It's Time to Stop STI Shame and Stigma

A brief reminder of STIs vs. STDs

STIs = sexually transmitted infections. STDs = sexually transmitted diseases. An STI is only considered a disease when it causes *symptoms.* Infections can lead to diseases, and typically a disease suggests that a person has a medical problem with obvious signs and symptoms. What's very important to note here is that many STDs are asymptomatic so the sexually transmitted virus or bacteria can be described as creating an infection which may or may not result in a "disease" – chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), to name a few.

The facts

50% of sexually active people will have at least one STI by age 25 and many STIs are on the rise. So why is there still so much shame and stigma around something so common?

Unpacking shame and stigma around STIs

Negative attitudes towards STIs continue to perpetuate silence in those who experience them. When we keep incredibly normal and common issues such as STIs in the closet, shame and stigma define the narrative. People who contract an STI may see themselves as unworthy of dating and relationships experiencing sexual pleasure in any way. At its worst, shame and stigma can drastically effect mental wellbeing.

Just as it's not right to shame someone for getting the Flu, it's absolutely not okay to shame people for having an STI.

Antidotes to STI shame

Self talk

YOU are not defined by your STI status (or your past, career, chronic illness, emotions, the list goes on...).You are worthy of every bit of connection, relationship and love you desire.

Language check

As sexual health educator, Jenny Waugh (@sexpositivesexed) says, “Clean & "dirty" are for dishes, not people." Having an STI does not make you a dirty person. Our society often associates people with STIs with words like "loose" or "damaged goods”. Stop 👏 slut 👏 shaming 👏 people 👏 with 👏 STIs! (@safe.slut has some fantastic content around this - very worth a follow).

Education

Know the facts: If everyone was educated in how STIs actually work and how common they are, there wouldn’t be such a stigma around them
Know the status: Most STIs are asymptomatic so the only way to know your status is to GET TESTED!

Conversation

In general: Shame dies when stories are told. The more we talk about it with people in our lives, regardless of our status, the more shame starts to peel away.
On apologising: Never apologise for having an STI: apologising implies you did something bad or made poor choices when really, you simply have a biological infection that could happen to anyone.
On disclosure: Remember that STI disclosure is a two way street: when you are disclosing your positive STI status, your partner's sexual health history is equally important. They might not have been tested and therefore not actually *know* their own status... which brings us to the most important point:

Resources and Citations