An STD Help Community

Hi everyone,
I am a sexuality researcher and have been studying the stigma that goes along with STIs for several years. Basically, what I've found so far is that there is an inaccurate stereotype of people who contract STIs, such as that they must be promiscuous or "dirty" or irresponsible. The truth is, everyone who has had intercourse is at risk for getting a STI; even people who have only had one partner and even those who used protection have contracted STIs. That doesn't mean that we still shouldn't use condoms and do other things to help reduce our risk. But it does mean that the stereotypes are inaccurate! Unfortunately, as a result of the stigma, people feel ashamed for having intercourse and getting an infection. Sometimes people even are afraid to get tested because they are afraid of what other people will think of them. But we would have no problems going to get tested if we thought we caught a cold from shaking hands with people - so why should we be afraid to get tested for STIs and take care of our sexual health? My goal is to reduce the stigma, help people see it as any other infection that they must deal with, and encourage people to take care of themselves. In the meantime, I think it is great that there are forums like this where people can ask questions anonymously!!

We agree with you fully. There is nothing wrong with being intimate with someone else it's part of being alive. What bothers me the most about the negative stigma are the health issues that may come about from not getting treated promptly. That's why we have our free STD clinics section. It's so very important and no one at those clinics will look down at you. They know it's just part of life.