By Stephen Beech via SWNS
Only one in two people disclose they have a sexually transmitted infection before sleeping with a new partner, according to a new study.
Researchers found a similar number believed they should have to disclose having an STI before sex.
The team said their review of the findings of several previous studies showed the “complex” nature of revealing an STI diagnosis to a partner prior to engaging in sexual activity.
The research shows that only around half or fewer people felt able to disclose their diagnosis to a partner before sex.
The findings, published in The Journal of Sex Research, also show a similar number of people believed they should have to disclose having an STI to a partner prior to sexual intercourse.
To stop the spread of such infections studied, which did not include HIV, the research team from the University of Tennessee is calling for “comprehensive” sex education to be provided throughout life: from youth into late adulthood.
Study co-author Dr. Kayley McMahan said: “Many individuals lack sufficient comprehensive sex education.
“Rather than being taught how to correctly use prophylaxis, identify its limitations, and understand the scope and transmissibility of STIs, youth are only encouraged to be abstinent.
“Individuals diagnosed with STIs may be in vulnerable positions and may face difficult decisions, the outcomes of which can be harmful to their identity and relationships.
“The process of disclosure is complex. Certain contexts, particularly committed relationships, elicit disclosure, whereas others inhibit disclosure.
“Disclosure is an interpersonal process that involves not just the individual faced with the decision to disclose, but the intended receiver.”
Overall, the team says their findings “highlight the need for continuous comprehensive sexual health education throughout the life course.”
Around one in five people in the US have a STI at any one time with more than 26 million incidents reported to health services.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have all been at record levels for several years and continue to rise, according to official figures.
Some public health agencies recommend disclosure about an active STI.
However, the new review, which looked at 32 papers, shows fear can prevent many people from revealing their diagnosis.
Other reasons included people believing that condom use is protection enough; a lack of obligation such as a one-night-stand situation; and fear of being dumped.
Some even described “passing” as uninfected to avoid having to tell.
People who disclosed to their partner did so out of love, feelings of moral obligation, or relationship-related reasons, such as greater levels of commitment, relationship quality, length of time together, and feelings of closeness
Disclosers used a variety of ways to tell people their STI status. Non-disclosers used strategies to pass as uninfected, withdraw from relationships, and use STI outbreaks to time sexual activity.
In the review, herpes and HPV were featured the most, while chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis were also common.
The results also revealed that the experiences of people on the receiving end of STI disclosures are not well-represented in such studies.
Study co-author Professor Spencer Olmstead said: “One of the key factors that determines whether an individual will disclose is the intended receiver.
“How the receiver will react and respond and the relationship with the receiver can be critical influences on the discloser.
“As such, it is imperative that we investigate the experiences of receivers to understand the process of STI disclosure more comprehensively.
“This is so that we may continue to improve sexual health education and care for all.”
The researchers say that future research should take care to adopt a destigmatizing approach.
Dr. McMahan added: “Initiating sexual health conversations is everyone’s responsibility.”
