Have the conversation before, not after

Honest, open conversations — with a provider and with sexual partners — are
part of keeping yourself and your partners safe from sexually transmitted
infections. The guidance splits into two conversations.

With a partner

Talk with your partner or partners BEFORE having sex, so you can both make
informed choices.

The emphasis is the point. Every other item below is advice on how to have the
conversation; this one is about when, and it is the only one that determines
whether the rest can help anybody.

• Be clear about the number of sexual partners you have.
• Tell them if you have an STI — including if you are currently taking
  medicine to treat it.
• Ask when they were last tested, and consider **getting tested
  together**.
• Be understanding. Being respectful and non-judgemental creates room for
  a more productive conversation, and lays the groundwork for continuing it.

That last one is not softness. A partner who expects to be judged will
disclose less, which means the honesty you want depends on how you react to
the first honest thing they say.

With a provider

• Find the right one. It matters that you feel comfortable and heard,
  so take the time to find a good fit.
• Ask to be tested for STIs. The sooner an infection is treated, the less
  chance it affects other parts of your health.
• Be open and honest. Your sexual history and any symptoms are what let a
  provider give the best possible treatment.

The two halves depend on each other. What you learn from a partner determines
what you tell a provider, and what a provider tests for.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.