13 Tips for Love, Sex, and Dating as STI Positive
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are far more common than you might think. In fact, one in five people have had an STI in their lifetime, and it only takes one sexual encounter to contract an STI. And despite the name, it is possible to contract an STI through nonsexual contact.
But dating, love, and sex can still be fun, exciting, and fulfilling with a positive STI status. What's most important is to practice self-compassion if you're diagnosed, and practice safer sex to prevent spreading STIs to your partners.
We spoke with Dr. Gary Schoolnik, an attending physician in internal medicine and infectious diseases, about how to have a fulfilling sex and dating life with a positive status.
Schoolnik encourages people to understand that STIs are not only common, but many are curable. Getting regularly tested is the first step in preventing spreading STIs.
“First, STIs happen - they are common, and most are curable,” Schoolnik says.
