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A positive test result for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can feel alarming at first – especially if you don’t know what to do next. You may feel uncertainty, fear, or even shame. These feelings are completely normal. But it is important to know: you are not alone, and there are clear steps you can take now.
In this article you will learn what a positive STI test result means, how you should act, which treatment options are available, and why it is important to inform your partner(s).
Table of contents
- What does a positive STI test result mean?
- What should I do if my test result is positive?
- Which STIs can be treated or cured?
- Can I get infected again?
- How can I protect myself in the future?
What does a positive STI test result mean?
A positive STI test result means that a pathogen was detected in your sample that can cause a sexually transmitted infection – for example, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, or herpes.
Which pathogen was detected depends on which infection(s) your test screened for. Depending on the infection, the result may be based on detecting the pathogen directly or on antibodies in your blood (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
What should I do if my test result is positive?
A positive test result can feel unsettling. The following steps can help you:
- Stay calm – Many STIs are treatable or even curable.
- Seek medical help – Arrange an appointment promptly, even if you have no symptoms. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis and start the right treatment.
- Follow the prescribed treatment – Take the medication exactly as instructed and do not stop treatment on your own.
- Avoid sexual contact – Until your doctor confirms that you are no longer contagious, avoid all sexual activity – including oral and anal sex, as well as close skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact in the genital area.
- Inform your partners – Notify all sexual partners you have had in the last six months. Depending on the infection, your doctor may advise covering a longer time frame.
Source: CDC, 2024
Do I have to tell my partner(s)?
Yes – and not just your current partner, but all sexual partners from the last several months. Even if the conversation feels uncomfortable, it is essential: only if your partners get tested and treated can you prevent reinfection and stop the further spread of the infection.
Tip: Some public health services and online platforms offer anonymous partner notification if you do not feel comfortable addressing the issue directly.
Do I need to see a doctor even if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Even if you feel completely fine, you should always seek medical care after a positive result. Many STIs initially cause no symptoms but can lead to serious long-term health problems if left untreated. For example, about 70% of women and around half of men with chlamydia have no symptoms – yet untreated infections can cause infertility or chronic pain (CDC, 2025). A positive test result always requires medical evaluation and, if necessary, treatment.
Which STIs can be treated or cured?
In general, treatment depends on the type of infection:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) are usually treated with antibiotics. If diagnosed early, they can often be cured completely.
- Viral infections (e.g., HIV, herpes, HPV) are not curable, since the viruses remain in the body permanently. However, medication can lower the viral load, suppress outbreaks, or control symptoms. Early treatment improves prognosis and reduces the risk of transmission.
Here is an overview of common STIs and treatment options:
| STI | Treatment | Prognosis / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, azithromycin) | Very treatable if diagnosed early |
| Gonorrhea | Antibiotics | Usually curable, but reinfection is common |
| Syphilis | Antibiotics | Fully curable in the early stage; more difficult in later stages |
| Herpes (HSV) | Antiviral medication | Not curable; virus remains in the body; outbreaks can be managed |
| HIV | Antiretroviral therapy | Not curable, but well treatable; viral load can be suppressed below detection |
| Human papillomavirus (HPV) | Symptom-based treatment (e.g., removal of warts, regular screening) | Not curable; often clears on its own; high-risk types can cause cancer → HPV vaccine + screening important |
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, 2023; NHS, 2024
Can I get infected again?
Yes – after treatment of a bacterial STI, there is still a risk of reinfection if the infection does not fully heal, if your partner(s) are not treated at the same time, or if you have new sexual contacts without protection (e.g., condoms). Reinfections are especially common with chlamydia and gonorrhea.
With viral infections such as herpes or HPV, it is more accurate to speak of a reactivation: the virus remains permanently in the body and can flare up again under certain circumstances (e.g., stress, weakened immune system, hormonal changes), even without a new transmission (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
How can I protect myself in the future?
Prevention is the most important step in safeguarding your sexual health long term. With simple measures, you can significantly lower the risk of an STI:
✔️ Use condoms – reduce the risk during vaginal, anal, and oral sex; but do not provide complete protection against infections spread through skin-to-skin contact (e.g., herpes, HPV).
✔️ Get tested regularly – especially with multiple or new partners, or after unprotected sex; many infections cause no symptoms.
✔️ Communicate openly with partners – shared testing and honest conversations build trust.
✔️ Clean sex toys – wash thoroughly after every use or avoid sharing to prevent transmission.
✔️ Make use of vaccinations – e.g., against HPV and hepatitis B.
✔️ Use home tests as a supplement – provide discretion and control between doctor’s visits.
✔️ Know the transmission routes – infections can also spread through blood (e.g., sharing needles) or close skin contact in the genital area.
Source: CDC, 2024
STI home tests
In addition to medical examinations, STI home tests can be a helpful way to monitor your sexual health regularly. They provide more control and discretion – especially if you feel uncomfortable visiting a clinic or if you have multiple partners. Samples are analyzed in ISO-certified laboratories.
For common infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, Homed-IQ offers, for example, a combined Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test.
References
About Chlamydia | Chlamydia. (2025, January 31). CDC. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/index.html
How to Prevent STIs | STI. (2024, April 9). CDC. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html
Next steps after testing positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia. (2024, April 9). CDC. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/next-steps-after-testing-positive-for-gonorrhea-or-chlamydia.html
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Diagnosis and treatment. (2023, September 8). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). (2024, May 13). NHS. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis
STD/STI Testing: What To Expect. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/std-testing
