Partner Tested Positive. What Should You Do Next? A Calm, Step by Step Guide

Hearing that a partner has tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection can be unsettling. Worry and what if thinking can take over quickly. The good news is that there is a clear, practical way forward. Most bacterial STIs are curable and viral infections are highly manageable when treated early. This guide walks you through what to do next so you can move from anxiety to action.

Step 1. Pause, breathe and get the facts

Before jumping to conclusions, make sure you know which infection your partner has, how it is transmitted and whether they have started treatment. If they feel comfortable sharing, ask when their exposure or symptoms began and when their test was taken. Dates help you plan your own testing timeline accurately.

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Step 2. Avoid further exposure while you plan

Use condoms for any sexual contact until you have been tested and treated if needed. If your partner has started treatment, ask their clinician how long you both should wait before resuming sex. For some infections you may be advised to avoid sex for a specific period after treatment or until a test of cure confirms clearance.

Step 3. Book testing for yourself

Arrange an STI screen as soon as possible. A clinician will help you choose the right tests and sites to swab based on your sexual practices. If you have had oral or anal sex, include throat and rectal swabs in addition to urine or vaginal swabs. Blood tests are used for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.

• If you have symptoms now such as discharge, burning when urinating, genital sores, pelvic pain or a sore throat after oral sex, test straight away.
• If you feel well, test now and plan a follow up based on detection windows.

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Step 4. Understand detection windows

Testing too early can miss infections. Use this guide to time follow up screens.

• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are usually detectable from 2 weeks after exposure.
• HIV early RNA tests can detect infection from about 10 days. Standard fourth generation tests are reliable from 28 days.
• Syphilis is often detectable from 3 weeks, but some people need longer.
• Hepatitis B and C are commonly detectable from 4 to 6 weeks.
• Herpes is best tested by swab from a fresh blister or sore rather than by routine blood tests for new infections.

A common approach is to test now for a baseline, repeat at 2 weeks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and repeat at 4 to 6 weeks for HIV and syphilis. If the risk was high, a further confirmation at 8 to 12 weeks may be advised.

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Step 5. Ask about preventive treatment

For some exposures, preventive medication is time sensitive.

• HIV post exposure prophylaxis, known as PEP, must start as soon as possible and within a short time frame after a high risk exposure.
• Hepatitis B vaccination can protect you if you are not already immune.
• Antibiotics are not usually given before testing unless there is a clear diagnosis or a high likelihood of a specific infection.

Speak to a clinician urgently if you think PEP might apply. STI Clinic can advise and arrange the right next steps.

Step 6. Start treatment promptly if you test positive

Most bacterial STIs are cured with the correct antibiotics. Follow instructions carefully, complete the full course and avoid sex until you are told it is safe. For some infections a test of cure is recommended. Viral infections such as herpes or HIV are not curable, but treatment reduces symptoms, protects long term health and lowers the chance of passing the infection on.

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Step 7. Manage partner notification without drama

If you test positive, recent partners may also need testing and treatment. Your clinician can help you notify partners confidentially. This prevents reinfection and protects others. Try to keep the conversation factual and calm. You can say that you are getting treated, that you want them to be safe, and that testing is straightforward.

Step 8. Look after your mental wellbeing

Upset, embarrassment or anger are common reactions. It can help to remember that STIs are common and treatable. Many people will have an STI at some point in their life. Seeking care is responsible and respectful to yourself and to partners. If anxiety is affecting sleep or concentration, tell your clinician so they can support you.

Step 9. Plan for the future

Use this experience to set up a prevention routine that feels manageable.

• Use condoms and dental dams from start to finish.
• Clean or cover sex toys with a fresh condom between partners or body sites.
• Add routine screens to your calendar. Yearly suits many people. Every three to six months is sensible if you have new or multiple partners.
• Consider vaccination for HPV and hepatitis B if eligible.
• Talk openly with partners about testing before deciding to stop using condoms.

The practical takeaway

A partner’s positive result is a prompt to act, not a reason to panic. Avoid further exposure, book timely testing, ask about preventive options where relevant, and start treatment quickly if needed. With a clear plan and good communication, you can protect your health and your relationships and return to normal with confidence.

👉 Ready to move from worry to certainty? Arrange your confidential screen with STI Clinic today.