--- title: How to Have the STIs Conversation date: 2025-08-08T12:57:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-have-the-stis-conversation" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# How to Have the STIs Conversation Talking about sex and sexuality can be hard. No one teaches us how to do it. Dr. Evelin Dacker, a physician and sex educator, speaks here with NPR's Marielle Segara. Dacker shares tips on how to communicate with potential partners about sex, including STI (sexually transmitted infection) status. There are two categories of STIs: bacterial and viral. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. They include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Viral infections may be suppressed by our immune systems. While they don’t go away, we can decrease the presence of the virus so that we don’t transmit it to others. These include HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HPV (human papillomavirus), and herpes. When it comes to sex and intimacy, it is important that we set our own personal guidelines. To aid us in doing so, Dr. Dacker developed the S.T.A.R.S. Framework. This guides us in communicating our: S: Sexual health needs T: Turn-ons A: Avoids R: Relationship intentions and expectations S: Safety needs In the video, Segara and Dr. Dacker act out two scenarios that demonstrate this framework in conversation. One scenario depicts a conversation where both people are negative. The second scenario depicts a conversation where someone is herpes positive. > I like to say the worst STIs that we give each other are shame, guilt and fear. And we walk around with that a lot. We walk around with that baggage of, oh, my gosh, if I have sex with more than one person in my life, then there is this thing that's going to give me this shame. And if I ever come back with something positive, then that's going to mark me as being something that is not desirable. [Read the full article ](https://www.npr.org/2023/03/17/1164292797/how-to-have-the-stis-conversation) SOURCE: NPR: Life Kit • AUTHOR: Marielle Segarra, Iman Young, and Clare Marie Schneider • LAST UPDATED: March 22, 2023 ![Two women sit together having a conversation](data:image/png;base64,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) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health) - [ understanding & destigmatizing sexually transmitted infections (stis)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-destigmatizing-stis) - [sexually transmitted infections (STIs)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis) - [sexual activity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-activity) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## The STI Project: Helpful Resources for Living with STIs A clearinghouse of resources on STI prevention, harm reduction, what to do when/if you have an STI, and more. ![Testalize me ap I Lr Be WPM unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A clearinghouse of resources on STI prevention, harm reduction, what to do when/if you have an STI, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-sti-project-helpful-resources-for-living-with-stis) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## What It's Really Like Living with a Sexually Transmitted Infection Jenelle shares her story of living with an STI and how she went from devastated and embarrassed to empowered. ![Jenelle-Marie-Pierce](data:image/png;base64,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) Jenelle shares her story of living with an STI and how she went from devastated and embarrassed to empowered.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-what-its-really-like-living-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Sex Ed in School SA describes her experience learning about sex and relationships while growing up and in college. ![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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) SA describes her experience learning about sex and relationships while growing up and in college.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-sex-ed-in-school) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with the Stigmatization of Sexuality SA shares how gaps in her sex education curriculum growing up failed to prepare her for sex. She discusses her desire for sex-positive sex education. ![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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) SA shares how gaps in her sex education curriculum growing up failed to prepare her for sex. She discusses her desire for sex-positive sex education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-the-stigmatization-of-sexuality) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Low Sexual Desire Levels While motherhood decreased SA’s desire to have sex, communicating with her husband and redefining what sex looks like for their relationship has been helpful. ![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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) While motherhood decreased SA’s desire to have sex, communicating with her husband and redefining what sex looks like for their relationship has been helpful.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-low-desire-levels) [ResourcesRead ## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners. ![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADlUlEQVRIiYVWUXZrRwiTxKR7fHvoArr5oH4IZuzTj9743FzHsQAJNPCfv/8AAGDTuRtt2Gjbdtudm9swaBIkVCpV1Tnn1Pk59dc5P1U/VafqSCUVSQ06/vciSBIEiXkkSQLIn+e/wPsEAMf79PHwjQuTBAwQEGiSEiVRokoSmVdqe+gAT97YAGg/dM+/eXKjCAMmQYGSpKrhSaWJdyOR+f4xFFR/v0A/cGCKICRQwV8V6lSdUumjmnwJ4LGfDAZs+7IU9IUmAw3tVVVSraRHKqpIRZ2IdYwNYBg2QvfE4NJDkoI2dw054elIRdbcpwJxKkAB8IDar2MnwlfixaqqF6CkEosKbhECB3opgjZfG1fm0OJJvFjiED73kFOiQgsxicMDbRDGMepq7Hun09+PluI5FUVPgoyq9VS1ANqEYZCGMQH8VGCP3jSFSb9UZ6a28rNFLHoCMEbgXtKJYwpOyDQRQPNaQlo+vR70c05q0ZFEVtK/0N0Ah3M6c8AR2GlHGOxk9poyOdepc2oq2ABDC3uocG+XGDhgbU/2BF47o8x4wZO2rhBpIWJmyg00miCNvAzAB9QQxjEkoklRlpQK0pfpommeqrpjZdoIEYzncKcJOGMaNCAgzQPRkuMu06DXcfbKyBEEZaM7uWc2PWNgnHXsGEST4keAKn7DLjqpsU95srrmYrwCcKj3MSCySUkuuYrPGyRyjXJPhnWrbcr/XAaO5nxY26E2fQ8/n5TguVia0S/XhFmzuRpIL0COIwoiKvaQGOvyA32NdzPvjs/Y+fUR4kipcg5DESQll1DFZenCp5Ntu9vkvjG65wz3xkkxp6YCh12RHHIyZcxBxWUSsNuQ4Z6pmQ0B3e52wixDfhVwDluQqPE41KQv7tFqu2H+Nid/GGsS2UGWq4hxar6KaTqZGdBJH3PCco/uDmCne8aC4pQNZ7fx02EruAIk5Ys+BD16bATd42b4jAGv/B9dNNavxPgOcMdpmhJP1Zwne0hduvAGbgJwG1RROPK+Sb36Dg/uAe1ZAPcwmdGbbGYhw1FMahXe3O/YbjZ71mWPdKPbvRV8DupdisiZZOfNlDKdSpHU3Qg/ybF/3d2/T1J8QYvA9QecDM/9SPdBeOK+pSObcHe7u7ux7bibqigLbFip6sy2uunva+d2jGwt5yPGXbtvAImwbMMzJADPXVb5tpnRafDXzgYqTrSb/bQ8r8PZWSuW238BUchNtZ7UE6gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Setting Boundaries and Communicating MB discusses how consent, communication, and boundaries as practiced in sexual relationships can also be useful in working relationships. ![My Story- Setting Boundaries and Communicating](data:image/png;base64,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) MB discusses how consent, communication, and boundaries as practiced in sexual relationships can also be useful in working relationships.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-setting-boundaries-and-communicating) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Being in a Relationship When You Don’t Like Your Body "Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for." ![201711youngwoman](data:image/png;base64,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) "Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-being-in-a-relationship-when-you-dont-like-your-body)