Only half of people with an STD would tell a new partner about their infection prior to sex Fear, ignorance, anxiety and lack of obligation motivate people to hide their STD People who do disclose tend to do so out of love, obligation or feelings of a strong relationship FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Only about half of people with a sexually transmitted disease would tell a new partner about their infection before having sex, a new review finds. Fear prevents many people from revealing their STD to a new sex partner, according to the combined results of 32 previous studies. Other reasons include believing that condom use provides enough protection; the lack of obligation that comes with a one-night stand; or anxiety over losing the relationship.
Some study participants even described “passing” as uninfected so they wouldn’t have to reveal their STD, results show. “Individuals diagnosed with STIs [sexually transmitted infections] may be in vulnerable positions and may face difficult decisions, the outcomes of which can be harmful to their identity and relationships. The process of disclosure is complex,” concluded the research team led by Kayley McMahan , a sexual health coordinator with the University of Tennessee.
About 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STD at any one time, with more than 26 million incidents reported to health services, researchers said in background notes. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have been at record levels and contin.
