It isn’t easy to talk openly about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially when you’re the one who has an STD. Can you imagine trying to tell your boyfriend or girlfriend that you have an STD? And if you have to tell your partner that you have an STD, you can’t help but be afraid of how he or she will react. Is he going to tell anyone? Will she want to be with you after finding out you have an STD? As difficult as it may be, telling your partner is way better than not telling him or her. Wouldn’t you want your partner to be honest with you?

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Trust and honesty keep a relationship strong. I’m sure your partner would trust you to be honest with him or her. When you’re in a sexual relationship, having an STD is no longer just about you. You’re putting someone else that you like or possibly love at risk.

Every year close to four million teens ages 15 to 19 are infected with an STD. The crazy thing about it is that most of them don’t even know. If you know you have an STD, open your mouth and say something to your partner. Don’t you owe them that much? Get the facts about the STD you have and make sure you get treatment. Call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to find a clinic near you.

Once you get treatment, you’ll be ready to have a difficult, but necessary, conversation with your partner. Here are some tips:

• Practice what you’re going to say to your partner. Yeah, it sounds cheesy, but it will help when you finally have the talk. Know what you’re going to say before you say it—whether you’re going into the relationship with an STD or you contracted it while with your partner.
• Sit your partner down and be prepared to share the facts, face to face. Choose a time when he or she isn’t distracted and can really listen to what you have to say.
• Be ready for anything, since you don’t know how he or she will react. He or she may need time away from you to think about what you’ve said. Or maybe your partner will be angry. Either way, let your partner feel whatever he or she feels. Once that blows over, you can talk about what to do next.

Part of being mature is being honest, even if it means your partner might want to break things off with you. And who knows? Maybe this experience will make your relationship stronger. Looking at yourself in the mirror and knowing that you did the right thing for you and your partner is the only thing that should matter.