How to notify a partner of an STI

How to notify a partner of an STI

What is partner notification?

When you find out you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), your healthcare provider should give you advice about partner notification. Partner notification just means letting sexual partners know that they may need to be tested and treated as well.

Why is partner notification important?

STIs may present without symptoms, so partner notification is an important prompt for people to access the care they need, and allow them to take action to reduce ongoing transmission.

There is no shame in having an STI. STIs are common; just like many other infections, they are part of life. The more we talk openly about STIs, the more we can reduce the stigma around them.

Letting partners know you have an STI demonstrates care and respect for yourself, your partners and the wider community. It empowers people to make informed decisions about their own sexual health.

How do you notify a partner on an STI?

Partner notification can be as simple as reaching out to current or past sexual partners and letting them know the name of the STI so they can follow up with their doctor. It’s helpful to reassure people that most STIs are curable, and all are treatable. You can discuss treatment and logistics, but you never deserve to feel shamed by anyone you are notifying.

How far back to go with notifying partners depends on the STI and when your previous STI screening was. If you’re not sure about timeframes, ask your healthcare provider or call the Sexual Health Info Link for advice.

If contacting sexual partners directly doesn’t feel like an option, there are other options.

You can send a text or email (personally or anonymously) through partner notification websites:

• Let Them Know (for a general audience)
• Better to Know (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities)
• The Drama Down Under (for gay, bisexual and queer men)

You can also ask for help from your healthcare provider or a social worker at your local Sexual Health Centre. If you are concerned that disclosing an STI could put you in danger, seek professional support and do whatever you can to protect yourself. You can do some safety planning using this tool and you can find a support service here.