An STD? Tell the people you have had sex with

Why tell someone you have an STD?

It's important that people you've had sex with know you have an STD. They can then get tested to see if they have the STD too and receive treatment if needed. Typically, the STD will clear up:

• They won't experience symptoms and won't get sick
• They won't transmit the STD to others
• They won't pass the STD back to you

Especially if you have HIV, it's crucial to disclose this information promptly. HIV can be more easily transmitted to others when it's newly acquired. Therefore, it's beneficial if the people you've had sex with can get tested for HIV quickly.

You might find it challenging to disclose that you have an STD. Remember, you would also want to know if someone you had sex with had an STD.

Tips on how to tell people (Dutch) 

Who do you tell that you have an STD?

Tell the people you've had sex with recently. How far back you need to tell people varies depending on the STD. Discuss this with your doctor or nurse.

How do you tell someone you have an STD? 

You can tell people you've had sex with in various ways:

• You can do it in person through a conversation. Or through phone call, email, or text message. Don't know how? Read tips on how to tell someone you have an STD on soaaids.nl
• You can send someone a message via partnerwaarschuwing.nl. They will then receive an SMS or email from the Public Health Service (GGD). And won't know it's from you if you don't fill in your name.

Telling without mentioning your name

Prefer not to personally disclose that you have an STD? You can also notify through partnerwaarschuwing.nl. You don't have to mention your name. Here's how it works:

• After receiving the result, your doctor gives you a code. If you don't receive it, ask for it yourself.
• You enter that code on partnerwaarschuwing.nl.
• There, you list the people you've had sex with recently and indicate which STD you have.
• They will receive an email or text message from the Public Health Service (GGD) informing them they may have an STD. Your name won't be included if you don't provide it.
• They can get tested for an STD at the GGD or their doctor's office.

Prefer not to do this yourself? Ask your doctor or nurse if they can assist.