From the toilet seat to kissing to unprotected sex, the tales we've been told all our lives can be confusing, and their accuracy questionable. This section deals with the myths and realities that surround STDs.

Q: Do I have to tell my partner(s) I have an STD or HIV?
A: The short answer is yes, you should discuss having an STD with your partner. You can explain to them what you understand the risks to be and options for having sex safely. While it may be tempting to withhold information, the honest and respectful thing to do is TELL YOUR PARTNER. Remember, just because your partner does not tell you that they have a STD, it doesn?t mean they are not infected. Many people do not even know they have an STD.

Q: How do I tell my partner I?m having sex with someone else?
A: It is best to tell your partner sooner rather than later. Some people get an STD check before they tell their partner (Remember, this is not a guarantee that you don?t have a STD). Here are some suggestions:
1. Don?t down play what happened.
2. Make sure there is enough time to talk about what happened.
3. Be honest.
4. Be prepared for an angry reaction.
5. Be aware that your partner may wish to end your relationship.
6. Professional counselling may help to rebuild trust.

Q: How safe is oral sex?
A: Many STDs can be passed by oral sex including chlamydia, warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, and syphilis. Precautions such as dental dams and condoms are an important part of a safer sex routine.

Q: I do not want to be gay. How do I change my sexual orientation?
A: You cannot change your sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to the sex of the persons to whom you are attracted. Some people are attracted to the same sex, but have sex with the opposite sex. Their sexual orientation remains the same, but their behaviour has changed. Others who are attracted to the same sex enter a heterosexual marriage in an attempt to ?cure? themselves of their homosexual attractions. This does not work. People often remain unhappy and continue to have same sex relationships secretly. If you have questions about sexual orientation, you can talk to someone who specializes in counselling on sexual matters.

Q: What is a reportable infection?
A: One way to help stop the spread of STIs is by informing those who have had sexual contact with someone testing positive for a STI. This is called "contact tracing" or "partner notification". In BC, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are reportable infections. When there is a positive lab test for any of these infections, sexual contacts must be notified in order to help stop the spread of infections. A medical professional diagnosing one of these infections, is required to report this infection to the medical health officer in the province. Either they will follow up with partners or ask a public health nurse to follow-up. For other STIs, it is your responsibility to tell all of your sexual partners. If an infection is found in someone who has a regular partner, both partners must take their antibiotics for infections at the same time or stop all sexual contact until both partners have completed treatment. If a partner is left untreated, you can get the same infection again within a week. The antibiotics you have taken do not give you immunity from the infection. When people are notified that they have been a contact to a sexually transmitted infection, they need to seek testing and treatment right away.