POSITIVE STI TEST: NEXT STEPS
A positive STI test.
Here’s what to do next.
Start with care—not panic. Confirm what the result means with a healthcare professional, follow the treatment plan they give you, and make a thoughtful plan for partner notification.
Clear guidance. Private follow-up. KISS does not diagnose or replace medical care.
TESTING · TREATMENT · PARTNERS
A CLEAR PLAN FORWARD
The next step isn’t shame.
It’s appropriate care.
A result can bring uncertainty. The most useful response is a clear conversation with a healthcare professional, condition-specific treatment, thoughtful partner communication, and the right follow-up timeline.
FIRST, UNDERSTAND THE RESULT
Confirm what the result means.
A screening result should begin a care conversation—not become something you interpret alone. Contact the clinician, clinic, or testing service that provided it.
Ask whether confirmatory testing is needed, what infection was detected, what treatment applies to you, and when follow-up or retesting should happen.
Ask before you leave:
What treatment should I follow? Treatment differs by infection and individual circumstances.
When can sexual activity safely resume? Follow the timeline your healthcare professional gives you.
Which partners may need care? The relevant lookback period varies by infection.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Three priorities after a positive result.
Your exact next steps depend on the infection, the test, your health, and guidance from your healthcare professional.
01
Talk with a healthcare professional
Ask what the result means, whether confirmation is needed, and what treatment or follow-up applies.
02
Follow the treatment plan
Take medication exactly as directed and ask when sexual contact can safely resume.
03
Make a partner plan
Ask who may need testing or care and choose a communication method that feels appropriate and safe.
TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP
Different infections need different care.
Use KISS condition guides to understand the basics. Rely on a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, medication, and individual treatment decisions.
03
Retesting and prevention
Ask when to retest, whether partners need evaluation or treatment, and which prevention options fit your situation.
PARTNER NOTIFICATION
Share what matters.
Protect what is private.
Your healthcare professional can help you understand which partners may need testing or treatment and the relevant time period.
You may tell someone directly, send a written message, work with a health department partner-services program, or use an anonymous notification option.
01
Choose a safe method
Direct, written, clinician-assisted, health department, or anonymous.
02
Keep the message factual
Share possible exposure and encourage testing or care—without blame.
03
Use KISS appropriately
KISS alerts partners already connected through KISS. It does not choose contacts or message people you have not connected with.
04
Put safety first
If disclosure could put you at risk, ask a clinician or local health department about safer options.
COMMUNICATION WITHOUT SHAME
There is more than one responsible way to tell a partner.
The best approach is one that communicates the health information clearly, encourages appropriate care, and does not place you in danger.
01
A direct conversation
Keep it brief and factual: you received a positive result, they may have been exposed, and they should contact a healthcare professional.
02
A written message
Text or email can give both people time to process the information and decide on next steps.
03
An anonymous notification
KISS can privately alert partners already connected through the app, without revealing the identity behind the result.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Positive STI test FAQs
Can a positive STI result be wrong?
Some screening results require confirmation, while others can be acted on directly. Contact the clinician or testing service that provided the result.
Should I stop having sex?
Ask your healthcare professional when sexual activity can safely resume. The answer depends on the infection, treatment, symptoms, and partner care.
When should I get retested?
Retesting recommendations vary. Follow the date your healthcare professional gives you and use KISS reminders to keep it visible.
Do I need to tell every partner?
The partners and time period that matter vary by infection and circumstances. Ask your healthcare professional or local health department.
Can I notify a partner anonymously?
Yes. Options may include health department partner services and anonymous tools. KISS can alert partners already connected through KISS.
What if I feel unsafe telling someone?
Do not put yourself at risk. Contact a healthcare professional, local health department, or trusted support service to discuss safer options.
A note about medical care: This page is educational and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment and follow-up differ by infection and individual circumstances. Written by the KISS Editorial Team · Last reviewed September 12, 2026. Sources: CDC next steps, CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, and CDC Partner Services.
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