Coping with an STI diagnosis

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions of people around the world, with the incidence of these infections increasing annually 1. Within Australia, some of the most common STIs include: herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), which is estimated to affect about one in eight adults (12 per cent) over 25 years 2, and chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which predominately affect individuals aged between 15 and 24 years 3,4. Many individuals consider themselves not at risk of contracting an STI due to these infections having a long historical association with deviant behaviour 5. This perception is particularly heightened in young people due to their general perception of invulnerability 5,6, which often hinders the thought of the possible consequences of engaging in high-risk behaviours such as practising unsafe sex 8. Due to these perceptions being diagnosed with an STI can lead to denial and non-disclosure of having an STI to sexual partners 9.