Tested Positive for an STI: Here's What to Do Next

If you've just received a positive result for a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, you're likely feeling a mix of emotions. It's important to remember that you're not alone and this isn't a moral failing. An STI is simply a biological hazard of adult life, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites passed through sexual contact.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), more than one million curable STIs are acquired globally every single day. At Low Cost Health Clinics, our team is here to help you move forward with privacy, respect, and affordable care.

What are the first steps after a positive test?

The most important thing you can do right now is start your treatment immediately and follow your provider's instructions exactly. Many infections are asymptomatic, meaning they don't show any physical warning signs, but they can still cause long-term damage if they aren't treated.

To ensure you clear the infection and protect others, you'll need to follow these two essential rules:

1. Finish your entire medication course: If you're prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea, you must take every single pill. Don't stop just because you feel better or the symptoms go away; stopping early can lead to the infection coming back or becoming resistant to medicine.
2. Observe a seven-day pause: You'll need to abstain from all sexual contact for at least seven days after you and any partners have finished treatment. This gives your body time to fully clear the pathogen before you're active again.

Why is follow-up care so important?

Treatment is only the first half of the process. To stay healthy in the long run, you'll need to manage partner notification and schedule a follow-up visit. It's often the part patients dread most, but it's vital for breaking the chain of transmission.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024) strongly recommends that anyone treated for chlamydia or gonorrhea get retested three months after treatment. This isn't because the medicine didn't work, but because reinfection is incredibly common if a partner wasn't treated at the same time 

Our team makes this process easier by offering specialized HIV/STD screening and treatment that fits your budget. We can also discuss options like Expedited Partner Therapy, which may allow you to get treatment for your partner without them needing a separate clinic visit. 

You don't have to navigate this diagnosis by yourself. Taking quick action today protects your future reproductive health and gives you peace of mind. If you've received a positive result elsewhere or need to start treatment, contact Low Cost Health Clinics today to schedule a confidential appointment with our team.