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Step 1
Put the disease into perspective. While some sexually transmitted diseases such herpes and HIV are lifelong with the potential of being life threatening, chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be eradicated with antibiotics. While untreated, chlamydia can damage women’s reproductive organs, if found soon enough, it can be eliminated before causing any long-term harm. Make sure to get treated immediately and then re-tested for the disease before engaging in any sexual contact.
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Step 2
Consider the nature of your current relationship. If your relationship has not been sexual in nature, then you have not put the person at risk for contracting the disease and you are under no moral obligation to divulge the information to the person you are dating. If you have engaged in sexual acts with your new partner, you need to tell him immediately.
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Step 3
Research the disease. As one of the most common STDs, chlamydia is often undiagnosed due to its mild and sometimes non-existent symptoms. Many people in long-term monogamous relationships are carrying the disease without even knowing it. This fact alone may help your new partner to understand that you unknowingly put them in harm's way and that you aren’t necessarily promiscuous.
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Step 4
Come to terms about the disease. Before discussing this with your new partner, determine when and where you may have contracted the disease, and come to terms with it. You put yourself at risk each and every time you engaged in unprotected sex--move on. Allowing shame and guilt to control you cannot change the past. If you have truly practiced safe sex in the past, you must consider the fact that you contracted the disease from your new partner.
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Step 5
Pick the proper time and place to break the news to your new partner. Pick a place that is private and quiet; telling your partner that you have put them at risk should not be discussed over dinner at your favorite restaurant or at a public place where the conversation may be overheard.
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Step 6
Inform your partner. Start the conversation by drawing attention to the positive aspects of your relationship. Maintain eye contact and try to remain calm. Stick to the facts about the disease, and only divulge personal information about where and when you may have been infected if asked. Filling the conversation with details from your past will only confuse the situation at hand. Be prepared to give your partner information on where they can get treated and what the process involves.
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Step 7
Give your partner time to absorb the news. Your partner will most likely feel a wide range of emotions, and will need some space to put things in perspective. Encourage your partner to get tested immediately, let her that you are there for her if and when she wants to talk. Avoid being pushy; dealing with the prospect of having an STD is stressful and scary. If you care about this person you will be understanding of their feelings and need for time away.
