Skip to content
Disclosing information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to one’s partners is often associated with emotional and psychological challenges. This, in turn, becomes a separate and highly dangerous factor in the spread of venereal diseases.
In a recent review published in The Journal of Sex Research, researchers from the University of Tennessee analyzed the psychological aspects of the problem.
The Scale of STIs Spread
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 million people are infected daily worldwide. The most common infections are chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. It is estimated that in the United States alone, one in five people has an STI at any given time, with more than 2.5 million new cases registered annually. In Europe, the number of registered cases of gonorrhea increased by 48% in 2022, syphilis by 34%, and chlamydia by 16%. Additionally, cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis (transmitted from mother to fetus) have significantly risen.
According to UNAIDS, approximately 39.9 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2023, with about 1.3 million new infections that year. Meanwhile, around 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023. Since the start of the epidemic, approximately 42.3 million people have died.
Emotional Barriers to Disclosure
A review of 32 studies shows that fear and insecurity often prevent people from disclosing their STI status. Less than half of those affected found the strength to open up to their partner. Their motivations included love, moral obligation, time spent together, and a desire to maintain the quality of their relationships. Disclosure was more likely in committed relationships where trust and closeness were stronger.
Those who chose not to disclose their status did so out of fear of rejection, the possibility of breaking up, or feelings of shame. Some believed that using condoms or other preventive methods was sufficient, making disclosure unnecessary. Additionally, some engaged in sexual activity during periods when the infection was inactive without external symptoms. That happened particularly in situations like one-night stands or casual relationships, as well as long-term relationships lacking intimacy.
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.
Research’s authors
Researchers believe this emphasizes the emotional complexity of the issue and highlights the need for greater support and education.
The Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education
Scientists argue that people often lack adequate knowledge about sexual health, limiting their ability to make informed decisions. Instead of being educated on preventive measures and methods of transmission for various STIs, people are merely encouraged to abstain from sexual activity. The most commonly reported STIs in studies were herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The mechanisms of transmission for these diseases have long been studied, and there is even a vaccine for HPV.
The authors of the study point out that lifelong sexual education is crucial in shaping an appropriate approach to sexual health and relationships. A lack of education in this area leads to insecurity and complicates the decision to disclose information.
Destigmatizing STIs Disclosure
Public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend open communication between partners about their sexual history and STI status as an essential part of preventing the spread of infections. However, the review emphasizes that disclosing information about STIs is not an easy decision. It is influenced by the nature of the relationship, fear of social or personal consequences, and the level of trust between partners.
The authors conclude that future research should focus on understanding the experiences of both those who disclose their status and those who receive the information. They also note that future studies must consider sexual orientation and cultural factors, as these aspects remain underrepresented in current research. Open and supportive dialogue about STIs can help people feel more confident in disclosing their status. Transparency and acceptance reduce stigma and promote healthier relationships.
