Sometimes when people find out they have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), they feel alone. But, the truth is that more than half of sexually active people will become infected with an STD at some point in their lives, even though most of them do not know they are infected. The good thing is that you do know, and now you can do something about it.

Learn the facts about the STD you have been diagnosed with. Sexetc.org and many other Web sites offer information about STDs and advice for telling a partner you’ve been diagnosed with an STD. Hotlines and support groups dedicated to helping people with the STD you’ve been diagnosed with can also be a great source of information and support. And you’ll see that there are lots of people out there just like you.

Having an STD does not mean that you should never have sex again, especially if it’s an infection that can be cured with medication. If you are still taking medication for a curable STD (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis or trichomonaisis), then it’s best to postpone having sex again, until you’re completely healed. It’s generally best to tell your partner about the STD, what your doctor says about how it can be transmitted and when your doctor says it's safe to have sex again. If you have an STD that can’t be cured (like herpes, hepatitis or HIV) and you're thinking about having sex, your partner(s) have the right to know the risks of having sex with you. No matter what, you'll need to practice safer sex, like using condoms and other latex barriers. Using latex barriers is something all sexually active people should be doing to protect themselves and their partners whether they know they have an STD or not. Latex condoms can protect against many STDs.

If you currently have a partner, who you’ve been sexually active with, he or she needs to see a doctor. Your partner also needs to use protection if he or she is having sex with other people, so the infection isn't spread. It doesn't matter if your partner is your current honey, a casual fling or someone you're no longer dating. You have to let him or her know about this infection.

Before you talk to your partner or anyone you may have had sex with while infected, know the facts. The other person will likely have questions, so know as much as you can about the STD. Then, think about what you want to say to your partner or former partner and practice it with a friend, a counselor or to yourself in front of a mirror. Then take a deep breath and talk privately to the person. Sylvia Mayorga's story, "How to Talk to Your Partner if You have an STD" may help you, too.

Many people will understand and be supportive. But some won't. Others might get angry. If you believe that your partner may become violent or put you in danger, then don't tell him or her face-to-face. Your safety is important. Make a plan to tell him or her in a way that puts you out of harm's way, such as telling him or her over the phone, via IM, e-mail or using the anonymous partner notification system at www.inspot.org.

Check out this FAQ about talking to your partner if you have an STD.