Your STD / STI diagnosis does not define you!
Finding out about an STD / STI can be a really overwhelming diagnosis and there can be a lot of feelings associated with it - shame, sadness, anger, fear, etc. And all of those are natural feelings to have. But these diagnoses do not define who you are, what your worth is, how you will be loved, or where you can go from here.
If you need support through an STD/STI diagnosis or have an experience you would like to share, please post here!
Although I've never experienced this, I can imagine the feelings of shame for someone who has 
Like you said, it's very important to remember that it's not a permanent label on who you are. Hopefully we'll be able to support some people that may be struggling with this! 
@Emily619 as someone with a few STD's, ...the stigma can be crushing at times. I am HIV+, HEPATITIS B+, and HPV+. I am a 45 yr old Gay man. It has gotten a little bit better,but there is it of shame attached to it. Especially for someone like myself. I didn't even know I had all three, and was diagnosed with Hep B and HIV around the same time, and Anal HPV later on when warts appeared.
I have even been stigmatized by Dr's and nurses, believe it or not. I got these when younger, and I even believe I know who gave them to me. That's right 2 different men, that I was with, i believe one gave me Hepatitis B, and another HIV, just from one night with each.
I was promiscuous and didnt make them use protection during intercourse, but that was almost 15 years ago, and in no way defines who I am today. It's what i have.
@fairmindedSquare8440 - I'm so sorry that medical professionals stigmatized you, especially since those are the very people that we turn to for help with this sort of thing and should be able to expect non-judgmental and helpful treatment! But I am glad to hear you recognize that these are things you have, but not what defines you. You are so much more than a diagnosis!
You said that the shame has gotten better with time - is there anything that especially helped you to work through the initial feelings and get to where you are now?
*bump*
@Anomalia Im freaking out right now. Theres so many emotions Im running through right now. Im scared, I feel so ashamed, and hopeless. I went to a doctor the other day and they randomly tested me for two STIs which I thought nothing of, but one came back positive... I immediately got treated for it, but I have no idea how to break it to my husband. We recently got married (6 months) and before that we dated for a very short time (6months). And in my previous relationship, my SO cheated on me 6 times. I of course spiraled after, and after dealing with a deep depression never even thought of how I should be tested. I know I need to tell him immediately (he comes home in a week) I just dont know how to. And I dont want him to assume I was unfaithful because I would never and I know what it does to a person. If anyone has any advice on how to approach this Id appreciate it.
Hi there - I'm glad you're opening up here. I imagine it was really scary and overwhelming to find out about the STI, but it sounds like the good news is that it was treatable! And I am glad to hear that you recognize it's important to talk to your husband about this, even though it's a hard conversation to have.
Have you talked to him before about your last relationship? Hopefully knowing about your ex will help him to understand and to see that this isn't a sign that you cheated, but something that you are finding out now from your past. He knows that you have a past and that he is not your first relationship. And I think that telling him up front and being open is a good way to show that you aren't hiding anything, but just taking care of your and his health.
I know this feels like a really huge thing right now, but it is something you are being treated for and if your husband needs to be, he can to. You will get through this and it's going to be alright even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Sending some extra courage and peace your way for the tough conversation!
@affableNectarine915
@affableNectarine915 I understand exactly how your feeling.. I got married 2 years ago to the most beautiful and loving woman I have ever met, things were going good we got us a house and started remodeling .. Then I was diagnosed with HIV in March of this year.(I too have been extremely faithful to her and am convinced I would not exist without her)... the instant the doc told me my results were in i , with out a second hesitation asked if my wife could be with me... And we both found out the news together. I have been HIV + for two months and my wife (thank God's) is free and clear of the disease . she has told me every time that I ask her why she chose to stay and be there with me and know that I wasent unfaithful to her she tells me " it's cause you were straight honest with me, told me everything , been completely transparent and let me be apart of your treatments." ...... Thats my advice to you, be completely honest and upfront with him, thats the only thing you can do...
