DEAR AUNTY VIC #7
Question: I have moved into the halls and discovered that I have an STI. I have slept with five guys since then, and I am worried it will cause a chain reaction.
Answer:
Over summer, I thought I had contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Whilst waiting for my test results, I found myself in a similar situation, having to confront the uncomfortable task of potentially speaking to my hot-girl-summer sexual partners.
It turned out to be a UTI. Nevertheless, my dear, It is time to face the music and do the right thing.
You must inform them. If you don't, you will trigger a chain reaction. The inter-floor sexfest will cause chlamydia to spread faster than the fresher flu. I know telling them can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. But remember, it's only awkward if you make it awkward. I suggest approaching the situation like ripping off a Band-Aid. Create a group text (not a group chat) and #SendIt.
"Hey, [insert partner's name here], just wanted to let you know that I got my usual STI test done last week,
and it turns out I tested positive for [insert STI]. No need to worry, though. I'm taking antibiotics and should be back to normal in a week. I just wanted to remind you to get tested too, for your peace of mind. I got tested
at the [insert testing facility], and everything was good. Sorry for bothering you on a Monday night,
but I thought you'd want to know. Let me know if you want to talk more about it. Catch you later xx"
You do not need to reveal how you contracted it, but it is critical to be empathetic and take responsibility.
In the halls, STIs aren't the only things that spread quickly—so does gossip. I understand the fear that if you told your partners, they would tell their friends, and suddenly you would have a fluorescent flashing sign above your head saying, "CONTAMINATED! DO NOT TOUCH!" On that, I call utter bullshit. Any person with a smidgen of respect would understand the delicacy of the situation and keep it to themselves. If they have contracted the STI, they won't go around broadcasting it to the world. If they do, then everyone will know they're also infected. Then, they're not only infected, but they're also a total prick. The natural whakamā around STIs will control the spread of gossip.
If it does impact your everyday reputation, try to be confident and brave. I cannot stress
how normal it is to contract an STI. If anyone says otherwise, call them out. If you're on a night
out, and someone says, "Heard you have chlamydia, Stella," I recommend the following responses:
"Yeah, Brad. Thank goodness I got tested, though, right? The antibiotics cleared it up in a week."
"Yeah, Brad. I do. When did you last get tested?"
"Heard you have a big mouth, Brad."
Truthfully, an STI is no one's business but yours and your partner’s. However, gossip spreads quickly. So try to remain cool, calm, and confident. If someone’s being an asshole about it, call them the fuck out. And remember, it’s one thing to contract an STI, but it’s a whole other thing to lie about it. Do the right thing, send that text, have the convo, and I wish you all the best.