By Triuna.
This summer, I made a faithful trip to the health department for birth control. I didn’t expect for it to be
anything more than just a trip to talk to some nurses and doctors.
Shortly after that trip, I learned I had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a truly embarrassing
experience. I had to re-evaluate my actions, my relationship, and the protection I used. It weighed heavily on me that I actually had a STI. I felt like I made the biggest mistake of my life, but the nurse that told me about my STI gave me the best advice. She told me, “Stop crying. It’s curable. Yes it is a bad thing, but you already have it. Now you know what not to do.” Those words floated around in my head for a few moments – I realized she was right. A STI doesn’t make you. It’s what you do after the STI that makes you. Anybody could’ve made the same mistake I made. You just have take a deep breath, understand and accept your mistake, and make the necessary changes to make sure it doesn’t happen again. You can’t beat yourself up over-and-over about it.
Condoms are awesome. Get tested with your partner so you both know you’re okay. Talk about having a monogamous relationship with your partner. If it’s just a one-night thing, remember that condoms are awesome!!
You are NOT a number or statistic because of your STI. Love yourself regardless. Remember, we all make mistakes. This is not a road block in your life. You can get past this.
