1. Why Tell Partner You Have An STD

3. STDs affect the body, but living with one can be a strain on a person's emotions as well.

4. If you have an STD, you might feel alone.

5. STDs are incredibly common though.

6. Many can be cured.

7. Those that can't can still be treated to help with symptoms.

8. The infection can still spread to other people.

10. Since they don't know, they don't get treated.

11. STDs don't just go away on their own.

12. Without treatment, the infection stays in the body.

13. It could cause permanent health problems or spread to other people.

15. If your test comes back positive, one of the first steps is to tell any sexual partners.

16. Their health is at risk, so they need to know what's going on.

17. You may worry about rejection and rumors, but to protect your partner, it's a conversation you need to have.

19. Some STDs can affect fertility later in life.

20. Some STDs can cause life-threatening infections.

21. If you're treated for a curable STD but your partner hasn't been, you can get reinfected.

22. Telling a future partner allows that person to make an informed decision about his or her own health (you can always meet STD singles ).