What would you tell a friend or loved one who suspected that she might have an STD but was afraid to get tested?
I would tell the friend or loved one that it is important to get tested so that she could (if she has an STD) get the proper treatment (if applicable). I would assure her that since she is sexually active, it is her responsibility to care for her body. Once she engages in any sexual activity it is the normal procedure to make sure of her total well being. I would try and alleviate her fears by telling her it is better to be safe than sorry, which is what I would tell her the moment I know she is active in the first place to prevent such fears of an STD. I talk to all my friends that are sexually active about STD disease prevention. I recommend condoms and other options of birth control and protection. The longer she waits to be tested, the more detrimental it is to her health.
2 comments:
I agree with you. I would do the same thing in that situation. At work we had an awkward situation. We have combined male/female units with times where it is physically impossible to know exactly what each one is doing (especially since we have no locks on the adult unit doors). Well, we had to people have sex, one of which had a STD. The woman was unaware of the man's STD. The man thought that it was not transmittable (though we informed him after the case that he was wrong). So, this woman had to be informed of her risk of infection. We knew of the possibility because of private health documents, she knew nothing because he never told her. Since it is inappropriate to have sex in the environment in which they were in, there were no condoms or protection available. She was someone that was indifferent about the chance of infection after she was informed. We encouraged her to get tested, but, who knows if she will follow through...
I agree with your strategies for keeping yourself and others free from STD’s, especially the idea that the longer someone waits the more detrimental it may be.
The fact that denial is often used for a coping mechanism helps us understand why sometimes people just don’t tell or do anything. When faced with the fears of having an infection or disease such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or a HIV, we might easily make the wrong decision if we are not well informed and educated. Topped with the added stress of a damaged relationship, an unsupportive partner, or the worst scenario, being left alone when your partner finds out.
While emotionally and physically debilitating, the knowledge doesn’t have to devastate.
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