis yields fewer secondary HIV transmissions — prevents spreading to others.

The CDC recommendation is only a recommendation and not a requirement.  Universal HIV testing is not yet part of the American medical culture. We, as individuals, have to speak up and take control of our sexual health.  That’s why we’re providing a free HIV test with every 8 Test Panel from June 27 thru July 3.  Tell your loved ones, your friends, and everyone else you care about.  And if you have any questions, as always, give us a call.  We’re here to help.

• Get Tested for HIV
• Learn more about HIV
• Learn how private testing works

Gossip blogs lit up this week with talk about the reality show “Jersey Shore”, quoting the show’s creator about the STD status of the cast.  In a round-table discussion of reality show, Sally Ann Salsano was quoted to say, “We hand [Valtrex] out like M&Ms! ‘Hey kids, it’s time for Valtrex!’ It’s like a herpes nest. They’re all in there mixing it up.”  Herpes nest?  While it’s not difficult to imagine the fist-pumping, hard-partying cast with names like Snooki, The Situation, and J-WOWW behaving irresponsibly, we’re not thrilled with the stigma surrounding herpes that continues to get played out in the media.  Here are some facts:

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections around the globe.
• The vast majority of people living with herpes don’t know it.
• Multiple studies have shown that Herpes 2 infection increases the risk for HIV infection by at least twofold
• It’s spread by skin-to-skin contact, so you don’t necessarily have to have intercourse to spread it or catch it
• There’s no cure but there are anti-viral medications available to manage it and live a happy, active life

The only way to know if you have genital herpes or any other STD is to get tested.  The continual negative messaging around sexual health and stigmatizing herpes doesn’t help.  After the show’s creator blasted about “herpes nests”, the cast felt the need to tell the press that they don’t have herpes.  Your sexual health is private.   Know your STD status.  Share this private information with your partners.  No need to alert the media.  That’s the Situation.

• Find out more about private herpes testing
• Top 10 STD Myths

“I feel fine.”  “I’m sure it’s nothing.”  “It’ll go away on its own.”  “I don’t have time to go to the doctor.”  If you’ve put off going to the doctor until something is really seriously wrong, you’re not alone.  1,100 men were recently polled about their reluctance to go to the doctor.  Turns out that even under the best circumstances when men have health insurance, have a primary care doctor that they feel comfortable talking to, 58% say that something keeps them from actually going to the doctor.

Why?  What is stopping us from going to the doctor to get screened for cholesterol, high blood pressure, and (yes) STDs?  Could it be that it was always our mothers (or our spouses) who pushed us to go to the doctor and we just don’t like to get pushed to do anything?  Probably.  But the fact is, most STDs don’t have symptoms so there are no major warning signs.  You can have an STD and not feel sick or notice anything on your body that’s different.  And unlike a bad flu or a sprained wrist, you can’t “shake it off” or “tough it out.”  If you don’t know you have an STD, it could lead to complications.  Our advice?  Get an STD test, find out if you need to take care of anything, and get it done.  Otherwise, you’re just playing tricks on yourself.

Look, it’s understandable that we don’t want to go to the doctor to talk about personal issues related to our sexual health.   Convenience and privacy are fundamental to getting tested for HIV, herpes, chlamydia and other STDs.  And if there’s a positive test result, doctors are available by phone seven days a week for consultation and treatment.  You know you want to get an STD test, but you don’t want the hassle.  That’s why we’re here.  Welcome to the sexual health revolution.

But we’re products of our puritanical culture – a culture that believes in the equation “sex = bad + disease = punishment”.  We’ve sinned by having sex and punished with an STD.  The deep shame this cultural attitude spawns prevents us from talking to our doctors and getting screened and, in turn, prevents us from preventing serious health risks.  In short, this is the thinking that leads to 19 million new STD cases a year and millions more going undiagnosed.

When we associate STDs with blame and shame, it’s no wonder that people aren’t getting screened and, more importantly, treated.  Dr. Abigail Zuger, an infectious-disease physician in Manhattan, wrote a great essay in The New York Times recently. She points out that historically we’ve always associated disease with blame. “Centuries ago we burned witches and torched infidels for poisoning our wells; diseases were the fault of our enemies (in the 15th century, syphilis was simultaneously the Italian disease in France and the French disease in Italy).”  The fact is, the rate of STD infection is alarmingly high.  And why is that?  In part, as Dr. Zuger points out, generations of Americans have now grown up believing that sensible, good people “play safe,” implying that if you catch a sexually transmitted disease, you are not sensible and reckless.  And you got what you deserve.

STDs are a fact of human life.  We can diagnose and treat them before they cause further harm.  Getting tested should not be a shameful experience but one that we can be proud of the same way we feel when we get our cholesterol levels screened and take other preventative measures to ensure our health.

From all of us, we at STD Test Express are here to help people save lives.  It’s time we stop covering our mouth, our eyes, and our ears and start covering our private parts with condoms!

We’d love to hear from you!  Tell us what’s on your mind.