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Moral and public health responsibility
Even though disclosing that you have an STBBI can be scary, it’s important to tell your partner(s) that you have received positive STBBI test results to reduce the risk of transmission:
Your partner(s) can then also get tested to determine if they need treatment.
If everyone is in the know, it will be much easier to implement protection strategies, such as abstinence until the end of treatment or using protection methods, such as condoms.
Even if it seems difficult to talk about it, you might feel better and even relieved afterwards!
You could say that there’s a moral and public health responsibility to inform your partners. This is why your healthcare provider may strongly encourage you to notify your previous partners.
If you need tips for disclosing positive STBBI test results to your partner(s), we invite you to read our article on the subject: Disclosing an STBBI Diagnosis: The Dos and Don’ts. Happy reading!
Legal responsibility
The only STBBI you are legally required to disclose is HIV: under criminal law, it is obligatory to disclose one’s HIV status before engaging in sexual activity when there is a “realistic possibility of transmission” of HIV.
To find out what constitutes the “realistic possibility of HIV transmission” and get information on the legal issues associated with nondisclosure, please visit COCQ-SIDA’s website.
Personal safety first
You don’t have to disclose an STBBI diagnosis if you believe that it could put you in danger or at risk of violence. First and foremost, you must ensure your safety.
If you anticipate a dangerous reaction, it’s possible to use anonymous resources to disclose your diagnosis, such as the HIV/AIDS Portal of Quebec, which offers an anonymous partner notification service.