STI guide for partners

STI guide for partners. Practical steps for people with possible STIs and their partners.

For: People with possible STIs and their partners

General guidance across countries. Sources checked 2026-09-26.

Treatment and relationships

Some STIs are cured with appropriate treatment; others can be managed long term. Follow advice about avoiding sex until treatment is complete and partners have been treated where needed. Do not share medicines. Ask for help telling partners safely and privately.

Condoms reduce risk, although skin contact can still transmit some infections. Ask about relevant vaccines and HIV prevention. Possible HIV exposure needs immediate PEP assessment within 72 hours. After sexual assault, prompt medical care can address injuries, infection prevention, pregnancy risk and support without blaming the survivor.

Sources

  1. Sexually transmitted infections · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0
  2. HIV and AIDS · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Read the complete Sexually transmitted infection topic