SYDNEY, Australia, 15th December 2023 – If you’re unlucky enough to receive a positive STI
diagnosis in what is supposed to be a faithful relationship – don’t be so quick to evict! It could be “The
Immaculate Infection Theory” at play.
Dr Mitchell Tanner, Medical Director at Stigma Health offers some reasons reasons why an STI diagnosis
may not necessarily mean you’ve got a cheater on your hands:
“Trust in sexual relationships is key and whilst an STI diagnosis is something to be taken seriously, many
people jump to the infidelity conclusion straight away but there may be some other factors worth
considering before deleting all those couple shots and blocking them on social:
Asymptomatic Carrier: It’s possible for one or both partners to have contracted an STI in the past,
sometimes without being aware of it. For example, up to 80% of those with genital herpes don’t even
know they have it, as they may have no or only very mild symptoms. As a result, transmission can occur
from someone unaware that they even have the infection.
Long latent period: Some STIs can remain latent for an extended period before becoming infectious –
with herpes again being one that may not present with symptoms for many years after acquiring it. Even
chlamydia can take a number of months, which is why we contract trace back six months for that
infection.
Non-Sexual Transmission: Certain STIs can be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as sharing
needles, sharing razors or even toothbrushes (especially in the case of Hepatitis B), from tattoo parlours
which do not sterilise equipment properly (especially overseas) or from a mother to her child during
childbirth or breastfeeding.
So in the face of a positive STI test, you may still be tempted to send them off for a lie-detector test but
the most important one to keep in mind is that regular STI testing through online services such as Stigma
Health should be an integral part of maintaining good sexual health, and discussing this with your
partner can lead to a safer and more trusting relationship.”
Stigma Health offers comprehensive testing as recommended by the Australian STI Management
Guidelines, with a bulk-bill option. Access is available through www.stigmahealth.com or via the Stigma
Health app.
