Have you tested positive for an STI? First, take a calm breath out. A positive STI result can feel intense, but it isn't a disaster and certainly no reason for shame. Most STIs are treatable, and many are fully curable. In this article we walk you through, calmly, what a positive result means and which steps can help you now.
You are far from alone. An STI is simply something people who have sex can get.
What does a positive STI result mean?
A positive result means the test found traces of a particular STI. It says nothing about you as a person, and nothing about how or from whom you got it. It is a medical outcome, no more and no less.
According to RIVM, STIs are common in the Netherlands and the number of diagnosed infections is still rising (RIVM). You share this with a great many others. A positive result is mainly a starting point: you now know where you stand and can do something about it.
Some people notice little or nothing of an STI, while the test is still positive. That is normal, and it is exactly why testing is so useful. The fact that you now have a result means you are one step ahead.
Is an STI treatable?
In most cases, yes. Common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are usually treatable, often with medication. STIs you can't fully clear, such as HIV or herpes, can these days usually be kept well under control.
Which approach fits you depends on the STI and your situation. That is exactly why your GP matters so much here. Thuisarts.nl explains that STI treatment is usually simple and works well (Thuisarts.nl).
We don't give treatment advice, that's always a doctor's job. But the good news is: there is almost always something that helps.
Many people are mostly startled by the word STI, while in practice the treatment is often easier than feared. You may get a short course and be done afterwards. How it plays out for you is something your GP can explain.
What is the first step after a positive result?
The first step is to take a breath, then contact your GP for treatment. You don't have to figure anything out on your own. Your GP looks at your result, discusses the options and arranges suitable treatment where needed.
A calm, practical order that helps many people:
- Take a moment to settle. Read your result calmly and let the first shock fade. There is no rush measured in seconds.
- Contact your GP for treatment. This is where your result is assessed and any treatment is started.
- Think about partner notification. Consider letting current or earlier partners know they may want to get tested too.
- Plan a retest where relevant. For some STIs a doctor may later advise a follow-up test to check the treatment worked.
You don't have to do everything at once. One step at a time is enough.
How do you tell your partner(s)?
Partner notification often feels awkward, but it is a caring step. By letting current or earlier partners know, they can get tested and treated if needed. That way you help not only yourself, but them too.
You don't have to do it perfectly. A simple, honest message is enough: you tested positive, and it would be wise for them to get checked too. Soa Aids Nederland has practical tips for this and even offers anonymous ways to warn a partner (Soa Aids Nederland).
Find it daunting? Feel free to ask your GP for help with how to approach it. You really don't have to do it alone.
Remember too that notifying a partner isn't about blame. It isn't about who caused what, but about giving each other the chance to stay healthy. Most people respond more kindly than you expect beforehand.
Do you need to test again after treatment?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. For certain STIs a doctor may advise testing once more after treatment, to confirm the infection has cleared. Whether that applies in your situation is best discussed with your GP.
It also helps to keep the window period in mind: the time after a risk contact when an infection isn't always reliably detectable yet. If you're unsure about the timing of a new test, a doctor can help you with that.
Want to understand how waiting for a result works? Read how long you have to wait for an STI result.
How does this stay private?
A positive result is yours, and you decide who knows. With a home test your result sits in a secure environment only you can open, and it isn't automatically shared with your employer or health insurer.
If you see your GP for treatment, the diagnosis does go into your GP file. That file is protected by medical confidentiality. Want to know more, read whether an STI test goes into your medical record.
So your privacy stays in your own hands.
Onward calmly, step by step
A positive STI result is not an endpoint, but a starting point. You now know where you stand, and with the right help you almost always move forward. Take a breath, contact your GP for treatment, think of your partner(s) and plan a retest if it's needed.
Want to better understand which test measures what? See our guide on which STI test you need and when. Unsure about the symptoms of a specific infection, read more about chlamydia symptoms and how to get checked. And if you want broad testing, you can choose a full STD screen.
Sources
- RIVM, STIs and HIV: rivm.nl/soa
- Soa Aids Nederland, STI testing and partner notification: soaaids.nl/nl/soa-test
- Thuisarts.nl, I want to know if I have an STI: thuisarts.nl/soa
Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
الكاتب