What is an appropriate response to an STI disclosure?

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What is an appropriate response to an STI disclosure?

STIs, Herpes, Genital Warts, and Taking Control of Your Sexual Health

This episode was born from a real Instagram DM: "He says 'I have genital warts'—and I didn't know what to say." Because the truth is, nobody actually teaches us how to respond to an STI disclosure. Middle school warned us to avoid people with STIs, but what do you actually do in the moment? I went straight to the experts: sex educator Laureen HD and Melody G, creator of WTF is HPV?, for the conversation our sex-ed classes never had.

Today's Questions

  • What are the most common misconceptions about HSV and HPV?
  • Has COVID made us more open to discussing our sexual health and STI status?
  • What is a herpes outbreak like? What can you expect after a new diagnosis?
  • Can doctors determine which strain of HSV or HPV you have—and does it matter?
  • Should you ask to get tested for HPV? What about HSV?
  • Should you disclose your status, and if so, when?
  • What is an ideal response to a potential partner disclosing an STI?
  • Is it okay to turn someone down because they have an STI? What's a compassionate way to handle that?
  • What is the best way to disclose a positive herpes diagnosis?
  • Is it misleading to use the term "HSV" instead of "herpes"?
  • What encouragement would you give someone who feels they have to settle because of an STI?
  • How can you navigate dating with a positive diagnosis and not feel doomed?

Our Guests

Laureen HD
Sex educator and sexual health advocate empowering people to navigate their sexual health with confidence and without shame.
Instagram

Melody G
Artist, educator, and creator of WTF is HPV? — destigmatizing HPV through education and community.
Instagram

Featured Products

IHD (Innovative Health Diagnostics) — Convenient at-home STI testing. Use our link to get tested from home.
Semaine Health — Urinary Cleanse — Supplements for UTI protection. Use code TABU for 20% off.
Uberlube — Premium silicone lubricant. Use code TABU for 10% off at uberlube.com.

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