If you were diagnosed with an STI that you believe was given to you by your current partner, how would you begin a discussion of STIs with him or her?

Chapter 18 Assignment -Facts About Sexually Transmitted Infections

Familiarize yourself with different types of sexually transmitted diseases by completing the
chart below.

• Early Signs and Symptoms (in men and women)

• Effects of Long-Term Untreated Infection
• Diagnosis, Treatment, Curable?
HIV infection:
Hepatitis B:
Syphilis:
Chlamydia:
Gonorrhea:
Pelvic inflammatory Disease:
Genital warts:

Herpes:
Trichomoniasis:
Genital Candida (yeast infection):
Pubic lice:
Scabies:

The time to think about prevention of STIs is before you have sex. Caring about yourself and
your partner means asking questions and being aware of signs and symptoms. Talking about
STIs may be a bit awkward, but the temporary embarrassment of asking intimate questions is a
small price to pay to avoid contracting or spreading disease.

1. List three ways to bring up the subject of STIs with a new partner. How would you ask
whether or not he or she has been exposed to any STIs or engaged in any risky behaviors?
(Remember that since many STIs can be asymptomatic it is important to know about past
behaviors even if no STI was diagnosed.)
a.
b.
c.

2. List three ways to bring up the subject of condom use with your partner. How might you
convince someone who does not want to use a condom?

a.
b.
c.

3. If you had had an STI in the past that you might possibly still pass on (e.g., herpes), how
would you tell your partner(s)?

If you were diagnosed with an STI that you believe was given to you by your current partner,
how would you begin a discussion of STIs with him or her?