How to Talk to Your Partner About Your Hep C Diagnosis

Sexually transmitted diseases, infections and other bloodborne viruses can often be an awkward topic of discussion. Unfortunately, there are stigmas that surround them, drawing from bigger, systemic issues like gender expectations and how we should feel about our bodies. If you have feelings of shame or fear around your diagnosis—take a deep breath. A diagnosis does not determine your value as a human being or a partner.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can be passed in the following ways:

• Reusing medical equipment or failing to sterilize the equipment, such as syringes and needles
• Drug use using shared needles/equipment
• Having sexual encounters where blood can be mixed/shared, such as men having sex with men

Regardless of how you’ve contracted Hep C, it can be hard to share the news about your diagnosis with your partner. Below are a few ways to help you communicate with them.

RELATED: Day 1: Just Been Diagnosed with Hep C

1. Collect the facts

Before you go sharing your diagnosis, collect as much information as you can from your doctor. Is this an acute form? Where did you contract it from? What treatments are available?

The more information you have, the more you can share details with your partner. They will likely have very similar questions as you, so anticipating them can be helpful as you go into the conversation.

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It may even be helpful to normalize the diagnosis. For example, according to the World Health Organization, about 58 million people have chronic Hep C, with ~1.5 million new infections occurring per year.

RELATED: 6 Guilt-Free Ways to Have a Normal Sex Life with Hep C

2. Make sure you pick a safe space and set aside undisturbed time

With any health diagnosis, it’s helpful to make sure you have the time and space to communicate with your loved ones. Pick a time when neither of you is dealing with outside stressors that could make the conversation feel tense.

When you’re both feeling calm and collected, explain to them why you got tested, the results, and your course of action. 

3. Be honest and open-minded

Your partner might have questions about how you contracted this virus. Being honest and open can be hard, but necessary to ensure that you and your partner remain healthy and safe.

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If there are outstanding concerns (such as drug use or infidelity), it may be helpful to seek guidance from a counselor, sex therapist or couples therapist.

4. Seek necessary treatment

Hep C is treatable, and you and your partner can continue to have a fun, safe relationship together. Follow your doctor’s instructions and be sure to take the time you need to get treatment.

RELATED: The Road to Eliminate Hep C: What You Can Do

5. Seek comfort through community 

You’re never alone—there are plenty of others in similar positions as you who have come through the other side. Seeking comfort and guidance through patient forums or online communities can be a good reminder that you are not alone. Learning from others’ experiences and how they went through their treatment can help you feel supported and seen.

6. Talk to a therapist or sex therapist

If you are struggling with substance use or infidelity, you may want to seek additional mental health resources.

Having Hep C does not necessarily mean you struggle with either—but if you have contracted the virus through these contexts, it could be a sign of a larger issue at hand. There is no shame in seeking the appropriate help, not only for your physical health but your mental health as well.