*The following is a dialogue between two friends*
Maria: Tanya, I just had unprotected sex with a random guy at the bar three weeks ago. I didn’t think anything of it, because we were vibing and I loved his energy. He had good conversation, and I felt like I could be myself with him. I know that I should have waited, but it just felt right. The way his words moved me, and the way the liquor was flowing, I felt great and I haven’t felt that good in months. Especially, after my breakup with Isaac. But he hasn’t been returning my calls or texts. I knew that it would only be a one night stand, but now I’m worried. I missed my period by two weeks. I’m scared about a lot of things. I don’t even know his name, his HIV status or anything. I only told you and Layla. I knew you wouldn’t judge me or call me a whore but Layla did, and I’m tired of defending myself. Why is it whenever I make a decision that is not holier than thou I am called a whore. I’m frustrated.
Friend: Girl listen, I am not here to judge you, I am only here to give you advice and see you win as your friend. Grab your coat; we are going to the urgent care to get you tested. After we get your HIV status, we can make further decisions from there. But do not panic, we are friends and will continue to be after this test.
Maria: My worst fear came true.
Friend: What happened? Are you pregnant? What happened?
Maria: No, I am not pregnant, but I caught an STD.
Friend: I can’t sit here and say I know how you feel because I don’t, but I can say that I am here for you. Did they at least tell you what STD you have? Or any information?
Maria: Yes, they did.
Friend: Well, what is it?!? You know you can trust me.
Maria: It’s Chlamydia!
Friend: Did they give you medicine? What is the next step? Do we have to make a follow-up appointment?
Maria: Yeah, they did. I will explain when we get in the home.
Friend: I want you to know again I am here.
Maria: Listen I have Chlamydia, I need to get my prescription filled, and I have a follow-up appointment next week. I don’t know what to do, I feel like my life has been stopped all for a ‘fun’ night, and it was not even worth it. Now I have to take 7-days worth of antibiotics for four times a day. I feel as though no matter how much I wash my body I feel dirty, my life has taken a halt and I am lost. Tanya, you are the only person I can tell this to!
From the dialogue, we can see the importance of getting tested and learning our partners’ status. It is also essential to have friends and moral support for the times when accidents do happen. Although this article was fictional, the seriousness of safe sex is real. Chlamydia and other STDs can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. To clarify a myth, if your sex partner is male you can still get Chlamydia even if he does not ejaculate. Finally, if you are having unprotected sex, or are unsure about your status, please get tested!
Feel free to contact the hotlines below:
-
American Sexual Health Association’s STD Hotline: 1-919-361-8488
-
Planned Parenthood U.S. National Sexual Health Hotline: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)