Choose a time and place that's relaxed and comfortable before you get intimate (ideally that means before you take your clothes off!). Be sure to know plenty of important facts so that you can answer any questions your partner may have. You might want to start the conversation on a positive note - for example, by telling your partner that you really care for him or her and that's why you want to discuss something important. If part of what you want to tell your partner is about an STD you have, you might say that last year, you found out you carry HPV, or that you just learned that you have chlamydia and you want him or her to get checked out. Keep it simple and just give the facts about symptoms, treatment, how the disease is spread, and how you can protect each other. This is a difficult conversation that will likely stir up a lot of emotions, but try to think of it as simply sharing vital information. Offer to provide more information or an STD hotline number. With everything that's been learned in recent years about STDs and their transmission, it's entirely possible for people with an STD to have a satisfying sex life without passing the infection to their partners, if proper precautions are taken.

Whether or not you're sexually active, now you have the facts you need to protect yourself. The next step is putting this information into practice. Communicate with your partner about your choices. Take precautions to avoid unintended pregnancy and lower your risk of getting an STD. Your health is entirely in your hands. So whatever you decide to do, make choices that you can enjoy and feel good about - today, tomorrow, and the next day.