Are e-cards an effective way to slow the spread of STDs?

Many health experts believe that it is crucial for individuals to tell their past sexual partners if they have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), since this is one of the most effective ways to prevent the unwitting people from transmitting these infections to others. However, telling someone that you have exposed them to an STD is not a conversation many people want to have.

Some websites allow users to send e-cards to their partners in these types of situations. While these internet-based services may relieve the anxiety that comes with face-to-face chats, many people say that they would not use e-cards to have such conversations, according to an article published by CNN Health.

The news provider cited a recent study, which found that only 6 percent of participants who had been diagnosed with gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis or HIV has used an e-card to inform their partners. Furthermore, 89 percent said they would rather share this information in a face-to-face manner.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 19 million new cases of STDs reported each year in the U.S.